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Ethics Notes

Ethics is the philosophical study of morality, encompassing major theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which guide decision-making in various fields. It distinguishes between legal and moral considerations and emphasizes key principles like respect, justice, and accountability. Applied ethics addresses practical issues in areas like medicine, business, and technology, using a structured decision-making process to evaluate moral dilemmas.

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13 views1 page

Ethics Notes

Ethics is the philosophical study of morality, encompassing major theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, which guide decision-making in various fields. It distinguishes between legal and moral considerations and emphasizes key principles like respect, justice, and accountability. Applied ethics addresses practical issues in areas like medicine, business, and technology, using a structured decision-making process to evaluate moral dilemmas.

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nikoshigalelapuz
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ethics Notes

 Ethics = branch of philosophy that deals with morality, right and wrong, duty, and responsibility.
 Major Ethical Theories:
o Utilitarianism → actions judged by consequences, aim for the greatest happiness.
o Deontology → duty-based ethics, actions are right/wrong regardless of consequences.
o Virtue Ethics → focuses on character and moral virtues.
 Applied Ethics → practical use of ethical principles in areas like medicine, business, environment, and technology.
 Moral Issues often involve conflicts (e.g., justice vs. freedom, rights vs. duties).
 Decision-Making in Ethics → requires reasoning, critical thinking, and balance of personal values and societal
norms.

Definition and Scope

 Ethics = study of human conduct, values, morality, and principles.


 Distinguishes between what is legal and what is moral.

2. Branches of Ethics

 Meta-Ethics → nature of morality, meaning of right and wrong.


 Normative Ethics → standards for right action (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology).
 Applied Ethics → applying ethical theories to real-life issues.

3. Major Ethical Theories

 Utilitarianism (Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill)


o Greatest happiness principle.
o Pros: practical, outcome-based.
o Cons: may justify harmful actions if they benefit the majority.
 Deontology (Immanuel Kant)
o Duty and rules matter more than consequences.
o Pros: respects human dignity and rights.
o Cons: can be rigid, ignoring context.
 Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)
o Focus on building good character and virtues (e.g., courage, honesty, generosity).
o Pros: holistic, character-centered.
o Cons: vague in resolving specific dilemmas.

4. Key Ethical Principles

 Respect for persons


 Justice and fairness
 Beneficence (doing good)
 Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)
 Responsibility and accountability

5. Applied Ethics Areas

 Medical Ethics → patient rights, informed consent, euthanasia.


 Business Ethics → corporate responsibility, fair trade, honesty.
 Environmental Ethics → conservation, climate change, sustainability.
 Technology & AI Ethics → privacy, data use, human replacement.

6. Ethical Decision-Making Process

1. Identify the moral issue.


2. Gather facts.
3. Consider stakeholders.
4. Evaluate options using ethical theories.
5. Make and justify a decision.
6. Reflect on outcomes.

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