Mind Map Gallery Fundamentals of Ethical Theories: Virtue Ethics to Deontology

Fundamentals of Ethical Theories: Virtue Ethics to Deontology

"Fundamentals of Ethical Theories: Virtue Ethics to Deontology" is an insightful exploration into the philosophical discussions of morality. This detailed mind map breaks down complex ethical concepts into accessible categories, discussing virtue ethics, consequentialism including utilitarianism, and deontology with Kantianism. It is an invaluable tool for students, educators, and philosophy enthusiasts looking to navigate the intricacies of moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. The map also touches on the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what guides our judgments of right and wrong.

Edited at 2021-12-09 05:04:40

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Fundamentals of Ethical Theories: Virtue Ethics to Deontology

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Outline

What makes an Action Right or Wrong?

Consequentialism

Normative Theory

Choose the best consequences

Utilitarism (Jerremy Bentham)

maximize total profits/ happiness

counting everyone equal

Hedonistic: "the greatest happiness for the greatest number is the measure of right and wrong" (quantity)

Trolley Problem (save 5 happier than save 1)

Quality matter (John Stuart Mill)

Higher & Lower Pleasures

Preference Utilitarism (Peter Singer)

Indivudual's preferences (the things they want to do in life to bring about their own ends)

It is not happiness that needs to be maximized, but individual preferences

This applies to animals just as much as it does humans

Some preferences we would not normally be willing to include, such as a person’s desire to take drugs, risky adrenaline hobbies, gambling

Strengths

Simple

Intuitive

Egalitarian (equally)

Weaknesses

Permissive (Kill 1 - Save 5: wrong)

Demanding

Depend on action

But most actions we carry out in our daily lives do not maximize happiness and fail the utility calculus

Deontology

Deon: Duty

Follow absolute moral law

Rule books: "thou shalt not kill" - we should not kill people

actions have intrinsic moral value – regardless of the context or consequences

Christian Ethics

set of moral rules or laws which must obeyed at all time by all people

black/ white (no grey)

Theologians (Christian philosophers) claim that we can come to know the moral laws through revelation and through reason

Kantianism

This means that we need to treat people differently to other objects.

We should never use another person as a tool to achieve our ends.

Reflecting on how we would like to be treated ourselves

you should only carry out an action if at the same time you would be happy for everybody else to carry out that action against others (yourself included)

Strengths

Not too Demanding:

Fits our Judgements: Many people think that some actions are just wrong, no matter what the consequences

Explains the Surgeon: Kill 1 innocent person

Weaknesses

Conflict Duties

Save patient

Patient wants to die

Double Effects

Avoision and Fanaticism

Morally Irrational

Virtue Ethics

Human Virtue

Look at person's characteristics rather than action

Virtue ethics is different in that it focusses on the person and their character.

“what is a good person?”