Ethics
(presentation adapted from
Prof. J. Christman’s and A. Lau’s
Workshop on Ethics)
Our goal: systematic approach
Definition
Ethical Frameworks
Definition of Ethics
• “Positive guidelines we use to shape our
behavior, and the systematic study of
these guidelines”
• More than just
– being prudent out of self interest
– following the letter of the law
– abiding by professional codes of conduct
Thinking Ethically
• Foreseeing and averting problems
• Becoming ethically aware
• Developing moral imagination
– Maximalist always looking for ethical problems
– Minimalist looks only for minimal criteria to signal an
ethical problem
– Finding the right balance
Ethical Frameworks
• Consequence-based thinking
• Duty-based thinking
• Virtue-based thinking
Consequence-based
• Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill
• Utilitarian
• Do what produces greatest good for the
greatest number of people
– Monetary costs and benefits
– Human welfare
– Pleasure or happiness
Consequence-based (cont’d)
• Limitations:
– Difficult to predict consequences
– Can end up reducing ethics to economics
– Differing views of what makes people happy
– Ends do not justify the means if the means
are morally unacceptable
– Formally, this theory does not pertain to nonhuman life
Duty-based
• Emmanuel Kant
• Categorical imperative (do only that which
you would want everyone to do)
• “What if everyone did this?” (Golden Rule)
• Duty to obey universal principles
– e.g., never lie or steal
• The right to be treated with respect
• NO EXCEPTIONS
Duty-based (cont’d)
• Limitations:
– Requires everyone to be a perfect reasoner
– Does not allow for situational exceptions
– Sometimes, consequences do matter and
may override our duty
– Formally, this theory does not pertain to nonhuman life
Virtue-based
• What would a person of “good moral
character” do?
• Exercise appropriate virtue in every case
– e.g. honesty, respect, generosity
• Must use judgment to determine
applicable virtue (as opposed to ethical
rules)
Virtue-based
• Limitations:
– Virtues may be defined too loosely to guide
decisions in difficult cases
– Virtues may be defined in terms of social
setting or culture, making morality relativistic
– Formally, this theory does not pertain to nonhuman life
Overarching Rule of Thumb
• Shorthand Principle that combines all 3
moral frameworks:
Can I reasonably justify my actions and their
consequences to all affected in a way that
is consistent with my integrity and my
relations with others?
If not, can I live with that?
General Guide to Ethical
Thinking
Redo other steps
reflect, choose,
revisit decision
use moral
imagination
Am I missing something?
gather facts
how will relations
Thinking/Acting formulate options
be affected?
(creatively)
Ethically
what
consult others
virtues
apply? identify
consider consequences
-identify optimal option
relevant
Think through ethical
duties
frameworks carefully
Engage stakeholders
-- as appropriate