This topic will cover the fundamental concepts of ethics, including the definition of ethics, the importance of ethical behavior in professional settings, and the key principles that guide ethical decision-making.
Introduction to Ethics – Study Notes
1. What Is Ethics?
| Aspect |
Description |
| Definition |
The systematic study of what is right and wrong, good and bad, in human conduct. |
| Purpose |
Provides a framework for evaluating actions, decisions, and policies; guides personal behavior and social institutions. |
| Scope |
Individual morality, professional conduct, public policy, global issues (e.g., climate justice). |
2. Major Branches of Ethics
| Branch |
Focus |
Key Questions |
| Normative Ethics |
How we should act; establishes moral standards. |
What principles determine right‑handed actions? |
| Meta‑Ethics |
Nature of moral language and concepts. |
Are moral claims objective or subjective? What does “good” mean? |
| Applied Ethics |
Practical application of ethical theory to concrete problems. |
How should we handle medical consent, AI bias, or environmental policy? |
| Descriptive Ethics |
Empirical study of people’s moral beliefs and practices. |
What moral values do different cultures actually hold? |
3. Classic Ethical Theories
| Theory |
Core Idea |
Strengths |
Common Criticisms |
| Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill) |
Maximize overall happiness or utility. |
Simple, outcome‑oriented, impartial. |
Hard to measure happiness; can justify harmful means. |
| Deontology (Kant) |
Duty‑based; actions are right if they follow universal moral rules. |
Respects individual rights; emphasizes intention. |
Rigid; may produce conflicting duties. |
| Virtue Ethics (Aristotle) |
Focus on character and flourishing (eudaimonia). |
Emphasizes moral development; contextual sensitivity. |
Lacks clear decision‑procedure; depends on cultural notions of virtue. |
| Contractualism (Rawls, Scanlon) |
Moral principles arise from a fair agreement among rational agents. |
Highlights justice and reciprocity. |
Abstract; may ignore consequences. |
| Care Ethics (Gilligan) |
Moral reasoning rooted in relationships, empathy, and responsibility. |
Highlights interdependence; counters overly abstract theories. |
May struggle with impartiality in larger social contexts. |
4. Key Concepts & Vocabulary
| Term |
Meaning |
| Moral Relativism |
The view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to a cultural or individual standpoint. |
| Moral Absolutism |
The belief that some moral principles are universally binding, regardless of context. |
| Consequentialism |
Ethical theories that judge actions by their outcomes (e.g., utilitarianism). |
| Non‑consequentialism |
Theories that evaluate actions based on intrinsic properties (e.g., deontology). |
| Autonomy |
Respect for individuals’ capacity to make informed, self‑directed choices. |
| Beneficence |
The duty to promote the well‑being of others. |
| Non‑maleficence |
The obligation to avoid causing harm. |
| Justice |
Fair distribution of benefits, burdens, and rights. |
| Rights |
Entitlements that protect individuals against infringement. |
5. The Ethical Decision‑Making Process
- Identify the Problem – Clarify the moral issue and the stakeholders involved.
- Gather Relevant Facts – Obtain accurate information about the situation.
- Determine Applicable Principles – Refer to ethical theories, professional codes, or laws