...must decide what is right, what is wrong, what is ethically sound, what is moral, or unmoral. But how does a person decide what is the “right” or “ethical” thing to do; especially when considering topics such as abortion, euthanasia, animal rights, or, in this case, the ship wreck. A brief synopsis of the situation; a ship wrecked in a remote area with no chance of help arriving soon. There are a 100 people in the water and 75 people in the only lifeboat available, which is meant to hold 50 people. There are men, women, and children, and a mix of old, young, rich, and poor. The 100 people in the water will drown if you do not put them in the boat and the boat will eventually sink because there are too many people in it. You are voted to be the leader based on your courage, intelligence, and experience with ethics and you must decide what to do, if you don’t, no one else will. How does an individual decide whom gets to stay in the boat, basically, who gets to live or die? To help make a decision on controversial issues, such as this one, there are many theories and standpoints to consider. A few of the theories and strategies that are going to be discussed are: Egoism, The Divine Command Theory, Utilitarianism, Kantian Ethics, and Natural Law. The main thesis of psychological egoism is that people either always act in their own best interests or are always motivated by the desire to attain their own best interest (MacKinnon 71). This theory asserts that people's actions are self-centered...
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...Explain the difference between moral absolutism and relativism (25) There are two different ways in distinguishing whether something is right or wrong within ethics. Absolutism is a deontological theory, which determines whether an action is intrinsically right or wrong. Whereas relativism is a teleological theory, which determines whether an action is right or wrong based on the outcomes of the action, on its consequences, this is linked with situation ethics and consequentialism. They are two different ways in approaching ethics. Absolutism is a moral command that is objectively and universally right or wrong for all people, in all times, places and cultures. It can be said to be deontological and so something is either right or wrong intrinsically (in itself) and therefore consequences have no bearing. Whereas, relativism is a subjective theory and believe that all truth is relative and dependent upon the values of an individual or society or even situation. Relativism is a teleological approach and therefore takes into account the consequences of a situation. Therefore there are many differences between moral absolutism and relativism. An example of absolutism would be the Ten Commandments, that Natural Law portrays, which are absolute, ‘do not murder’, as this is a law that applies to everyone. Therefore an absolutist would say that it is always wrong to murder in every, and any situation. In contrast, a relativist might argue that in some situations, given the outcome...
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...Religious Studies (H172) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/rs/index.aspx OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) You are studying Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics and will be awarded an OCR AS Level in Religious Studies. The modules and their weightings are: |AS: |Unit Code |Unit Title |% of AS |(% of A Level) | | |G571 |AS Philosophy of Religion |50% |(25%) | | |G572 |AS Religious Ethics |50% |(25%) | If you decide to study for the full A Level you will have to study the following modules at A2: |A2: |Unit Code |Unit Title |(% of A Level) | | |G581 |A2 Philosophy of Religion |(25%) | | |G582 |A2 Religious Ethics |(25%) | Grading | |E |D | |G571: AS Philosophy of Religion ...
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...Part A) Explain, with examples, Aquinas’ theory of Natural Law (25 Marks) The theory of natural law has been around for over 2000 years. Natural law believes that every person/thing has a purpose. It is an absolutist law; this is because the rules are set for everyone and need to be followed at all times. It is also deontological as natural law defines what is right and gives us moral rules. Aristotle believed humans were born into knowing how to act morally, as it was written within us. Aristotle believed that if people would follow laws it would lead to eudemonia. Aquinas was heavily influenced by Aristotle’s belief that all people served a purpose. Aquinas went on to believe that all of us have a ‘god given’ purpose. Soon enough Aquinas had created natural law. Natural law was influenced by Aristotle and created by Thomas Aquinas. Natural law is the idea that there is a natural order to the world that should be obeyed. This is determined by God. God made us with a purpose; natural law directs us on the purposes that we need to fulfil and natural law can be applied universally. Aquinas stated that there were four types of law: Eternal law, the perfect, complete set of God’s law that had created the universe. Humans have only partial knowledge of this. Divine law, the sacred teachings and texts of the church - that had come from God’s law written in the bible. Natural law, the human ability to know what is naturally right from our own reason. And finally, Human law, the interpretation...
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...characteristics distinguishes moral standards from other sorts of standards? a. moral standards are purely optional b. moral standards take priority over other standards, including self-interest c. moral standards cannot be justified by reasons d. moral standards must be set or validated by some authoritative body 2. Choose the statement that gives the most accurate description of etiquette: a. the rules of etiquette are a fundamental branch of morality b. conformity with the rules of etiquette is sufficient for moral conduct c. etiquette refers to a special code of social behavior or courtesy d. the rules of etiquette are backed by statutory law 3. Our relationship with the law is best described by which of the following? a. To a significant extent, law codifies a society’s customs, norms, and moral values. b. The law is a completely adequate guide to the moral standards that we should follow. c. The law makes all immoral conduct illegal. d. Violating the law is always immoral. 4. Which of the following is not one of the four basic kinds of law? a. statutes b. constitutional law c. common law d. contractual law 5. A proper perspective of religion and morality is a. only religion can tell us what is right and wrong b. it’s not true that morality must be based on religion c. religion never influences people’s moral beliefs d. without religion, people wouldn’t have a reason to act morally 6. When religion and morality are considered, a. the moral instructions...
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...TAKE HOME EXAMINATION TITLED (ETHICAL THEORY CRITICISM) COURSE MAC 851 APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF MASS COMMUNICATION LECTURER MR. JIMMY KAYODE WRITTEN BY AKIYODE ESTHER OLADUNNI MATRIC NO 01/09/AV/4018 TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION DEFINITION ETHICAL PRINCIPLES • BENEFICENCE • LEAST HARM • RESPECT FOR AUTONOMY • JUSTICE ETHICAL THEORIES • DEONTOLOGY • UTILITARIASM • RIGHTS • CASUIST • VIRTUE VIEW OR NOTABLE SCHOLARS • PLATO ABSOLUTION • ARISOTLE: EUDEMONISM • ST. THOMAS AQUINESS – NATURAL LAW • IMMANUEL KANT: DEONTOLOGY • JOHN STUART MILL – UTILITARISM • JOHN RAWLS – CONGRATURIANISM • TOM REGAN: RIGHTS THEORY (BONUS THEORY ) • TENTATIVE COMPARISON (TABLE & GRAPH) • CRITICISM AGAINST DEONTOLOGY: “ “ UTILITARIANISM “ “ RIGHTS “ “ CASUIST “ “ VIRTUE • CONCLUSION • REFERENCES CRITICISMS OF ETHICAL THEORIES INTRODUCTION The art of critiquing is basically to appraise a work i.e articles, write-ups, novels etc. Critiquing does not aim to condemn or castigate a paper but to seek the flaws, identify the various meanings, put up better explanations on the subject, seek the weaknesses and strengths and give opinions to enhance the quality of the discourse. The topic of this discourse is ETHICAL THEORIES CRITICISM. We shall examine the definition...
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...| | Sco 120:Introduction to Ethics and Social ResposablityJohn MeeksShawna BandmannMay, 24,2013 | | Ethics is best described as the difference between what is morally right and what is not right. Ethical theory defines what is perceived to be right and what is wrong, while ethical practice suggest that one’s environment and cultural beliefs determine who one will react in any given situation. The question how do we as a society decide what is morally right or wrong in moral “free choice” (Mosser, 2010)? Morals are unique to each person, culture, religious belief and environment. Ethical practice is defined by the diversity within each society, where no to people are alike. Morals don’t define ethics, ethics define morality. Abortion an age old ethical debate between moral right choice and wrong choice, why? To evaluate abortion with ethics, we must first understand the argument from all perspectives. What is the debate reason abortion is so fiercely argued in past and present generations? Abortion is the term to define the choice to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Unitarian view, which is the view that relativist challenge. Utilitarian view suggest that abortion is not wrong because its selfish and benefits the mother not the unborn fetus, this is what Unitarians refer to as :ethical egoism”(Mosser,2010). Relativist view is just a little less judgmental, suggesting that some situations may be determined morally correct while others simply remain wrong. In this paper neither...
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...R outledge Revision: Questions & Answers Jurisprudence 2011–2012 Each Routledge Q&A contains approximately 50 questions on topics commonly found on exam papers, with answer plans and comprehensive suggested answers. Each book also offers valuable advice as to how to approach and tackle exam questions and how to focus your revision effectively. New Aim Higher and Common Pitfalls boxes will also help you to identify how to go that little bit further in order to get the very best marks and highlight areas of confusion. And now there are further opportunities to hone and perfect your exam technique online. New editions publishing in 2011: Civil Liberties & Human Rights Commercial Law Company Law Constitutional & Administrative Law Contract Law Criminal Law Employment Law English Legal System Routledge Q&A series Equity & Trusts European Union Law Evidence Family Law Jurisprudence Land Law Medical Law Torts For a full listing, visit http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/revision R outledge Revision: Questions & Answers Jurisprudence 2011–2012 David Brooke Senior Lecturer in Law and Module Leader in Jurisprudence at Leeds Metropolitan University Fifth edition published 2011 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN Simultaneously published in the U S A and Canada by Routledge 270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2011...
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...could find Hearst until months after the videos surfaced (FBI). After being found, Authorities put Hearst on trial for the crimes she had committed while kidnapped. Hearst’s case brought up many questions on how to proceed, to prosecute or not, as the defenses case rested on her not having free will during her time with the terrorist group. Hearst’s defense argued the group had brainwashed her and she could not be punished for her actions. The prosecution said she had willingly joined the group and chosen to not just stay a hostage. Did Hearst act out of free will or was she forced? Disregarding the unknown details of the case, one can look at Hearst’s situation through different philosophical theories on free will, including Determinism,...
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...known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of questions of right and wrong and how we ought to live. Ethics involves making moral judgments about what is right or wrong, good or bad. Right and wrong are qualities or moral judgments we assign to actions and conduct. Within the study of ethics, there are three branches: metaethics , concerned with methods, language, logical structure, and the reasoning used in the interpretation of ethical terms, for example, what exactly the term “good” means; normative ethics , concerned with ways of behaving and standards of conduct; and applied ethics , concerned with solving practical moral problems as they arise, particularly in the professions, such as medicine and law. Ethics provides us with a way to make moral choices when we are uncertain about what to do in a situation involving moral issues. In the process of everyday life, moral rules are desirable, not because they express absolute truth but because they are generally reliable guides for normal circumstances. Normative Ethics Normative ethics is fundamental to ethical decision making in the criminal justice system. A central notion in normative ethics is that one’s conduct must take into account moral issues; that is, one should act morally, using reason to decide the proper way of conducting oneself. Essentially, ethics, in prescribing certain standards of conduct, gives us a way of making choices in situations where we are unsure how to act...
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...as her real parents. They love her as they would their own daughter. When the child is 9 years old, the natural parents, rehabilitated from drugs, begin court action to regain custody. The case is decided in their favor. The child is returned to them, against her will. The courts in this case used the rule-based theory of the Three Primary Schools of Ethics to solve the problem. However, in my case I would have chosen the Care-based and Consequentialist theories. In the following paragraphs I will explain how to solve the dilemma using the care-based and consequentialist theory, explain the similarities and differences in both solutions, state whether the two schools of ethics are worthy of use in real life, and if Aristotle would have approved. The care-based theory is about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. In this case this is what all adults need to do in order to understand all parties’ perspectives. The adult parties need to compromise. If that’s not possible, putting the love of the child first and allow the child to make the decision. Most likely the child would want to be with the foster parents and possibly have a relationship with the biological parents. All adults should look at the situation through her eyes and make a decision. The biological and foster parents should understand both parties perspective. The adults should compromise and see what they can do that would benefit the child the most, if that is not possible the love that they have...
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...paper is to dispute and argue against the use of active euthanasia as a cautious selection of choice to end a persons’ life based on the purposes of relieving pain and suffering for that person using Kantian theory to best support this claim. This paper will consider the ethical complexities of euthanasia. It will take into consideration and briefly explain the ethical theories of deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics to analyze whether the use of active euthanasia is indeed a moral act and if it is morally permissible for doctors to end the lives of their patients by use of euthanasia and should laws allow it? Euthanasia is a form of suicide. People should not be allowed to kill themselves nor should others be allowed to assist them in doing it. The debate of the use of active and passive euthanasia and whether it should be morally permissible and accepted into law has been under much controversy over the years. Active euthanasia should not be permitted because it violates laws against killing, such as criminal homicide-the unlawful taking of the life of another. It is also contrary to the role of the physician which is to prolong the life of patients, and it is considered suicide; going against the values of personal independence and the ability to make moral decisions. “The physician who performs euthanasia assumes unique responsibility for the act of ending the patient’s life.”(Opinion 2.21- Euthanasia, 1996). This is murder. Though physician assisted homicide...
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...ETHICAL THEORY In the previous chapter we looked at the role of values in business and considered how business ethics was becoming part of the professionalization of business. But what exactly are ethical judgments, and how do we justify them? At first appearance this may seem a needless difficulty. After all, is it not obvious what is happening when we make ethical decisions? Do we not do so almost every day of our lives in fact? It is one thing to engage in an activity, but often quite another to state what exactly is going on when we do it. For example, someone may have a tremendous gift for selling goods to people, but may not necessarily be aware, until he or she is taught, exactly what is going on when a successful marketing strategy is put into operation. One can instinctively put into operation the classical ‘three Ps’ of marketing (attention to Product, Price and Packaging), but yet be unaware, until this is pointed out, that these are the key features of selling. In a similar way, we can make moral judgments, but yet find some difficulty in explaining exactly what is taken place when we do so. In the case of ethical judgments, the situation is perhaps more difficult. If I state that a product is — say — red, we have little difficulty in understanding and explaining what is meant. Red is a colour, and is a physical property which can be seen with the eyes. Ethical judgments seem to be different. If we describe something as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’...
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...products? Or is their responsibility to maximize profit for their shareholders or stockholders? Shareholder theory: Milton Friedman argues that in a “free enterprise, private-property system” Corporate executives work for the “owners” of the company, and today these “owners” are the company’s shareholders. As their employees, the executives has a “direct responsibility” to run the company in according with their desires, which is of course making as much money as possible while confirming to the basic rules of the society, both embodied in law and ethical custom. On his view a company’s ONLY responsibility is to legally and ethically maximize shareholder’s returns. His view is the “shareholder’s view”. The main reason he holds this theory is, in his view shareholders own the company. Since the company is their property and only theirs, only they have the right moral right to decide what it should be used for. These “owners” hire executives to run the business for them, so the executives have a moral obligation to do what the stockholders want, which he claims is to maximize their profits. However he doesn’t say, that there are no limits to what executives can do to make stockholders as much money as possible. They must operate within the “rules of society” including both rules of the “law” and “ethical custom”. According to Friedman’s view, a manger has no right to give company money to social causes when doing so will reduce shareholder’s profits, because that money...
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...acts. There are many speculations as to why an individual decides to partake in terrorism. This paper will examine three theoretical models that may have some utility in explaining why an individual might decide to be involved in terrorist activities. One reason why a person would involve themselves with terrorist acts is theorized by Gottredson and Hirschi's Self-control Theory, in that, those individuals with low self-control are more likely to be influenced and involved with participating in terrorist acts. A second reason why a person may chose to be involved with terrorist acts is described by Wikstrom's Situational Action Theory; that there's a situational mechanism linking person and environment to actions. In other words, an individual's perceptions of action alternatives are influenced by that person's morality and executive capabilities. A third, and final reason as to why an individual might involve themselves in terrorist activities, is Stryker's idea of Identity Theory. It explains social behavior in terms of the reciprocal relations between self and society. In other words, society affects social behavior through its influence on self. This in turn will help explain why a person would commit a terrorist act. It is important to first define exactly what is meant by the word terrorism. Once there is an understanding of the definition of terrorism, then it will be easier to understand the theories stated above as to why an individual commits terrorist acts...
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