Moral Philosophy
Eastern Ethical Theories
Buddhism
Pancha Shila
Avoid killing, harming any living thing
Avoid stealing, taking what is not yours
Avoid sexual irresponsibility
Avoid lying or any hurtful speech
Hindu
Vedas
Goal of life
Reality is one, but different religious teachers speak of it differently
Law of Karma
All things are determined
Individual souls are eternal through reincarnation or birth
Live life better through meditation and yoga
Dharma: Guides people on how to live life better
Confucius
There should be kindness in the father, obedience and respect in the son.
The eldest brother should have esteem for the younger brother, and the younger brother should have humility for the elder brother.
There should be obedient behaviour in the wife and righteous behaviour in the husband.
There should be consideration among the elders, and deference among the juniors.
There should be a benevolence among rulers, and a loyalty among the subjects.
Medical Ethics
Autonomy
A patient is ultimately responsible for their own treatment decisions.
Beneficence
Medical practitioners have a moral duty to promote the course of action they believe is in the best interest of their patient.
Confidentiality
Unauthorized disclosure of a patient’s health information is not allowed without that person’s consent.
Do not harm/ Non-malefience
A medical practitioner makes a promise to do no harm, or to allow harm to be caused.
Equality or justice
We must ensure no one is unfairly disadvantaged when it comes to healthcare.
Classical Ethics Philosophy
Plato
people are not willingly good, but behave ethically only for what reward
they will receive as a result
Many people would continue to be ethical and do the right thing even if others didn't know
ethics, or virtue, was valuable for the person, despite
consequences
Believed that each human is made up of 3 elements:
Physical Body
Spirit
Intellect
Knowledge creates ethical behavior, while ignorance unethical behavior
Stoicism
All things are predetermined including human actions
Because we have close to no control over external events or other's actions/ behavior
Our reactions must be predetermined as well
Therefore the only thing human being can control is how we react to different things and events
Cynicism
The Cynics rejected all luxury in favor
of living a frugal and minimalist life
They believed that social institution such as government, property,marriage and religious could not provide answer to life
They rejected society and advocated a simplistic lifestyle
The true answer to life would be found within oneself
Epicureanism
Enjoy life while you can, the goal is simply pleasure
You have no reason outside your own self to motivate or explain life. Therefore, the response to life was to enjoy it while one can.
It is important to live moderately, like Aristotle's ideals
Not every person acts with their own interests in mind. Some people act for the benefit of others and instead of their own happiness and well-being.
Aristotle
Humans must examine the behavior of people surrounding them to have a sense of moral/ ethical behavior
Humans become ethical individuals as a result of two major influences:
Knowledge that we acquire
Habits that we develop
Happiness is an activity rather than a goal, and is present when we behave ethically
Moderation/ golden mean is key to happiness
Moral Guidance to Ethical Decisions
Anishnaabe 7 Grandfather teachings
Respect (Minwaadendamowin)
Love (Zaagidiwin)
Truth (Debwewin)
Bravery (Aakodewewin)
Wisdom (Nibwaakawin)
Generosity (Miigwe’aadiziwin)
Humility (Dibaadendiziwin)
The Ten Commandments (Islam)
Do not associate anything with him
Be kind to your parents
Do not kill your children because of the fear of poverty
Do not indulge in shameful acts whether openly or secretly:
Do not kill any person whom God has forbidden except through due process of law
Protect the orphans' property
Grant full measure and weight in all fairness
Whenever you speak be even
Fulfill your promises
Follow the straight path of God
The Ten Commandments (Christian)
Don't have any other Gods before me
You shouldn’t make any gods, or idols, or images like those in the sky. You shouldn’t bow down to any of these.
Don't take the Lord your God's name but in vain; the Lord will not forgive someone who does that.
You should remember the sabbath and take it holy. You are meant to work six days and rest on the seventh. You should not work, nor your son
Obey your parents and honor your parents, so that you might live long in the land that God will give you
You should not kill
You should not commit adultery
You should not steal
Don't lie behind people's back
You shouldn't covet your neighbors things and desire their belongings.
Seven Laws of Noah (Hebrew)
Do not deny God
Do not execrate God
Do not murder
Do not have illicit sexual relations
Do not steal
Do not eat an alive animal
Establish courts/legal system to ensure people obey the laws