Concerned with criteria of what is considered morally right and wrong. It includes the methods of formulation of moral rules and their direct impact on what human behaviour, societal institutions, and general ways of life should be.
Another example can be found in a recent political event, in which Roe v Wade was overturned, making abortion ilegal in many states. Some claim it is immoral to have an abortion, others feel that it is a basic human right and is considered medical care. The opposing stances of "pro-life" and "pro-choice" call normative ethics to mind, as it inquires about how humans should behave, and which stance is ' morally upright.'
In normative ethics, one's deemed moral responsibility might shift depending on the scope of their knowledge, and wether or not they knew that their action was morally wrong or not. For example, a storeowner might face legal trouble for accidentally selling alcohol to a minor. The minor may have provided fake identification, however the rules of our legal system are such that the storeowner is still accountable, not the minor, which some find morally corrupt.
ETHICS
VIRTUE ETHICS
According to "virtue ethics", there are certain human ideals, such as kindness or dedication toward promoting common good which we should strive to allow for the full development of humanity and society. These ideals are said to be discovered through thoughtful reflection on what we as human beings are, and have the potential to become in the future.
Ethics or is a branch of philosophy that "involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour. It is particularly concerned with human conduct, more specifically the behaviour of individuals in society and how it is deemed good or bad.
UTILLARIANISM
3 PRINCIPLES
Every human beings happiness is of equal worth
Actions are deemed correct If they promote happiness, and incorrect if they bring about unhappiness.
Happiness is the only thing that has true intrinsic value in our lives
Determines right from wrong by focusing on the outcome (happiness or unhappiness) Utilitarianism stats that the most ethical choice is always the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number, or in other words, the most happiness for many people.
Considers how we apply ethics to real-world ethical dilemmas or moral considerations in our daily lives. It attempts to answer the question of how individuals should behave in situations that prompt moral or ethical action to be taken. It impacts many facets of our lives as well as the many established systems in society operate.
Another practical ethical dilemma that can affect almost anyone is the issue of providing full disclosure. Say we are selling a car, and we fail to tell the buyer it has several mechanical issues that may threaten their safety, many would agree this is ethically wrong. However, another person can argue that they need the money from the sale in order to support their family.
We know that ethics has much to do with the values one holds in high esteem, family values are of upmost importance to many. Someone may hold being able to provide for their family in higher regard than the safety of a stranger, we can ask ourselves, is this viewpoint ethically or morally wrong? Why?
One example of applied ethics pertains to bio-ethics, which is the study of ethical, social, and legal issues that arise in healthcare, medicine and biomedical research. For example, a physician may have a patient who, for religious reasons, is refusing a certain treatment or procedure. Physicians are under legal and moral oath to "do no harm" and act in the best interest of others. If the patient does not have any other viable treatment options, should the physician then disregard the patients beliefs in order to save their life?
This ethical dilemma can be approached from various perspectives as disregarding the patients religious beliefs and acting against their will can cause emotional harm. However, not acting to save their life can result in fatality, the oath may appear broken with either course of conduct that is taken.
Metaethics is a branch of analytic philosophy that explores the status, foundations, and scope of moral values, properties, and words. It is focused on what morality itself is and attempts to justify the basic principle of morality.
Another example can be found in our perceptions of others, we may see someone donating to charity or stopping to help someone in need and perceive them as 'good'. But, what is it that defines goodness?, why do we assume this individual is a 'good person' based on these acts? Metaethics would examine this further.
For example, a parent may tell their child it is "bad" not to say "thank you" when someone gives them something, metaethics would call into question why we consider this behaviour impolite or "bad".
An article called "Is There an Objective Morality" questions what the act of being 'ethical' really entails. It also discusses wether or not there is any such thing as a black and white definition of right and wrong in our world. Metathics does not tell us how to behave, it questions why we categorize behaviours as right or wrong, and if right or wrong truly exists.
DEFINING ETHICS
APPLIED ETHICS
NORMATIVE ETHICS
METAETHICS
