ETHICAL THEORIES

Ethical theories framework for decision

making
Four Ethical Theories
Each differing to what is held to be most
important moral concept.
(a) Utilitarianism;
(b) Duty Ethics;
(c) Rights Ethics; and
(d) Virtue Ethics
Utilitarianism
Seeks to produce the most utility, defined as a
balance between good and bad consequences
of the action, taking into account the
consequences for everyone affected.
Duty Ethics
Contends that there are duties that should be
performed regardless of whether these acts
lead to the most good.
Example : duty to treat others fairly or the duty
not to injure others.
Rights Ethics
Emphasizes the moral rights and any action
that violates these rights is unethically
acceptable.
Virtue Ethics
Regards actions as right that manifest good
character trait (virtue) and regards actions as
bad that display bad character traits (vices).
This theory focuses on the type of person we
should strive to be.
Utilitarianism
Actions are good that serve to maximize
human well-being.
-not on maximizing the well-being of
individual but rather on maximizing the
well-being of society as a whole.
-Example : Building of dam.
Benefits
Provide stable supplies of drinking water;
Flood control; and
Recreational opportunities.
Costs
People displaced from area flooded for the
dam (inadequate compensation, cultural
uprooting).
Utilitarianism
Risk-benefit analysis;
Cost-benefit analysis.
Problem ; people who suffer may not be the
ones who benefit.
Act Utilitarianism
Most common rules of morality like dont
steal, be honest, dont harm, , are good
guidelines derived from centuries of
human experience.
Rules should be broken if action taken
will lead to most good.
Rule Utilitarianism
moral rules are most important (do not harm
others and do not steal)
adhering to these rules might not always
maximize good in a particular situation,
overall, adhering to moral rules will
ultimately lead to the most good.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
(Application of Utilitarianism)
Costs of project are assessed, as are the
benefits.
Only those projects with the highest ratio of
benefits to costs will be implemented.
Pitfalls
Costs may be estimated.
Benefits derived hard to predict.
Those having to pay for the costs may not be
those enjoying the benefits.
Duty Ethics and Rights Ethics
Hold that actions are good that respect the
rights of the individual.
Virtue Ethics
Actions are considered right if they support
good character traits and wrong if they support
bad character trails.
Focuses on responsibility, honesty,
competence and loyalty.
Virtue Ethics
Vices dishonesty, disloyalty, and
irresponsibility.
Dilemma
Which theory to follow if the conclusion
reached by each theory differs?
Which theory is more important?