THEORY OF ETHICS

Chapter 4

Introduction
Theory of Ethics functions as a guide to an individual & community to live a good There are four main theories :-

THEORY OF ETHICS
Social Morality Theory Theory of Personality Virtues Teleological Theory -Utilitarianism -Egoism Deontological Theory - Duty - Exsistensialism

 Social Morality Theory & Theory of Personality Virtues answer the question:What type of individual should I be in a community? This theory does not justify whether a persons behaviour is right or wrong. But it refers to the character of the person. An individual must make a decision based on moral values which is instilled in his/her characteristics.

 Teleological Theory & Deontological Theory refers to an action taken as the focus is on the actions taken by an individual. When action is taken based on moral values and its effects, it is referred to Teleological Theory. When a moral action is justified using principles of values, it is referred to Deontological Theory.

Social Morality Theory

Refers to a standard @ measurement in morality in a community based on the norms and rituals in a society to safeguard social harmony. Social life in Msia is based on interior factors and external factors. Interior Factors:- rules & regulations, traditions, and norms of life in a society.

 External Factors:- internets influence, global teenage culture & latest development and trends science & technology era. All these factors are channelled through communication among individuals. Communication among individuals influences behaviour. External developments influences societal norms. It is important to balance both.

Functions of Social Morality Theory in Malaysian Society

Helps to strengthen unity and harmony in our country. Plural Society : Malays, Chinese, Indians & Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak. It is important for us to understand and respect the differences in our culture and practise our societal norms.

 It is important to help each other without being selfish in our society.

Weaknesses in Social Morality Theory

This theory is not applicable in certain situations. Eg: When the leader is authoritarian & dictatorial, it will cause pain and sufferings in the society.

Social Morality Theory in Malaysia

Influenced by the interior and external factors. In certain issues like moral conflicts, interior factors are taken into consideration first before looking into the external factors.

Theory of Personality Virtues

Refers to noble personal traits which makes an individual a moral agent and accepted within the society and globally. What should I do and why do I have to behave that way?.

 The focus of this theory is on the noble personal traits which should be instilled in each individuals. To identify these traits, the aim and objective of life need to be analyzed. Eg:- If a college student wants to excel in his/her studies, they will have to be hardworking to achieve it. While working, a person has to be sincere and trustworthy if he/she wants to work in a better environment which is free from corruptions.

 According to Aristotle, an individual is accepted as a moral agent and has all the noble traits in his personality when: He/she knows what is being done. He/she chooses the behaviour he/she wants because of its noble traits The behaviour and action has to be consistent and never change.

Personality Virtues Theory and its development in Malaysia

Benefits everyone. A doctor who possesses characteristics like caring, well mannered and sensitive to the patients feelings will become a better doctor in treating and communicating morally with his/her patients. In Malaysia, these can be analyzed in 3 phases of life:-

Development of Personality Virtues Theory in Malaysia Babies & Toddlers Stage - instilled with noble values by parents & family. Children obeys rule and behaves accordingly.

Teenage Stage - influenced by environment and peers. Starts to analyze his/her own actions (good or bad?).
Adult Stage - matured & able to think rationally. Able to evaluate moral values in their selves and the effects of their action. - Based on global standards and cares about the effects on everyone.

 Talents & Noble value traits are two different things. Talents can be used to make living. Without noble value traits, a person has no value. It is good to have talents on solving conflicts as it can help us to enhance our personal traits.

Ways to develop Noble Value Traits

Learning Processes Experiences in life

Ways to develop noble value traits Fines and rewards Rationality and maturity

Critics
We need to identify proper situations to apply this theory. Do not overdo things till you neglect your own responsibility.

Teleological Theory
Common Assumptions correct or wrong depends on the after effects of an action. Can be analyzed in 2 perspectives: Utilitarianism Egoism

Teleological Theory

Utilitarianism - maximizes ones happiness or to maximize happiness for a big number of people

Egoism - Its a good value if it benefits themselves and it is a bad value if it does not benefits themselves.

Utilitarianism
A part of Teleological which says right or wrong. An action is correct if it brings goodness in a wider perspective to more people. The bombing incident in Hiroshima & Nagasaki ended World War II. But, millions of people lost their lives and some are still suffering after the war.

Critics
Conflicts the principle of morality and justice based on the mission of an issue. The main reason of the bombing was to end the war. But the ways done by using chemical weapons such as atomic bomb caused lives of millions of innocent people and some of them are enduring pain and sufferings of these weapons.

Egoism
Some things are good only if it benefits to one selves or vice versa. Divided into 2:
Egoism

Psychological Ethics

Egoism ethics

 Psychological Ethics
Does things because of motivation for self beneficial.

Egoism Ethics
Based on what should be done by a moral agent for self satisfaction.

 Social Responsibility to help victims of natural disasters. Self satisfaction is achieved which brings happiness and goodness to one selves.

Critics
The importance of others is less bothered. Selfishness to satisfy them selves.

Deontological Theory
Based on moral principles moral duties. Assumption:- We behave morally when we obey our moral duties and principles and vice versa. .

 Analyzes our responsibility towards others. Orientated by actions of behavior without disobeying the rules. Issues: not all actions will be accepted in other communities.

 Divided into 2 principles:-

Deontological Theory

Principles of Duty

Principles of Existentialism

Principles of Duty
Responsibilities are carried out as it is a good deed to be responsible (Kant, 17241804). Moral duties has to be rationale. Actions has to be inline with universal morality. Kant explained it through few ways.

Principles of Duty
Good Deed Concept Good deeds will end with good actions of behaviour which is inline with morality. Eg: A student donating blood with good deed is a moral action.

Imperative Categorical Principle At this stage, a teenager will be influenced by surroundings and communities and peers. They will also start to think about good n bad consequences of an action. Eg: Telling the truth in any situation is an universal rule.

Critics
How do we solve a problem when lying is the only way to solve it without any problem? What are the choices?

Principles of Existentialism
Each individuals are free to choose their values which can be good or wrong depending on them. Morality depends on his/her phase of life and choices are in their hands. 2 flows in this principle:- those with religion - atheist

Principles of Existentialism
Flow of an atheist.
God does not exist. Every action and values are subjective and its up to an individual to choose the right values depending on the situation. Human being chooses good values for the good of all.

Flow of a religious person (originally Christianity)

Belief in God identifies ethics and religion/spirituality in each action taken. Eg: Ten commandments in Bible is the best guide.

Critics
Issues on relativism arises as each individuals has choices. According to Satre, rules and regulations are too abstract and there is no ultimate rule to be used by human being in terms of choosing and deciding which is right and which is wrong.

Application of Theory of Ethics and Morality in Malaysian Context

Cant be used ultimately in our country. Should choose suitable moral principles. In terms of Social Morality Theory & Personality Virtues Theory, factors such as pluralistic community and ruling systems should be taken into consideration. In terms of Deontological Theory & Teleological Theory, factors such as religion, culture and Malaysian way of life should be analyzed.

 By understanding all these theories, an individual will be more critical in understanding his/her own actions by making choices based on values, moral principles and moral decisions which brings goodness to everyone.