Ethics(presentation adapted from

Prof. J. Christman’s and A. Lau’s Workshop on Ethics)

Our goal: systematic approach

Definition

Ethical Frameworks

Definition of Ethics

• “Positive guidelines we use to shape our behavior, and the systematic study of these guidelines”

• More than just– being prudent out of self interest– following the letter of the law– abiding by professional codes of conduct

Thinking Ethically

• Foreseeing and averting problems

• Becoming ethically aware

• Developing moral imagination– Maximalist always looking for ethical problems– Minimalist looks only for minimal criteria to signal an

ethical problem– Finding the right balance

Ethical Frameworks

• Consequence-based thinking

• Duty-based thinking

• Virtue-based thinking

Consequence-based

• Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill

• Utilitarian

• Do what produces greatest good for the greatest number of people– Monetary costs and benefits– Human welfare– Pleasure or happiness

Consequence-based (cont’d)

• Limitations:– Difficult to predict consequences– Can end up reducing ethics to economics– Differing views of what makes people happy– Ends do not justify the means if the means

are morally unacceptable– Formally, this theory does not pertain to non-

human life

Duty-based

• Emmanuel Kant

• Categorical imperative (do only that which you would want everyone to do)

• “What if everyone did this?” (Golden Rule)

• Duty to obey universal principles– e.g., never lie or steal

• The right to be treated with respect

• NO EXCEPTIONS

Duty-based (cont’d)

• Limitations:– Requires everyone to be a perfect reasoner– Does not allow for situational exceptions– Sometimes, consequences do matter and

may override our duty– Formally, this theory does not pertain to non-

human life

Virtue-based

• What would a person of “good moral character” do?

• Exercise appropriate virtue in every case– e.g. honesty, respect, generosity

• Must use judgment to determine applicable virtue (as opposed to ethical rules)

Virtue-based

• Limitations:– Virtues may be defined too loosely to guide

decisions in difficult cases– Virtues may be defined in terms of social

setting or culture, making morality relativistic– Formally, this theory does not pertain to non-

human life

Overarching Rule of Thumb

• Shorthand Principle that combines all 3 moral frameworks:

Can I reasonably justify my actions and their consequences to all affected in a way that is consistent with my integrity and my relations with others?

If not, can I live with that?

General Guide to Ethical Thinking

Thinking/ActingEthically

use moralimagination

gather facts

formulate options(creatively)

consider consequences-identify optimal option

identifyrelevantduties

what virtuesapply?

how will relationsbe affected?

consult others

reflect, choose,revisit decision

Am I missing something?

Think through ethical frameworks carefully

Redo other steps

Engage stakeholders

-- as appropriate