Navigating Right and Wrong: Ethical Theories & Dilemmas
Ethical Theories and Dilemmas examines different frameworks for moral reasoning, such as utilitarianism and deontology, and applies them to complex ethical problems to guide decision-making. It explores how these theories provide distinct approaches to determining right and wrong, and tests their application in real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of moral philosophy and its practical implications.
Components of Ethical Theories & Dilemmas
This section breaks down the core frameworks and applications of ethical reasoning:
- Utilitarianism: A consequentialist theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize overall happiness.
- Deontology: A duty-based theory that focuses on the morality of actions themselves, emphasizing rules and obligations.
- Virtue Ethics: A character-based approach that prioritizes moral virtues, like courage and honesty, in decision-making.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Complex moral problems where theories are applied to weigh conflicting values and determine the best course of action.
Examples of Ethical Theories & Dilemmas
Utilitarianism Examples
- A utilitarian approach to a city’s budget might prioritize public healthcare over a new park, as it benefits more people’s well-being.
- In a trolley problem, a utilitarian would pull the lever to save five lives at the cost of one, maximizing overall happiness.
- A company decides to reduce emissions, as the long-term benefit to the environment outweighs short-term profit losses for stakeholders.
Deontology Examples
- A deontologist refuses to lie, even to protect a friend, because honesty is a moral duty, regardless of the consequences.
- In a medical scenario, a doctor follows patient confidentiality rules, not disclosing information, as it’s their ethical obligation.
- A person returns a lost wallet, adhering to the principle of respecting others’ property, even if no one would know they kept it.
Virtue Ethics Examples
- A virtue ethicist acts with compassion, volunteering at a shelter, because it reflects their character trait of kindness.
- Facing a moral choice, a leader demonstrates courage, speaking out against injustice despite personal risk, embodying virtuous behavior.
- A friend practices honesty, admitting a mistake to a colleague, as it aligns with their commitment to virtuous living.
Ethical Dilemmas Examples
- In a self-driving car dilemma, should the car save the driver or a group of pedestrians? Utilitarianism might prioritize the group, while deontology might focus on the driver’s rights.
- A journalist faces a dilemma: publish a story that exposes corruption but endangers a source, or withhold it? Deontology emphasizes source protection, while utilitarianism weighs public good.
- A doctor must decide whether to allocate a scarce organ to a young patient or an older one with a better match. Virtue ethics might prioritize fairness, while utilitarianism considers overall life years saved.