Unit 2 Assignment: Ethical Theories Comparison Outline

HU245 Unit 2 Assignment: Ethical Theories Comparison Outline

I. Utilitarianism A. How is “good” Determined (what does it say right/wrong) - Do what will generate the greatest good for everyone involved, self-included. B. Most Noted Philosopher(s) 1. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) 2. John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) C. Major Strengths 1. Attempts to take into consideration all persons concerned by any moral action. 2. Appropriate for people in helping professions, in that it is concerned with the best/good consequences for everyone. D. Major Weaknesses 1. No moral rules or guides to go by. 2. How to determine social worth? 3. Great for all concerned in other

There are absolute moral rules that can be established irrefutably by reason. 2. One should moral rules out of a sense of duty in order to be moral. 3. All persons are unique individuals who are never to be used for anyone else’s purposes or ends. D. Major Weaknesses 1. Rules are inconsistent. 2. Which rules are morally valid to follow? 3. How to resolve conflicts between equally absolute rules, such as “Do not break a promise” and “Do not kill.” 4. There are no exceptions to rules? 5. No rule for what we should do when our inclinations and duties are the same
V. Prima Facie Duties A. How is “good” Determined (what does it say right/wrong) - we have certain prima facie duties (at first glance) we must always follow unless serious conditions or explanations tell us to do otherwise. Duties include fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement, and non-maleficence (non-injury). B. Most Noted Philosopher(s) 1. Sir William David Ross (1877-1940) C. Major Strengths 1. Utilizes reason and logic 2. Once prima facie duties are established they are obeyed unless there are serious reasons why they should