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ethics

Ethical Theories: Exploring THE Good THE Bad, AND THE UNETHICAL

Ethics is the philosophical discipline dedicated to addressing questions regarding what is morally good and bad, as well as what is ethically right or wrong. This inquiry can be particularly challenging due to the multifaceted nature of society, which results in a wide array of societal definitions for what is considered good or bad, acceptable or forbidden. Consequently, ethical philosophers engage in a rigorous examination of the works of their predecessors, harnessing that wisdom to construct their own ethical theories and frameworks.

First: The two aspects of an ethical theory…

Normative Ethics -“What should be good”, (from lat. Norma — rule or regulation), how we subjectively view an ethical decision from our own perspective, this is influenced by our own schema/experiences (Vieweg, 2021).

Descriptive Ethics – “What is considered good?” (from lat. Describere — to write down), how we objectively view an ethical decision from the viewpoint of a scientist, no emotion, just the facts (Vieweg, 2021).

Below you will find three of the major areas of ethics:

Utilitarianism

Deontology

Virtue Ethics

Though not all encompassing, these three areas of ethics make up a majority of what is discussed in ethical study today.

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) & John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Utilitarianism

Good Outcomes = Good Ethics
Bad Actions + Good Outcomes = Good Ethics
Good Actions + Good Outcomes = Good Ethics

Bad Outcomes = Bad Ethics
Bad Actions + Bad Outcomes = Bad Ethics
Good Actions + Bad Outcomes = Bad Ethics

Aspect: Normative Ethics

Though it’s a bit of an oversimplification, Utilitarianism, the ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, centers around the idea that good outcomes align with good ethics and bad outcomes with bad ethics. While this concept may oversimplify the complexities of ethical decision-making, it serves as the main focus of utilitarianism. Which is why when someone describes an action that appears immoral in the onset but has a perceived moral output it is considered a utilitarian decision (Chakraborti, 2023).

“Utilitarianism (lat. Utilitas for benefit, advantage)” (Vieweg, 2021).

“It is the greatest good to the greatest number of people which is the measure of right and wrong.”

– Jeremy Bentham (Mill, 1859).

“The worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.”

– John Stuart Mill (Pleger, 2023).

Immanuel kant (1724-1804)

Deontology

Good Actions in the Moment = Good Ethics

Aspect: Normative Ethics

In Greek deon = duty. Deontology is the study of duty (Vieweg, 2021).

Immanuel Kant is well-known for his work on deontological ethics. In simple terms, deontology suggests that everyone should act in a way that aligns with their natural sense of what’s right and moral. Kant believed that by doing so, individuals would make choices that are in the best interests of everyone.

However, there’s a challenge with this approach. Some people might interpret it to mean, “I can tolerate a little wrongdoing in order to achieve my goals. I’ll take my chances, and if something bad happens to me, it’s okay.” Surprisingly, according to Kant’s philosophy, these individuals might still consider themselves ethical because they are following their own moral principles.

This is why deontology can be a tricky and somewhat controversial ethical framework (Vieweg, 2021).

“He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”

– A summary of the beliefs of Immanuel Kant, from his works ‘Lectures on Ethics’ and ‘Anthropology from a Pragmatic Point of View.’

Plato (428-347 C.E) & Aristotle (384 – 322.C.E) (Pleger, 2023)

Virtue Ethics

Good Character = Good Actions = Good Ethics

The character of the person influences the nature of their actions and subsequently the quality of the outcomes.

Aspect: Normative Ethics

In Greek aretē = virtue or excellence. Typically found in the qualities of one’s character (Chakraborti, 2023).

Plato’s approach to virtue ethics centers on the soul’s pursuit of ideals, focusing on the essence of virtue and the goals one sets in life. Aristotle, conversely, adopts a hands-on view, seeing ethics as a practical guide for daily interactions, not just a theoretical concept (Pleger, 2023).

The essence of Aristotle’s ideas on Virtue Ethics boils down to,

How does a human being live a good life?

(i.e., life plan)
and subsequently,

How does a person act in every facet of their lives to maintain that standard of a good life?

(i.e., how do you act every moment of everyday.) (Chakraborti, 2023, Pleger, 2023).

“One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly, one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.”

– Aristotle (350 c.e.)

Vieweg, S. H. (2021). AI for the good : Artificial intelligence and ethics. Springer.