Normative Ethical Theories

1
Normative Ethical Theories

• Deontology

2
Deontological Theories (duty)

• maintain that the concept of duty is in some
  respect independent of the concept of good and
  that some actions are right or wrong for reasons
  other than their consequences (p. 33).

3
Deontological Theories (duty)

• Character of the Act
• Moral Credit
• Relationship

4
Character of the Act

• What is right is based on the character of the
  act.
• There are some actions that are unethical,
  therefore, as a person, one has a duty not to
  engage in unethical actions.

5
Determining C of A

• Kants Categorical Imperative I ought not act
  except in such a way that I can also will that my
  maxim should become universal law. (p. 37)

6
Determining C of A

• Ask What is the purpose of this action and is it
  violated? You should treat all humans as ends,
  not solely as means, because of the unconditional
  value of humans

7
Determining C of A

• You should act as if you were both subject and
  sovereign

8
Motives

• You have certain duties.
• What are some of the duties?
• To not engage in unethical actions
• To be concerned for the needs of others

9
Moral Credit

• An act of self-interest may have beneficial
  consequences, but doesnt necessarily deserve
  moral credit
• Moral conduct based on duty is superior to moral
  conduct based on self-interest
• Moral conduct based on altruism is superior to
  moral conduct based on self-interest

10
The Relationship

• The Relationship one has to the parties affected
  is a relevant consideration
• The stronger the relationship,
• the greater the obligation

11
Another Deontological Theory

• W. D. Ross Prima Facie Duties and Common Sense
  Morality
• prima facie duties a duty that always must be
  acted upon unless there is a stronger competing
  prima facie duty
• actual duties when two prima facie duties
  compete, the actual duty is the prima facie duty
  that is chosen as the more important duty in this
  situation

12
Limitations

• Covertly appeals to Utilitarian consequences.