Ethics and Moral Knowledge Choosing your ethical premises

Ethical Egoism People should act in their own self interest, as this is what will make them happy. But… It’s a deeply immoral position Doesn’t exclude any action so it doesn’t actually help us to know what to do.

Altruism People should sacrifice their own interests for the needs of others. But… As with egoism, one is still doing this because they want to. So still not a guide for knowing what to do.

Utilitarianism People should take the action which maximises ‘utility’ (brings the greatest good for the greatest number). No act is good or bad in itself – it all depends on outcome But.. How to weigh up harm and benefits? Are all utils really equivalent? Can lead to grim outcomes Surely the intention of the person should be significant?

Moral Duty People should do their duty / follow their sense of the right thing to do. But… But what is our duty? Back to square one. Kant’s response.. Generalise and see if a consistent world is produced

Tool Box approach The options are different tools in our moral toolbox. Maybe utilitarianism works for the allocation of resources in a health service, but moral duty should guide our choices with respect to behaviour towards elderly relatives or promises made (eg adultery)? But…

Is there an alternative approach?

Reflective equilibrium Instead of a theory driven approach where we establish principles and then seek to apply them to the situation, we should instead review a specific case study, consider our actions and then form general conclusions? But…?

Virtue Ethics Instead of concentrating on theories of the ‘right’ action and abstract notions of duty, justice etc, we should emphasise character/virtue and more emotional ideas such as compassion, love, empathy. What kind of character is it good to have? rather than what makes an action good? But..?

Religion as a moral compass Follow the teaching of religious leaders, or guidelines to behaviour in holy texts. But..?

Existentialism No moral theory can provide a reliable guide to behaviour. We are unique and the world is complex. We have to choose, and be honest and accept this choice, but there are no ultimate rational or emotional guidelines. We can look to ourselves (or to God), but this is still our choice.