Ethics Foundations and Decision-Making

From the study guide

Course Outline

  1. Utilitarianism Principles
  2. Deontological Ethics
  3. Virtue Ethics
  4. Ethical Decision-Making
  5. Moral Dilemmas
  6. Key Philosophers
  7. Ethical Application
  8. Comparison of Theories
  9. Case Studies
  10. Moral Character
  11. Ethical Principles
  12. Practical Ethics

1. Utilitarianism Principles

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness or utility.
  • Greatest Happiness Principle: The core idea that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
  • Consequentialism: The moral doctrine that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends solely on its outcomes.
  • Act Utilitarianism: A form of utilitarianism that assesses each individual action based on whether it maximizes happiness.
  • Rule Utilitarianism: A form that evaluates the morality of following general rules that, when generally adopted, lead to the greatest good.
  • Hedonic Calculus: A method proposed by Bentham to quantify happiness by measuring factors like intensity, duration, certainty, and extent of pleasure or pain.

Essential Points

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Practice quiz preview

1. What is the core principle of utilitarianism?

2. Who is the philosopher most famously associated with the development of deontological ethics?

3. What is the primary role of Virtue Ethics in moral philosophy?

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Flashcard preview

Utilitarianism — core idea?

Maximize happiness for the greatest number.

Deontological ethics — focus?

Adherence to duties and moral rules.

Virtue ethics — key goal?

Cultivate moral character and virtues.

Utilitarianism — definition?

Evaluates actions based on consequences and happiness.

Greatest Happiness Principle — core idea?

Maximize happiness for the greatest number.

Deontology — focus?

Morality based on duties and principles.

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