Introduction to Ethics

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Definition of Ethics:

  Ethics is defined as the study of morality, focusing on what constitutes good and bad ends in life and what actions are right or wrong. John Day emphasizes that ethics is a practical discipline aimed at determining how one ought to live.

• Distinction Between Ethics and Other Disciplines:

  Ethics is normative, prescribing how one should act, while disciplines like anthropology are descriptive, observing and explaining behaviors without prescribing actions.

• Key Questions in Ethics:
  • What makes actions moral or immoral?
  • Why should one adhere to ethical theories?
  • The nature of ethical statements falls under meta-ethics, particularly the objectivity of morality.
• Moral Subjectivism vs. Moral Realism:
  • Moral Subjectivism: Moral judgments are expressions of personal preference with no objective truth.
  • Moral Realism: Moral judgments can be true or false based on objective features of the world.
• The Is-Ought Problem:

  Introduced by David Hume, this problem questions whether one can derive normative statements (what ought to be) from descriptive statements (what is). It highlights the logical gap between facts and moral imperatives.

• Theological vs. Deontological Ethical Theories:
  • Theological (Consequentialist): Morality is determined by the consequences of actions (e.g., utilitarianism).
  • Deontological: Morality is determined by adherence to rules or duties, independent of consequences. This often involves a higher authority or duty.
• Skepticism About Ethics' Effectiveness:

  Philosophers like Kant and Schopenhauer express doubt about the ability of ethics to transform individuals into virtuous beings, suggesting a gap between theoretical ethics and practical application. Richard Taylor offers a more optimistic view, emphasizing the importance of pursuing worthwhile goals in life.

Methodology or Instructions

• Define ethics and its scope.
• Distinguish between normative and descriptive approaches.
• Explore key ethical questions and theories.
• Analyze the objectivity of moral judgments.
• Discuss the implications of the is-ought problem.
• Compare theological and deontological theories.
• Reflect on the effectiveness of ethical theories in practice.

Speakers or Sources Featured

• Albert Camus (philosopher)
• John Day (author of "Introduction to Ethics")
• David Hume (philosopher)
• Robert Almader (author of "Human Happiness and Morality: A Brief Introduction to Ethics")
• Emmanuel Kant (philosopher)
• Arthur Schopenhauer (philosopher)
• Richard Taylor (author of "Good and Evil")