Lecture Notes: Understanding Ethics

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos which means custom or character.
It is a branch of philosophy studying the rightness or wrongness of human actions.
Focus on how humans ought to act and defining right conduct and the good life.

Ethics is constantly evolving due to changes in socio-cultural and political contexts.
Greek Tradition:
- Ethics related to the good life and the nature of happiness.
- Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics explores ways to attain happiness.
Judeo-Christian Tradition:
- Focus on righteousness before God and love for God and neighbor.
- Challenges in reconciling the ideas of doing right and being happy.

Ethics:
- Theoretical study of right action and the greater good.
- Systematic examination of moral principles.
Morality:
- Practical application of ethical theories.
- Guides actions and emphasizes the interests of individuals.
Terence McConnell's View:
- Morality is an end-governed rational enterprise aimed at peaceful coexistence and collective benefit.

Normative Ethics:
- Prescriptive, sets norms for right and wrong conduct.
- Develops guidelines on how to behave (e.g., Kant's duty ethics).
Meta-Ethics:
- Descriptive, explores meanings of ethical terms and moral facts.
- Asks foundational questions (e.g., What is good? Why be moral?).
Applied Ethics:
- Application of ethical theories to specific moral issues (e.g., abortion, euthanasia).
- Addresses real-world ethical dilemmas and guides decision-making.

Case Study: A police officer shoots a terrorist.
- Metaethics: Killing is wrong.
- Normative Ethics: It may be right to shoot to save lives.
- Casuists: Officer fulfills duty to protect innocent lives.