Overview
This lecture introduces the importance of ethics, major moral controversies, and the foundational concepts of reason and impartiality in moral philosophy.
Introduction to Ethics
- Ethics is the study of how we ought to live and what morality requires of us.
- There is no universally accepted definition of morality; different theories offer rival conceptions.
- The course focuses on understanding key frameworks and the "minimum conception" of morality.
Moral Dilemmas: Case Studies
- Baby Theresa: Born without a brain; debate over harvesting her organs to save others vs. the ethics of killing for greater good.
- Jodie and Mary: Conjoined twins; separating them would save one but kill the other, raising questions of who decides and the value of life.
- Tracy Latimer: Severely disabled child euthanized by her father; raises issues of mercy killing vs. discrimination against the handicapped.
Arguments in Moral Controversies
- The "benefits argument": Helping others when it does not harm the person involved.
- The "means to ends" argument: It is wrong to use people solely as means to others' goals.
- The "wrongness of killing" argument: Killing one person to save another is wrong.
- The "sanctity of human life" argument: Life should not be intentionally ended, regardless of circumstances.
- The "slippery slope" argument: Allowing exceptions may lead to broader ethical abuses.
Law vs. Ethics
- Not all legal actions are ethical, and not all ethical actions are legal.
- Laws may prohibit or allow actions that differ from ethical judgments.
The Minimum Conception of Morality
- Moral judgments must be supported by good reasons.
- Morality requires impartial consideration of everyone's interests.
- The conscientious moral agent seeks facts, examines implications, accepts justified principles, and is willing to act on well-reasoned deliberations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethics — The study of how we ought to live and what morality requires.
- Morality — Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.
- Minimum Conception of Morality — Guiding conduct by reason and weighing each individual's interests equally.
- Impartiality — Principle of not treating people arbitrarily or unfairly.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Participate in the discussion board by sharing thoughts on the cases.
- Complete the required reading for Chapter 1.