2. ethical arguments.ppt
- 2. Definitional Arguments: Basis of All Knowledge/Communication Argue that Item X belongs in Category Y Scooter (X) is a murderer (Y)
- 3. Evaluative Arguments: The next step in Knowledge/Communication Having defined an item--X is a Y We then evaluate that item--X is a good/bad Y… The War Room (X) is an excellent documentary (Y) Evaluations depend upon definitions
- 4. Ethical Arguments The next step in Knowledge/Communication Having defined and evaluated an item, we assess it’s inherent worth--the value of its being But just because something is good, does this mean it’s right?
- 5. Question of Purpose In evaluative arguments our evaluation of an item stems from the purpose of that item, Nike is a good shoe because it effectively covers your feet…
- 6. But in Ethical Arguments… The purpose differs... If we discover that third-world labor markets are economically and physically exploited in making Nike shoes… Is it right to make (or even to own) Nike products? The purpose is now one of political and human rights, not covering one’s feet.
- 7. Requirements for Ethical Arguments: Just like evaluations require comparison/contrast between items within the same category/genus, so to do different ethical systems AND... Ethical Arguments must be couched in ethical terms…. Right vs. Wrong; Moral vs. Immoral
- 8. Toulmin Schema: C: Slavery is wrong R: b/c it violates human rights G: Slavery violates human rights; Ev: Support that slavery violates HR W: Any practice that violates human rights is wrong B: Support of ethical system
- 9. Different Ethical Systems… Of all value arguments, Ethical arguments are the least stable in Backing Because we have different ways of determining right from wrong
- 10. Naïve Egoism Right vs. Wrong determined by how it affects a given individual or particular group of individuals o It is wrong to hit Michelle because she is a woman Operates under the belief that I am #1 o But how many #1s can there be?
- 11. Consequentialism Right vs. Wrong determined by the outcome of an action and whether it has positive or negative consequences o It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it will hurt Operates under a utilitarian framework where we seek to provide the greatest good for the greatest number …… OR the ends justify the means
- 12. Principlism Right vs. Wrong determined not by outcome of action, but by the action itself, whether it conforms to or upholds a belief or principle It is wrong to hit Michelle b/c it violates the Golden Rule But what happens if two principles come into conflict…?
- 13. Naïve Egoism Consequentialism Principlism Right vs. Wrong determined by how it affects a given individual or particular group of individuals Right vs. Wrong determined by the outcome of an action and whether it has positive or negative consequences Right vs. Wrong determined not by outcome of action, but by the action itself, whether it conforms to or upholds a belief or principle oIt is wrong to hit Michelle because she is a woman It is wrong to hit Michelle because it will hurt It is wrong to hit Michelle because it violates the Golden Rule Operates under the belief that I am #1 o…… But, how many #1s can there be? Operates under a utilitarian framework where we seek to provide the greatest good for the greatest number …… OR the ends justify the means But what happens if two principles come into conflict…?