This article helps in the understanding of this ethical theory with a concrete example of an ethical dilemma.The article also helps to discuss an ethical theory that would take a different approach.
Address the following in a 1–2-page paper:
We spent the last few weeks discussing the nature of the self, reality, knowledge, and the political. This week, we’ll be discussing one of the most pressing issues of human existence: ethics. People often associate philosophy with the study of ethics, and not just because Plato’s Socrates talks about the good life so much. Perhaps this is because we have all probably engaged in some ethical reflection at some point or other in our lives. How should we act? Do I owe an ethical duty to other people? To other creatures? Are there universal moral laws I should follow? Should I be more concerned with how I act or with the kind of character I develop?
First, we’ll briefly discus the difference between normative and descriptive ethical theories. Then, we’ll examine three very different traditional approaches to ethics: Aristotelian virtue ethics, John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism, and Immanuel Kant’s deontological theory. We’ll also look at alternatives to these classic theories, including care ethics and existential ethics.
Your Learning Objectives for the Week: