In The First Chapter, We Left Off At The Question Of "Et

In the the first chapter, we left off at the question of "Ethics" because of its importance. Now, I am asking you to go there, study the meaning of ethics in philosophy, and its difference with religious ethics. Then watch the video provided by Dr. Richard Brown, and answer the following question: 1. What are the three types of of philosophical ethics?

In the first chapter, we discussed the significance of ethics in philosophy and distinguished it from religious ethics. Ethics, in the philosophical context, refers to the systematic study of how humans should act, addressing questions of morality and the nature of right and wrong. Unlike religious ethics, which derives moral principles from divine authority or religious doctrines, philosophical ethics seeks to understand morals through reason and inquiry, often independent of specific religious frameworks.

The three primary types of philosophical ethics are consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Each approach offers a different perspective on how to determine what constitutes morally right actions.

1. Consequentialism

Consequentialism evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. The most well-known form of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness or pleasure and minimize pain. For example, in my own life, I might choose to donate to charity because I believe that helping others leads to a better overall well-being, aligning with consequentialist thinking.

2. Deontological Ethics

Deontological ethics emphasizes the inherent morality of actions themselves, rather than their consequences. It suggests that certain actions are morally obligatory, forbidden, or permitted regardless of outcomes. Immanuel Kant is a prominent advocate for deontology, proposing that actions must adhere to universal moral duties, such as honesty or respect for persons. In my experience, this might mean telling the truth even when it is uncomfortable because I believe honesty is a moral duty.

3. Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics focuses on the development of good character traits or virtues that enable individuals to lead morally good lives. Rather than prescribing specific actions, it emphasizes cultivating qualities like courage, honesty, and compassion. For instance, in my own life, striving to be a compassionate person guides my behavior more than simply following rules, exemplifying virtue ethics.

2. What is the difference between moral relativism, moral absolutism, and sentimentalism? Which philosophers advocated them?

Moral relativism holds that moral judgments are relative to cultural, societal, or individual preferences. It denies universal moral standards and suggests that what is right in one society might be wrong in another. For example, moral relativists might argue that practices like arranged marriage are acceptable in some cultures but not in others. Philosophers supporting relativism include Ruth Benedict and Melville Herskovits.

Moral absolutism asserts that certain moral principles are universally valid, regardless of context or individual beliefs. It claims that some actions are inherently right or wrong and should be universally upheld. Immanuel Kant's deontology is a prime example of moral absolutism, advocating for universal moral duties applicable to all rational beings.

Sentimentalism emphasizes emotions and feelings as the basis for moral judgments. It suggests that moral standards are rooted in human emotional responses, such as empathy or compassion. David Hume is a leading figure advocating sentimentalism, proposing that moral distinctions are derived from our sentiments rather than reason or divine command.

References

• Bennett, M. R. (2014). Contemporary Moral Philosophy. Routledge.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Hume, D. (1739). A Treatise of Human Nature. Oxford University Press.
• Shaw, W. H. (2016). Freshman Philosophy: People, Ideas, and Arguments. Oxford University Press.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Frankena, W. K. (1973). Ethics. Prentice-Hall.
• Ayer, A. J. (1954). Language, Truth and Logic. Dover Publications.
• Williams, B. (1973). Problems of the Self: Philosophical Papers. Cambridge University Press.
• Brown, R. (2020). Ethics and Moral Philosophy [Video]. YouTube.
• Shafer-Landau, R. (2012). Ethics: The Fundamentals. Oxford University Press.