Metaethics, Normative Ethics, Applied Ethics and Value Theories: What are they?

Summary

This lecture introduces the three branches of ethics: meta-ethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. It explains the role of meta-ethics in exploring the nature of morality, the focus of normative ethics on what we ought to do, and the application of ethical principles in real-world scenarios through applied ethics. Additionally, the lecture covers value theory, distinguishing between intrinsic values (valuable in themselves, like knowledge) and instrumental values (valuable as a means to an end, like money). The series aims to deepen understanding of moral objectivism and ethical decision-making, with further exploration in future lectures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meta-ethics explores the nature of morality, asking questions like whether morality is real or an illusion, and if moral claims can be objectively true or false.
• 😀 Normative ethics deals with what we ought to do, focusing on duties, obligations, and what is permissible, impermissible, or obligatory in specific situations.
• 😀 Applied ethics is concerned with how ethical theories are applied in the real world, helping to make decisions on practical issues like charity donations or medical practices.
• 😀 Meta-ethics asks high-level questions about the nature and status of morality itself, rather than offering direct answers about specific actions or behaviors.
• 😀 Moral objectivism, which is assumed in many of the theories discussed, holds that there are correct answers to moral questions, independent of individual opinions.
• 😀 Normative ethics is the branch of ethics most commonly associated with day-to-day moral decisions, like whether lying is acceptable or if abortion is permissible.
• 😀 Applied ethics bridges the gap between abstract ethical principles and real-world decisions, offering concrete guidance on how to apply those principles in various contexts.
• 😀 Value theories are focused on understanding what things are valuable and why, distinguishing between intrinsic value (value in itself) and instrumental value (value for something else).
• 😀 Intrinsic values, like pleasure or knowledge, are valuable in and of themselves, while instrumental values, like money or medicine, are valuable because they help obtain something else of value.
• 😀 A value theory is not the same as a normative ethical theory. While ethics addresses duties and obligations, value theory only categorizes what things are valuable, without prescribing actions based on those values.

Q & A

What are the three main branches of ethics discussed in the video?

The three main branches of ethics discussed are meta-ethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.

What is meta-ethics concerned with?

Meta-ethics examines the status of morality and moral language. It deals with questions such as whether morality is real or an illusion, whether it is subjective or objective, and how we can know our moral duties.

What does moral objectivism claim?

Moral objectivism holds that there are correct and incorrect answers to moral questions, meaning that moral truths exist independently of our personal opinions.

How is normative ethics different from meta-ethics?

Normative ethics focuses on what we ought to do in abstract terms, addressing our duties, obligations, and what is permissible or impermissible. It looks at practical moral questions like whether lying is ever permissible or if we are obliged to give to charity.

What is the focus of applied ethics?

Applied ethics deals with how ethical theories are applied in the real world, helping us make decisions on issues like which charities to support or how to handle specific moral dilemmas in areas like business and government.

Can the branches of ethics overlap with each other?

Yes, the branches of ethics can overlap. For example, applied ethics can be influenced by normative ethical theories, and some questions, like abortion, may be considered in both applied and normative ethics.

What is a value theory in ethics?

A value theory is interested in clarifying what things are valuable and categorizing them, distinguishing between intrinsic value (valuable in and of itself) and instrumental value (valuable because it helps achieve something else).

What is the difference between intrinsic and instrumental value?

Intrinsic value refers to things that are valuable in themselves, like pleasure or knowledge. Instrumental value refers to things that are valuable because they help us obtain something else, like money or medicine.

What is axiology in the context of ethics?

Axiology is the study of value, concerned with understanding different kinds of value, such as intrinsic and instrumental value.

How does value theory relate to ethical theory?

Value theory is distinct from ethical theory. While value theory addresses what is valuable, ethical theory deals with what we ought to do, focusing on duties, obligations, and moral actions.