Week 15 Ethics Lecture

Summary

The video script explores the foundational concepts of ethics, diving into the three main branches: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. It discusses moral theories like hedonism, egoism, and virtue ethics, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts to address complex real-world issues. The script illustrates the difference between theoretical ethics and practical applications, such as the debate on the death penalty. By understanding the nuances of metaethics and normative ethics, individuals can engage in more thoughtful and logical discussions about contentious moral dilemmas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Metaethics explores the nature of ethics, answering foundational questions like 'What does it mean to say something is right or wrong?'
• 😀 The difference between **cognitivism** (moral statements can be true or false) and **non-cognitivism** (moral judgments are expressions of emotion or commands) is a key focus of metaethics.
• 😀 **Subjectivism** argues that moral truths are personal and depend on individual perspectives, while **objectivism** holds that moral truths exist independent of personal feelings.
• 😀 Normative ethics examines moral frameworks that guide decisions on what actions are right or wrong, offering various ethical theories such as **hedonism** and **egoism**.
• 😀 **Utilitarianism** suggests that moral actions should aim to maximize overall happiness, while **deontology** emphasizes acting according to universal moral laws, regardless of consequences.
• 😀 Applied ethics addresses real-world moral dilemmas, such as abortion, euthanasia, and animal rights, by applying ethical theories to specific issues.
• 😀 Disagreements in applied ethics often arise from differing views on how to apply moral principles, even when both parties agree on the need for morality in society.
• 😀 The **death penalty** serves as an example of applied ethics where individuals can disagree about its morality, despite shared beliefs on the importance of morality in society.
• 😀 Person A and Person B may agree that morality is essential for a better society but disagree on specific ethical practices like the death penalty, leading to a debate rooted in applied ethics.
• 😀 Understanding the difference between metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics is crucial for analyzing and discussing moral issues effectively.

Q & A

What are the three main branches of philosophical ethics mentioned in the script?

The three main branches of philosophical ethics discussed in the script are Metaethics, Normative Ethics, and Applied Ethics.

What is Metaethics concerned with?

Metaethics investigates the nature of ethical terms and concepts, such as what 'good,' 'bad,' or 'wrong' actually mean, and explores whether moral statements can be true or false.

How do **Cognitivism** and **Non-Cognitivism** differ in Metaethics?

Cognitivism asserts that moral judgments can be true or false, while Non-Cognitivism argues that moral judgments are expressions of attitudes or emotions, not truth claims.

What is the focus of **Normative Ethics**?

Normative Ethics focuses on determining what makes actions right or wrong, and provides ethical frameworks or theories to guide moral decisions.

Can you give examples of ethical theories in Normative Ethics?

Examples include Hedonism (pleasure is the ultimate good), Egoism (actions are right if they benefit the individual), and Utilitarianism (actions should maximize overall happiness).

What role does **Applied Ethics** play in moral decision-making?

Applied Ethics takes ethical theories and applies them to real-world issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and animal rights, helping to navigate practical moral dilemmas.

How do **Metaethics** and **Normative Ethics** relate to **Applied Ethics**?

Metaethics and Normative Ethics provide the foundational theories and frameworks that are applied in real-world situations within Applied Ethics. Ethical debates often draw from these branches to address practical moral issues.

What is the disagreement between Person A and Person B regarding the death penalty?

Person A believes that the death penalty is an essential tool for making society better, while Person B agrees that morality is important but disagrees that the death penalty is effective, citing the risk of misuse and corruption in the justice system.

How does the discussion about the death penalty illustrate a difference between **Normative Ethics** and **Applied Ethics**?

The disagreement between Person A and Person B reflects different applications of normative ethical principles to the issue of the death penalty. Both have a similar moral framework, but their interpretation and application of these principles lead to different conclusions.

Why is it important to understand **Metaethics** and **Normative Ethics** when discussing practical moral issues?

Understanding Metaethics helps clarify the meaning of moral terms, while Normative Ethics provides the frameworks to evaluate right and wrong. This foundational knowledge is crucial for engaging in informed discussions about practical ethical issues, such as those addressed in Applied Ethics.