5 Common Ethical Frameworks

Introduction

This tutorial explores five common ethical frameworks, helping you understand the basis of ethical decision-making. By examining concepts from philosophical traditions, you will gain insights into how these frameworks can influence your choices in various situations.

Step 1: Define Ethics

• What is Ethics?
  Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong, guiding individuals in making moral choices. It involves examining values, principles, and the consequences of actions.

• Motivations Behind Ethical Decisions
  Several factors motivate our ethical decisions, including:

  • Personal beliefs and values
  • Cultural influences
  • Societal norms
  • Emotional responses

Step 2: Explore Human Desires According to Epicurus

• Epicurus' View on Desires
  The materialist philosopher Epicurus described human desires as natural and necessary for happiness. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between:
  • Natural and Necessary Desires: Basic needs like food and shelter.
  • Natural but Unnecessary Desires: Luxuries that can enhance pleasure but are not essential.
  • Vain Desires: Those based on societal expectations that do not contribute to true happiness.

Step 3: Understand Plato's Regulation of Desires

• Plato's Teachings
  Plato believed that regulating desires is key to achieving a virtuous life. He proposed that:
  • Knowledge and reason should guide desires.
  • A philosophical approach helps align personal desires with the greater good.

Step 4: Examine Five Common Ethical Frameworks

1. Consequentialism

   • Focuses on the outcomes of actions.
   • The rightness or wrongness is determined by the consequences produced.

2. Deontological Ethics (Kant's Duty Ethics)

   • Based on rules and duties.
   • Kant's two assumptions:
     • Moral actions must be universally applicable.
     • Humans must be treated as ends in themselves, not means to an end.

3. Virtue Ethics

   • Emphasizes moral character and virtues.
   • The aim is to develop good character traits that lead to ethical behavior.

4. Relativism

   • Argues that moral standards are culturally based and vary between societies.
   • There are no absolute moral truths.

5. Social Contract Theory

   • Suggests that moral and political obligations arise from an agreement among individuals to form a society.

Step 5: Identify Assumptions in Ethical Frameworks

• Kant's Duty Ethics
  • Understand the fundamental principles that guide moral actions.
• Plato's Virtuous Ethics
  • Recognize the importance of knowledge and education in forming ethical judgments.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined the definition of ethics, motivations behind ethical decisions, and five key ethical frameworks. Understanding these concepts enhances your ability to navigate moral dilemmas in everyday life. For further exploration, consider engaging with philosophical texts or discussions that challenge your ethical perspectives.