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Ethics WK 7
WK 7
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| ethical theories | one way of enabling a structured discussion of moral questions is to utilize ethical theories they are theoretical constructs to help us understand and compare values |
| there are 4 main types of moral theory that are particularly useful to guide our actions and that can be applied to a consideration of how we treat animals | contractarian theory duty based theories consequentialist theories virtue based theories |
| 1. Contractarian theory. | argues morality is a kind of contract that we join ultimately for our interest The contractarian approach suggests that animals are not directly of any ethical relevance at all and their value lies only in their importance to people. |
| 1. Contractarian theory. Example – deciding not to euthanise your terminally ill and suffering dog because it would cause you too much upset if you lost your companion. | Contractarianism supports this view by claiming only human interests matter, making animal welfare ethically irrelevant. Critics find this inadequate because it implies animal suffering is acceptable provided no one is harmed under this theory alone much. |
| 2. Consequentialist theories. | Consequentialism judges actions by their outcomes, not the intentions behind them. Utilitarianism, the best-known consequentialist theory, holds that actions affecting animal or human welfare are ethically important, because welfare matters most overall.! |
| Utilitarianism. | Utilitarianism holds that actions are right if they maximise happiness and minimise suffering. Because animals are sentient, their welfare counts in moral decisions allowing professionals to weigh outcomes and choose what produces the greatest total good. |
| 3. Duty-based theory. | Deontology is a duty-based ethical theory holding that certain actions are right or wrong regardless of consequences. It focuses on moral rules and obligations, insisting we must follow them even if doing so does not produce the best overall |
| The deontological theory gives rise to the idea of rights which | People who support animal rights argue that if all humans have rights, it is logical that all animals do too. A DNA pattern alone cannot justify moral status, so giving special rights to Homo sapiens reflects an anthropocentric view. |
| 4. Virtue Theory. | So far, our discussion has considered moral theories that concentrate on actions, either – The benefits or disadvantages of an action’s consequences. The rightness or wrongness of a particular action. Virtue theory concentrates on character. |
| Making ethical decisions. | Ethical decisions are shaped by upbringing, education and environment, but moral theories offer frameworks to guide judgement. Applying ethical principles helps us assess real situations and decide what is morally right or wrong. |
Created by:
lucy.fox