Normative ethics refers to the inherent nature of human moral behavior. In this, human beings ask themselves about the best moral behavior in any given situation. The basic nature of morality and the reasons for moral action are investigated in this case. People act in a certain moral way because they believe that this is how they ought to act.
Metaethics, on the other hand, refers to the reason for the existence of ethics and moral reasoning. The question here refers to the nature of ethics, such as being relative or based upon self-interest.
(b) Ronald's view, that physician-assisted suicide is wrong because killing another person is always wrong is an example of moral objectivism, since it assumes the inherent existence of morality. It is also closer to the deontological view, which expects that duty and morality exist for the sake of duty or morality. There are hard and fast rules according to which human beings should act; these rules cannot be changed, regardless of the situation, which fits with Ronald's view that killing another person is always wrong.
Zoe's view is morally nihilistic and utilitarian, since it does not assume the inherent existence of morality, but focuses on the best outcome for all involved. Causing pain is a negative outcome for both herself and the person in pain.
Zoe's view is a case of moral objectivism that is also utilitarian, since it assumes that there is a moral obligation, but she does not assume that there is a single, universally applicable rule. Instead, her moral decision is based upon the fact that the best outcome for the individuals involved should guide moral decision making.
Niles's view that killing is neither always morally wrong nor always morally right appears to assume that there are no ethical rules at all, which is ultimately nihilistic. Since this view assumes the absolute absence of any morality, it is neither deontological nor utilitarian.
2 (a): Mackie's argument is based upon what can be investigated and perceived without assuming any intuition or knowledge that cannot be proven or explained rationally. Mary bases her argument on the same assumption. Since...
human society, people have routinely used other human beings in one form of experimentation or another. "Although sporadic, vivisection was practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans to augment their knowledge of science and medicine. In the third century B.C., vivisection was performed on condemned criminals." (Gloiszek, xi). In fact, many great leaps forward in medical knowledge have come from research performed upon humans; often, this research has been
Ethics Awareness Inventory According to the Ethics Inventory, I fell into two categories: those who are obligation-oriented, and those who are results-oriented. In some ways, the ethical beliefs of these two categories are in conflict; for instance, usually people who base ethical decisions on obligation or duty are not as concerned with results as with principles. However, I scored high in the results-oriented category as well. I believe that my ability
Moral Realism vs. Moral Relativism Philosophers have argued the merits or existence of moral realism and moral relativism for some time. Generally, the argument is designed as an either or proposition, where only one argument can be true. This is not necessarily true when one takes the time to explore what is meant by moral realism vs. moral relativism (Streitfeld). Essentially, moral realism is an objective view while moral realism is
Ethics and Professional Behavior The American court system is one that has existed as long as the constitution has been in existence. They are provided for in the constitution of the U.S.A. And have the powers and mandate as prescribed in the constitution. The courts are fundamental in the society in regards to maintaining law and order and also bringing amicable, legal and acceptable settlements among people, organizations, institutions and even
Therefore, corporations have had to change their viewpoints and start looking at the long-term consequences of their behavior, as well as looking at the bottom line. Businesses also have to be concerned because consumers have also become aware of environmental concerns, and many consumers are demanding earth-friendly products and have shown a willingness to pay more money to competitors who observe environmentally-friendly practices. Interestingly enough, this demand has given rise
395): "I felt this immaleability, this refusal to cohere, was essentially Greek. That is, I finally assumed my Greekness… I saw that I was the only person left in that square who had the freedom left to choose…" The very importance that Conchis attaches to this type of morality and freedom of choice, even to the detriment of his own life, is in itself subjective and reactionary. After being forced to
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