Being ethical.

[Biseinen]

it's one of those subjects that you could do in your sleep, because it involves something you do day-by-day sub-conciously. And i prefer philosophy too.

Ethics is no brush over, there are so many sub-junctures to it its hard work if you actually have to absorb all that information in. The same with any subject I suppose.

And yeah, Craig, I probably did miss out, but ah well, I can always argue on here with you now! =P

[FlyingJesus]

I'm taking philosophy at AS level at the moment, been told that the AS for it is actually harder than the A2 which is strange, but it's fun all the same. With this loaf of bread scenario it really does depend on what moral theory you stand with. Some will say that the theft is intrinsically wrong and so no matter what the consequences you should not steal, whilst others (like utilitarianism) will say that if stealing the bread will save lives (and therefore cause more happiness than unhappiness) then it is in fact right.

[Mentor]

Are you ethical? Ethics come to everyone on a daily basis I find. Being ethical is something which is explained through the way you do things and the reason behind the actions you do.

For example, if you steal bread for your family to starve, is that ethical? Is that right? In a sense, yes, it is right, but then the ethical side, you're stealing which can take an un-ethical view approach to this.

Opinions?

I personly belive, ethics/morallity is somewhere imbetween the relative and subjective thearys, Since are own values an emotions are what define are moral choices, yet those values are founded by the society in which where brought up in, hence the ethics are reliave to both the society and envirment the live in.

I definilty do not belive in any form of absoulte ethical morals "/

(i dont belive are moral values are in any way inate but insted learned threw exspince)

[FlyingJesus]

Personally I agree with WD Ross' "prima facie (first face) duties" theory. The theory states that rather than a straight set of rules (as with a deontological theory), or no rules at all (like most consequentialist theories) there should instead be certain things which we should hope to achieve via our actions. The prima facie duties include, but are not limited to:
*Fidelity
*Reparation
*Gratitude
*Justice
*Beneficience
*Self-improvement
*Non-maleficience

Ross argues that these should all be taken into account when you face a moral dilemma, and that the prima facie duties should be used to determine your "actual" duty.

[Mentor]

Personally I agree with WD Ross' "prima facie (first face) duties" theory. The theory states that rather than a straight set of rules (as with a deontological theory), or no rules at all (like most consequentialist theories) there should instead be certain things which we should hope to achieve via our actions. The prima facie duties include, but are not limited to:
*Fidelity
*Reparation
*Gratitude
*Justice
*Beneficience
*Self-improvement
*Non-maleficience

Ross argues that these should all be taken into account when you face a moral dilemma, and that the prima facie duties should be used to determine your "actual" duty.

How can relative values be used to make an absoulte choice?
Here in the west canabalism is seen as a bad thing, non benifcal, unjust etc etc.
Go to a few boreder line island cultures, canbalism is on these seen as a good thing, Its a mark of respect to the deceased, it benifits the person in question, in accordance with the belifes.

So Relative values dont really effect whether the ethical choice is also relative in realtion to the culture in which the choice is taken "/

[FlyingJesus]

Relativity surely would take culture into account, as it's relative to the area, peoples and customs. Even if that's not the case, it simply means that different people will come up with different conclusions. Also, if you go to a place where cannibalism is accepted, that won't change your own view on the morality of such a thing, so it still all makes sense.

[sim]

Im more of an Emotivism person. My decisions are generally based on the BOOH HURRAH theory.

[Mentor]

Relativity surely would take culture into account, as it's relative to the area, peoples and customs. Even if that's not the case, it simply means that different people will come up with different conclusions. Also, if you go to a place where cannibalism is accepted, that won't change your own view on the morality of such a thing, so it still all makes sense.

o.0 Not if you were brought up in the area that did accept canablism, a persons morality is learnt dureing there upbringing from the society in which they live, people around them etc etc.

"prima facie duties" theary, goes along the lines of our morality is based on the fact we want to acheave certain aims via are actions.
In differnt societys, differnt actions would help us achaive are aims.

Now if we are introduced to a new society with differnt moral values, since are actions and moral decsions are based on the want of a certain result from them, would this not suggest that we would change our morallity to fit with the new culture?
(hasnt read a huge amount of "prima facie duties" theary)

[Rizla,]

"People are not born into this world, they are born into a place in this world, and it is their they learn the ethics, morals and values"

[FlyingJesus]

o.0 Not if you were brought up in the area that did accept canablism, a persons morality is learnt dureing there upbringing from the society in which they live, people around them etc etc.

"prima facie duties" theary, goes along the lines of our morality is based on the fact we want to acheave certain aims via are actions.
In differnt societys, differnt actions would help us achaive are aims.

Now if we are introduced to a new society with differnt moral values, since are actions and moral decsions are based on the want of a certain result from them, would this not suggest that we would change our morallity to fit with the new culture?
(hasnt read a huge amount of "prima facie duties" theary)

That's the beauty of Ross' theory, it allows for social and cultural change, based on the individual him/herself. This includes being "forced" to change due to change in where you live, laws or even just personality changes.