Philosophical Perspectives, Ethics (original) (raw)

There are five philosophies which are traditionally considered when discussing ethics, though many other variations exist. Each seems to hit on at least one of three themes. Good is seen as a balance of happiness (utilitarianism, Kantian, or Confucianism), as legal (Social Contract Theory), or as in accordance with conscience (natural law). Utilitarianism: Good is defined as a situation in which more happiness exists than any other possible situation would have had. A right action is thus one which creates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of sentient beings affected. Kantian Philosophy: Good is a situation in which there is happiness without persons having been used to achieve that happiness. A right action is one which does not use unconsenting persons as means to achieve an end. In this philosophy, intentions are judged rather than consequences. Social Contract Theory: There is no innate good, except that which satisfies individual interests, and that ethical or right action is characterized only by the rules that we as humans set up for one another. Only these rules prevent us from focusing solely on self-interest and allow many individuals to coexist. In a community a right action is, therefore, one which abides by rules. Natural Law Theory: Humans have a natural purpose and "good" is fulfilling that purpose. In other words, a right action is one which follows one's nature. According to natural law, one can 'feel' when one is going against one's purpose and thus one will know when doing wrong.