PHIL 312: An Introduction to Philosophical Ethics
Philosophical Ethics is a subfield of philosophy that deals with ethical issues such as morality, values, and right and wrong behavior. This course is an introduction to the main theories and concepts of ethical philosophy. In this article, we will explore the key ideas and concepts that are covered in PHIL 312.
Table of Contents
What is Philosophical Ethics?
Philosophical Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with ethical issues such as morality, values, and right and wrong behavior. It is concerned with the nature of ethical thought, theories, and systems. Philosophical ethics seeks to answer questions such as: What is the nature of good and evil? How should we act? What values should we hold? What is the relationship between morality and the law? These questions have been asked by philosophers for thousands of years and are still relevant today.
The Branches of Ethics
There are three main branches of ethics: normative ethics, metaethics, and applied ethics. Each of these branches focuses on a different aspect of ethical philosophy.
Normative Ethics
Normative ethics is concerned with the content of moral judgments and the criteria for what is right and wrong behavior. This branch of ethics is concerned with developing and evaluating moral norms and standards. There are three main types of normative ethical theories: deontological ethics, teleological ethics, and virtue ethics.
Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics, also known as duty ethics, is a moral theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action’s adherence to a rule or principle. Deontological ethics is concerned with the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, rather than their consequences.
Teleological Ethics
Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, is a moral theory that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences. Teleological ethics is concerned with the end result of an action, rather than the action itself.
Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is a moral theory that judges the morality of an action based on the character of the person performing the action. Virtue ethics is concerned with the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtuous habits.
Metaethics
Metaethics is concerned with the nature of ethical thought and language. This branch of ethics is concerned with questions such as: What is the nature of moral judgment? Are moral judgments objective or subjective? Do moral properties exist in the world?
Moral Realism
Moral realism is a metaethical theory that holds that moral facts exist independently of human opinion. According to this view, moral judgments can be true or false, and moral properties exist in the world.
Moral Subjectivism
Moral subjectivism is a metaethical theory that holds that moral judgments are a matter of personal opinion. According to this view, moral judgments cannot be true or false, and moral properties do not exist in the world.
Ethical Relativism
Ethical relativism is a metaethical theory that holds that moral judgments are relative to the culture or society in which they are made. According to this view, moral judgments cannot be objectively true or false.
Applied Ethics
Applied ethics is concerned with the practical application of ethical theories and principles to specific situations. This branch of ethics is concerned with issues such as medical ethics, environmental ethics, and business ethics.
Medical Ethics
Medical ethics is a field of applied ethics that deals with the ethical issues that arise in the practice of medicine. Medical ethics is concerned with issues such as physician-patient confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life care.
Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics is a field of applied ethics that deals with the ethical issues that arise in the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Environmental ethics is concerned with issues such as conservation, sustainability, and climate change.
Business Ethics
Business ethics is a field of applied ethics that deals with the ethical issues that arise in the practice of business. Business ethics is concerned with issues such as corporate social responsibility, insider trading, and the rights of employees.
Conclusion
Philosophical Ethics is a subfield of philosophy that deals with ethical issues such as morality, values, and right and wrong behavior. The course PHIL 312 provides an introduction to the main theories and concepts of ethical philosophy. The course covers normative ethics, metaethics, and applied ethics, as well as specific topics such as medical ethics, environmental ethics, and business ethics.
FAQs
Deontological ethics judges the morality of an action based on the action’s adherence to a rule or principle, while teleological ethics judges the morality of an action based on its consequences.
Metaethics is concerned with the nature of ethical thought and language, including questions such as whether moral judgments are objective or subjective.
Applied ethics is concerned with the practical application of ethical theories and principles to specific situations, including medical ethics, environmental ethics, and business ethics.
Studying philosophical ethics helps us to develop our moral reasoning and to better understand the ethical issues that arise in our personal and professional lives.
Ethical issues in business include corporate social responsibility, insider trading, and the rights of employees.