Philosophy 2074F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Normative Ethics, Consequentialism, Deontological Ethics
22 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
In this course we will discuss three classical theories of normative ethics: utilitarianism: having our actions yield the best consequences, deontology: focuses on the rightness or wrongness of an action, virtue ethics: cultivation certain good habits. Each theory has its own strengths and weaknesses. Adam smith"s ethical argument in favor of free market capitalism (as opposed to feudalism and mercantilism), was in part a consequentialist and utilitarian one. The free market is good b/c of the beneficial consequences it promotes & tends to bring about. It is morally justified, according to the doctrine of the invisible hand, insofar as it frequently promotes the public good better than other ways of distributing wealth. Starting our discussion of ethical theories with the question. How do we test the truth of value claims? for example, how do i determine the truth of the claim tim horton"s coffee is good ? or dr.
