LECTURE 2 :

THEORIES AND
VALUE SYSTEMS

The objective:

To guide us to make
decisions and
judgements about
actions in certain
situation.

1. Social Morality
Theory

To explain the concept of ethics in society

Normative values and societal regulations = a
measure / criterion to determine whether a
certain matter is good or bad
To control security of the society and protect
the members welfare RATHER THAN serve the
interest of an individual.
To ensure social harmony

 This theory attempts to relate moral

standards, regulations of a society, and
a countrys or universal law with ethical
concepts.
The authority that decides on the
regulations must be respected and
accepted by a large section of the
society (rulers of a country, gov
administrators, parliament of a country,
religious leaders and educationists.
Pays special attention to the interests
and benefits of society, not the interests
of individuals.

 For instance:

Police brutality on citizens in some

countries may occur because the
police are merely enforcing the
cruel law of the government for
which they serve.
Euthanasia Belanda and Malaysia

2. Theory of
Personality
Virtues
The
personal
attributes
towards attaining a good life
Example : Honesty avoids
corrupt practices. Diligence
brings success and satisfaction
in life.

 Personality virtues or morally good habits

built thru training and repeated practice.
All personality virtues are acquired thru the
teaching-learning process or training.
Personality virtues are habits
Personality virtues are operational, enable us to
determine how to behave and act in a certain
way
PVs are good; differ from bad habits and vices

3. Theory of
Teleological
Ethics

A value is Right or Wrong depends on the final

result f an action.
Great emphasis on the consequential result of
an action is also known as consequentialism.
Identify what is good with pleasure and what
is bad with suffering and pain (hedonists).
Have different views about what is good or
bad, and who receives the good or the bad.
So, many teleological theories exist;
utilitarianism and egoism.

UTILITARIANISM

Actions are right if they are useful or for the

greatest happiness of the greatest number of
people (Jeremy Bentham).
For instance, bombing Hiroshima was aimed at
ending the world war which had caused untold
suffering.
Maximise the happiness of all who are
affected by them.

 Good implies happiness and pleasures.

Comes from the word utility (a thing that is
useful and beneficial)

EGOISM