MORAL THEORIES AND MENTAL FRAMES

What is moral theory?

A moral theory, then, explains why a certain action is wrong – or why we ought to act in certain
ways. Moral theories provide the framework upon which we think and discuss in a reasoned way,
and so evaluate, specific moral issues.

TYPES OF MORAL THEORY

• Utilitarianism
• Deontology
• Relativism
• Divine Command Theory
• Virtue Ethics
• Egoism
• Natural Rights Theory

Utilitarianism: A Theory of Consequences

⎯ It is a theory that holds that the best way to make a moral decision is to look at the potential
consequences of each available choice; then, one should pick the option that either does the most
to increase happiness or does the least to increase suffering.

Relativism: A Theory Based on Experiences

⎯ It states that no one person’s morals are better or worse than any other. Relativism is a moral
philosophy that could, therefore, be different depending on where you grow up, and what may be
right in your society, could be very wrong in another person’s society

Virtue Ethics: Always Improve Yourself

⎯ states that only good people can make good moral decisions. Therefore, the best way to be
moral is to constantly seek to improve oneself. Virtue ethicists argue that if a person tries his best
to embody these traits.
What is mental frame?
➢ Mental framing is how you see any given situation and occurs when you position your
thoughts in such a way as to convince yourself of the value of difficult situations.
This positioning begins by asking a few questions.
1. What are the positives here?
2. How can I gain an advantage with this, over my opponent?
3. Can this be an opportunity?
4. There is something to learn here, what is it?

➢ A mental frame is kind of like a picture frame. It determines where the picture begins and
ends, and our simulated viewpoint of the image.

➢ If we learn to control our frame, our emotional state will improve drastically regardless of
what life throws at us.

➢ We have the choice to either frame it in a positive light, or to plunge it into the dark clutches
of negativity. Negative frames allow us to feel justified playing the victim. They give us more
excuses as to why we can or cannot do something and this keeps us from our goals.

Conclusion:
A moral theory explains why a certain action is wrong – or why we ought to act in certain ways.
Moral theories provide the Mental Frames upon which we think and discuss in a reasoned way,
and so evaluate, specific moral issues.