INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

IN THE MODERN SOCIETY

Subtitle
 DEFINITION, IMPORTANCE, AND RELEVANCE
▪ is the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles
and values. It involves questions about what is right and
wrong, good and bad, and just and unjust.
▪ The importance of ethics lies in the fact that it provides a
framework for making moral decisions. It helps individuals
and society to determine what is right and wrong, and to
make decisions that align with those values.
▪ In modern society, ethics is particularly relevant in areas such
as business, healthcare, politics, and technology.
Overall, ethics is relevant to modern society in
that it helps individuals and organizations to
make decisions that are fair, just, and
responsible, and that respect the rights and
dignity of all people.
 ETHICAL THEORIES

1.Consequentialism - which holds that the morality of an

action is determined by its consequences.
2.Deontology - which holds that the morality of an action is
determined by its inherent nature, rather than its
consequences.
3.Virtue ethics - which focuses on the character and habits
of the moral actor, rather than rules or consequences, as
the key element of ethical thinking.
 ETHICAL THEORIES

4. Utilitarianism - which holds that the greatest good for the greatest number
of people is the ultimate moral goal.
5. Contractarianism - which holds that moral principles are based on the
agreements and contracts made between individuals.
6. Moral relativism - which holds that there is no objective or universal
standard for what is right and wrong, and that morality is relative to the
individual or culture.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:CONSEQUENTIALISM

▪ A doctor is considering whether to tell a terminally ill patient

the truth about their condition. Telling the truth may result in
emotional distress for the patient, but not telling the truth
would violate the patient's right to know and could harm their
trust in the doctor.
▪ From a consequentialist perspective, the doctor should
consider the likely outcomes or consequences of each
decision, and choose the option that will result in the greatest
overall good.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:DEONTOLOGY

▪ A soldier is faced with the decision of whether to follow an order

to kill innocent civilians, or to disobey the order and face the
consequences. The soldier knows that disobeying the order could
result in punishment or even death, but following the order would
violate the moral principle of not causing harm to innocent people.
▪ From a deontological perspective, the morality of an action is
determined by the inherent nature of the action itself, rather than
by its consequences. Deontologists argue that some actions are
inherently right or wrong, regardless of the consequences.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:VIRTUE ETHICS

▪ A manager is considering how to handle a situation in which

an employee has made a mistake that has cost the company
money. The manager must decide whether to publicly
discipline the employee, or to handle the situation privately.
▪ From a virtue ethics perspective, the manager should
consider what kind of person they want to be, and what
virtues are important in this situation. Virtue ethics is focused
on character development and on cultivating virtues such as
honesty, fairness, and compassion.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:UTILITARIANISM
▪ A company is considering whether to invest in a new production
facility that will result in significant cost savings and increase the
company's profits. However, the construction of the facility will result
in environmental damage and the displacement of a nearby community.
▪ From a utilitarian perspective, the company should consider the total
amount of happiness or pleasure produced by the construction of the
facility and weigh it against the total amount of happiness or pleasure
that would be lost. If the construction of the facility will result in more
happiness or pleasure for more people, then it is considered to be the
morally right decision, according to utilitarianism.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:CONTRACTARIANISM
▪ A group of individuals is forming a new community and needs
to establish rules for how they will interact with each other.
They engage in a process of negotiation and agreement,
ultimately forming a contract that outlines the rights and
obligations of each member.
▪ From a contractarian perspective, the moral principles that
govern their interactions are based on the agreements and
contracts they have made with each other. The contract is seen
as binding and enforceable, and any violations of the contract
are considered unethical.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS:MORAL RELATIVISM
▪ Two individuals, one from the United States and one from a
traditional indigenous culture, are discussing the morality of
hunting for sport. The individual from the United States argues
that hunting for sport is wrong, as it is cruel and unnecessary. The
individual from the indigenous culture argues that hunting for
sport is a valued tradition and a necessary part of their way of life.
▪ From a moral relativist perspective, there is no objective or
universal standard for what is right and wrong. Instead, morality is
relative to the individual or culture, and what is considered to be
right and wrong can vary from one context to another.
RELIGIOUS ETHICS
 DEFINITION
▪ Religious ethics refer to a set
of moral principles and values
that are derived from religious
teachings and beliefs. These
ethics serve as a guide for
individuals on how to live a
virtuous life and make
decisions in accordance with
their religious beliefs.
▪ Religious ethics can vary
widely between different
religious traditions and even
within different
denominations of the same
religion. For example,
Christian ethics emphasize
love and forgiveness, while
Buddhist ethics emphasize
compassion and non-harm.
 IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE TO SOCIETY

▪ Religious ethics play a significant role in shaping the

values and behaviors of individuals, families, and
communities. They can also influence political and
social issues, as religious beliefs and values may
inform attitudes towards issues such as abortion, same-
sex marriage, and the death penalty.
 TYPES OF RELIGIOUS ETHICS
1.Christian Ethics: Christianity has a rich tradition of ethical
thought and practice, with key principles and teachings
including love, forgiveness, and compassion.

2. Jewish Ethics: Jewish ethics emphasize values such as

justice, charity, and the importance of community. They are
based on the Hebrew Bible and Talmud, and have been
shaped by centuries of Jewish tradition and practice.
 TYPES OF RELIGIOUS ETHICS
3. Islamic Ethics: Islamic ethics emphasize the importance of
following the teachings of the Quran and the example of the
Prophet Muhammad, with key values including justice,
compassion, and respect for others.
4. Hindu Ethics: Hindu ethics emphasize the importance of
living a virtuous life, with values such as non-harm,
truthfulness, and compassion. Hinduism also teaches the
importance of dharma, or living in accordance with one's
caste, age, and gender.
 TYPES OF RELIGIOUS ETHICS
5. Buddhist Ethics: Buddhist ethics emphasize the importance of
developing wisdom, compassion, and the elimination of ignorance
and suffering. Buddhist ethics also emphasize the Four Noble
Truths and the Eightfold Path as key teachings for living a virtuous
life.
6. Confucian Ethics: Confucian ethics emphasize the importance of
living a virtuous life, with values such as respect, compassion, and
the cultivation of moral character. Confucian ethics also emphasize
the importance of relationships and the development of moral
virtues through education and practice.
 RELIGIOUS ETHICS IN ACTION
Christian Ethics: A Christian doctor refuses to perform an abortion,
even though it is legal, because they believe it goes against the
commandment "Thou shalt not kill." This act demonstrates a
commitment to living in accordance with the teachings of the Bible
and to protecting the sanctity of life.
Jewish Ethics: A Jewish family decides to observe Shabbat by
turning off their phones and spending time together, in accordance
with Jewish tradition. This act demonstrates a commitment to
honoring the Jewish day of rest and to spending time with loved
ones.
 RELIGIOUS ETHICS IN ACTION
Islamic Ethics: A Muslim man decides to give a portion of his
income to charity each month, in accordance with the Islamic
practice of zakat. This act demonstrates a commitment to
fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and to caring for those
in need.
Hindu Ethics: A Hindu woman decides to become a vegetarian, as
a way of demonstrating respect for all forms of life and to live in
accordance with the principle of ahimsa, or non-harm. This act
demonstrates a commitment to following Hindu beliefs and to
promoting compassion and non-violence.
 RELIGIOUS ETHICS IN ACTION
Buddhist Ethics: A Buddhist teacher decides to forgive someone
who has wronged them, as a way of practicing compassion and
letting go of anger and hatred. This act demonstrates a
commitment to following Buddhist teachings and to promoting
peace and happiness.
Confucian Ethics: A student decides to listen to their teacher and
follow their advice, in accordance with Confucian teachings on
respect for authority. This act demonstrates a commitment to
following the teachings of Confucius and to seeking knowledge
and self-improvement.
SECULAR ETHICS
 DEFINITION
Secular ethics focuses on moral principles and values that are
independent of religious or spiritual beliefs. It seeks to establish a
framework for ethical decision-making based on reason, science,
and humanistic values, rather than relying on religious or divine
revelation.
One of the key secular principles that shapes ethical principles in
modern society is the idea of human rights. The concept of human
rights is based on the belief that all people are equal and should be
treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or
beliefs.
Another secular principle that shapes ethical principles in modern
society is the idea of rationality. This principle is based on the belief
that ethical decision-making should be based on reason and logic,
rather than emotion or intuition. For example, utilitarianism is a
secular ethical theory that seeks to maximize the greatest good for
the greatest number of people by applying reason and logic to moral
decision-making.
 EXAMPLE SITUATIONS
1.Human rights activism: Secular ethics, particularly the principle
of human rights, drives activism for issues such as women's rights,
LGBTQ rights, and anti-discrimination initiatives.
2.Environmental protection: Secular ethics informs environmental
protection efforts, such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving
natural resources, and protecting wildlife habitats.
3.Business ethics: Many companies have adopted secular ethical
principles, such as fairness, transparency, and responsibility, to
guide their operations and decision-making.
CULTURAL ETHICS
 DEFINITION
Culture ethics refers to a group's shared beliefs, values,
practices, and customs that are passed down from one
generation to the next. Cultural beliefs inform the ways in
which individuals understand and experience the world, and
they provide a framework for ethical decision-making and
behavior.
WAYS WHERE CULTURAL ETHICS SHAPE ETHICAL
PRINCIPLES
1.Moral values: Cultural beliefs often shape moral values, such as
what is considered right or wrong, good or bad, and acceptable or
unacceptable behavior. For example, some cultures place a high
value on individual autonomy, while others emphasize community
harmony and cooperation.
2.Social norms: Cultural beliefs also shape social norms, which
are unwritten rules of behavior that guide how individuals interact
with one another. For example, some cultures may place a high
value on hierarchy and respect for authority, while others
emphasize individual freedom and equality.
WAYS WHERE CULTURAL ETHICS SHAPE ETHICAL
PRINCIPLES
3. Religious beliefs: Religious beliefs are a major source of
cultural beliefs, and they often shape ethical principles and values
in profound ways. For example, some religious traditions
emphasize forgiveness and compassion, while others place a high
value on justice and retribution.
4. Historical context: Cultural beliefs are shaped by historical
context and the events and experiences of a particular group. For
example, the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and other forms of
oppression can shape cultural beliefs about justice, equality, and
human rights.
WAYS WHERE CULTURAL ETHICS SHAPE ETHICAL
PRINCIPLES
5. Geographical context: Geographical context can also
shape cultural beliefs, particularly in the case of regional and
ethnic diversity. For example, different regions may have
different cultural beliefs about gender roles, family
structures, and social customs.
CURRENT ETHICAL ISSUES
EXAMPLES OF CURRENT ETHICAL ISSUES
Privacy: With the increasing use of technology, privacy has
become a major ethical issue, as personal data is collected,
stored, and used by corporations and governments.

Climate change: Climate change raises ethical questions

about the rights and responsibilities of individuals,
corporations, and governments to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and protect the environment.
EXAMPLES OF CURRENT ETHICAL ISSUES
Income inequality: Income inequality is a growing ethical
concern as the gap between the rich and poor continues to
widen. This raises questions about fairness, social justice,
and the distribution of wealth and resources.

Healthcare access: Access to quality healthcare is a major

ethical issue in modern society, as not everyone has access
to affordable, adequate medical care.
EXAMPLES OF CURRENT ETHICAL ISSUES
Animal welfare: The treatment of animals is a growing
ethical concern, as more people become aware of animal
abuse and exploitation in industries such as factory farming
and animal testing.

Data misuse: The misuse of data is a growing ethical issue,

as companies and governments use personal information to
manipulate people's opinions and behavior.