PHIL 333 UNIT 1 Foundations Of Ethics: Key Concepts and Theories Refresher for Final Exam
2
Kantian Deontology: Don’t lie—lying cannot be universalized and disrespects patient
UNIT 1 – FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS
autonomy. Contractarianism: Lying is unacceptable if no rational person would agree to
it in a fair system. Virtue Ethics: Be compassionate and honest—tell the truth gently.
Ethics: The study of right and wrong; asks how we ought to act. eminist Ethics: Consider the patient's vulnerability, emotional context, and power
Morality: Real-life beliefs and behaviors about right/wrong. imbalance— tailor the response with care.
Descriptive Ethics: Describes what people believe morally. Ex: "Most believe lying
is wrong."
Prescriptive Ethics: States what people should believe/do. Ex: "Lying is wrong."
Amoral: Without moral awareness (e.g., machines, storms).
Immoral: Aware but violating morality (e.g., intentional harm).
Positive Rights: Rights to receive something. Ex: education, healthcare.
Negative Rights: Rights to be left alone. Ex: privacy, free speech.
Prima Facie Duty: A moral duty that seems binding unless overridden. Ex: keeping a
promise.
Actual Duty: The duty that wins when duties conflict. Ex: breaking promise to save a
life.
Metaethics: Explores meaning of moral terms (e.g., "What is good?").
Normative Ethics: Decides what is right/wrong (e.g., duty, outcomes, virtue).
Applied Ethics: Applies moral reasoning to real-life issues (e.g., abortion, AI, climate
ethics). Moral Reasoning: Clarify the issue → gather facts → evaluate reasons →
reach conclusion. Ethical Argument: Has a clear question, moral + factual
premises, and a logical conclusion. Valid Argument: The conclusion logically
follows from premises.
Sound Argument: Valid + true premises = strong reasoning.
Ethical Questions: Start with “Should…” or “Is it right to…” to frame a precise issue.
Virtue in Professions: Good professionals don’t just follow rules — they act with
integrity and moral character.
“Learn Before You Leap”: Always understand someone’s reasoning fully before
criticizing it — avoid straw man fallacies
Chapter 2
Act Utilitarianism: Focus on consequences. The right act is the one that produces the
greatest happiness in this specific case. Nurse gives placebo to calm a patient
Rule Utilitarianism: Focus on general rules. Follow rules that, if universally followed,
produce the most happiness overall. Hospital policy mandates truth-telling for long-
term trust.
Kantian Deontology: Focus on duty and rationality. Act only on principles you can
will as universal law. Never treat others as mere means. Doctor refuses to mislead a
patient about their diagnosis.
Contractarianism: Morality based on rational agreement under fair conditions.
Right acts are those rational individuals would agree to from a position of equality.
Medical ethics codes built from fair, agreed principles.
Virtue Ethics: Focus on moral character. Right action is what a virtuous person
would do— motivated by traits like honesty, courage, compassion. Doctor comforts
grieving family out of kindness, not duty.
Feminist Ethics: Emphasizes empathy, care, context, and relational dynamics.
Morality must account for lived experience and social inequalities. Social worker
speaks up for a disadvantaged mother overlooked in treatment decisions.
Applyng Theories to a Case (e.g., lying to a patient):
Act Utilitarianism: Lie if it reduces suffering and increases overall happiness.
Utilitarianism is outcome-focused but risks justifying harm to individuals.
Rule Utilitarianism: Don’t lie—truth-telling builds trust and leads to better outcomes in
the long run.
®™
2
Kantian Deontology: Don’t lie—lying cannot be universalized and disrespects patient
UNIT 1 – FOUNDATIONS OF ETHICS
autonomy. Contractarianism: Lying is unacceptable if no rational person would agree to
it in a fair system. Virtue Ethics: Be compassionate and honest—tell the truth gently.
Ethics: The study of right and wrong; asks how we ought to act. eminist Ethics: Consider the patient's vulnerability, emotional context, and power
Morality: Real-life beliefs and behaviors about right/wrong. imbalance— tailor the response with care.
Descriptive Ethics: Describes what people believe morally. Ex: "Most believe lying
is wrong."
Prescriptive Ethics: States what people should believe/do. Ex: "Lying is wrong."
Amoral: Without moral awareness (e.g., machines, storms).
Immoral: Aware but violating morality (e.g., intentional harm).
Positive Rights: Rights to receive something. Ex: education, healthcare.
Negative Rights: Rights to be left alone. Ex: privacy, free speech.
Prima Facie Duty: A moral duty that seems binding unless overridden. Ex: keeping a
promise.
Actual Duty: The duty that wins when duties conflict. Ex: breaking promise to save a
life.
Metaethics: Explores meaning of moral terms (e.g., "What is good?").
Normative Ethics: Decides what is right/wrong (e.g., duty, outcomes, virtue).
Applied Ethics: Applies moral reasoning to real-life issues (e.g., abortion, AI, climate
ethics). Moral Reasoning: Clarify the issue → gather facts → evaluate reasons →
reach conclusion. Ethical Argument: Has a clear question, moral + factual
premises, and a logical conclusion. Valid Argument: The conclusion logically
follows from premises.
Sound Argument: Valid + true premises = strong reasoning.
Ethical Questions: Start with “Should…” or “Is it right to…” to frame a precise issue.
Virtue in Professions: Good professionals don’t just follow rules — they act with
integrity and moral character.
“Learn Before You Leap”: Always understand someone’s reasoning fully before
criticizing it — avoid straw man fallacies
Chapter 2
Act Utilitarianism: Focus on consequences. The right act is the one that produces the
greatest happiness in this specific case. Nurse gives placebo to calm a patient
Rule Utilitarianism: Focus on general rules. Follow rules that, if universally followed,
produce the most happiness overall. Hospital policy mandates truth-telling for long-
term trust.
Kantian Deontology: Focus on duty and rationality. Act only on principles you can
will as universal law. Never treat others as mere means. Doctor refuses to mislead a
patient about their diagnosis.
Contractarianism: Morality based on rational agreement under fair conditions.
Right acts are those rational individuals would agree to from a position of equality.
Medical ethics codes built from fair, agreed principles.
Virtue Ethics: Focus on moral character. Right action is what a virtuous person
would do— motivated by traits like honesty, courage, compassion. Doctor comforts
grieving family out of kindness, not duty.
Feminist Ethics: Emphasizes empathy, care, context, and relational dynamics.
Morality must account for lived experience and social inequalities. Social worker
speaks up for a disadvantaged mother overlooked in treatment decisions.
Applyng Theories to a Case (e.g., lying to a patient):
Act Utilitarianism: Lie if it reduces suffering and increases overall happiness.
Utilitarianism is outcome-focused but risks justifying harm to individuals.
Rule Utilitarianism: Don’t lie—truth-telling builds trust and leads to better outcomes in
the long run.
®™
