PHIL 212(F) Three Types of Ethical Theory
Among the variety of approaches to moral questions now seriously explored in philosophy-a variety probably greater than at any time in the last hundred years-three approaches nonetheless stand out for their comprehensiveness, sophistication, and strong ties to the philosophical tradition. They are deontology (or Kantianism), utilitarianism and virtue ethics. We shall discuss all three approaches in detail, taking into account, where necessary, different and competing versions in which each of them is currently being pursued. A fair comparison between them, aiming at a balanced assessment, must look at different problem areas, both those nearer to moral experience and those more narrowly philosophical, and so we shall consider in particular what deontology, utilitarianism and virtue ethics have to say about each of the following: the role of rules or principles in moral thought and judgement; the place, if any, for a distinctive kind of moral "perception" or informed and imaginative discernment of morally relevant particulars; the relationship between "thick" (e. g. "loyal," "treacherous," "generous," etc.) and "thin" (e.g. "ought," or "good" in some of their uses) moral concepts; and the complex distinction, often thought to involve somewhat different standards of integrity, between issues of private and issues of public morality. Requirements: class participation and three short papers (5-7 pages each), one on each of the three approaches discussed; and a class presentation on a relevant topic. Prerequisite: Philosophy 101.