Introduction to EthicsIntroduction to Ethics

EthicsEthicsEthics involves learning what is right

or wrong, and then doing the right.

The field of ethics involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour.

Ethics is the formal study of moral standards and conduct.

MoralityMoralityMorality is concerned with good

and evil.

Morality is certain rules of social behaviour in every group which should and ought to be observed by its members.

The study of ethics is called “moral philosophy”

ValuesValuesValues are cultural standards that

indicate the general good deemed desirable for organized social life.

Values are what is considered good, desirable and proper or bad, undesirable and improper in a culture.

Values are the assumptions of what is right and important for society.

Values are bipolar

Principle types of valuesPrinciple types of valuesPreference Value

The expression of preference is the expression of some value we hold.

Instrumental ValueWhen something is valued instrumentally, that means we only value it as a means to achieve some other end which is, in turn, more important.

Intrinsic ValueIntrinsic value is valued purely for itself - it isn't used simply as a means to some other end and it isn't simply "preferred" above other possible options.

Ethics, Morals and ValuesEthics, Morals and Values

How do they related? How do they related?

Ethics, Morals and Values- Ethics, Morals and Values- How do they related?How do they related?Estimation of relative importance of

the "true things" are your VALUES.

MORALS are a generalized feeling, based on your values, of what is 'right' and 'wrong'.

ETHICS arise when you try to codify your morals in concrete terms.

How are ethics and law related?

Legal & Ethical

Illegal & Ethical

Illegal & Unethical

Legal & Unethical

Subject areas of ethical Subject areas of ethical theoriestheoriesMetaethics

Normative ethics.

Applied ethics

Meta-ethicsMeta-ethics

Meta-ethics is study of the origin and meaning of ethical concepts.

Meta-ethics investigate where our ethical principles come from, and what they mean.

Meta-ethics addresses questions focus on the issues of universal truths, the will of god, and the meaning of ethical terms.

Normative ethicsNormative ethics

Normative ethics examines standards for the rightness and wrongness of actions.

Normative ethics arrive at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct.

It is a search for an ideal test of proper behaviour.

Strategies of Normative Strategies of Normative ethicsethicsVirtue theories

◦ Places less emphasis on learning rules, and instead stresses the importance of developing good habits.

Duty theories ◦ Base morality on specific, foundational

principles of obligation- god, oneself and others.

Consequentialist theories◦ Determine our moral responsibility by

weighing the consequences of our actions.

Applied ethicsApplied ethicsIs the branch of ethics which

consists of the analysis of specific, controversial moral issues.

The philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of particular issues in private and public life that are matters of moral judgment.

Applied ethicsApplied ethics

Medical ethics

Business ethics

Environmental ethics

Engineering ethics

Applied ethical issuesApplied ethical issuesIssues needs to be controversial

in the sense that there are significant groups of people both for and against the issue at hand.

Issues to be an applied ethical issue is that it must be distinctly moral issue.

Engineering ethics…The study of the moral issues and

decisions confronting individuals and organizations engaged in engineering.

The study of related questions about the moral ideals, character, policies and relationship of people and corporations involved in technological activity.

Engineering ethics

“Ethics of engineering is wider in scope than the ethics of engineers”

“Engineering ethics would be the currently accepted codes and standards of conduct endorsed by various groups of engineers and engineering societies”

Think…..