Ethical Theories

Definition

Ethical theories are systematic frameworks that help individuals determine what is morally right or wrong, guiding human behavior and decision-making. In the context of the Enlightenment, these theories emerged as thinkers began to question traditional moral values and sought to establish principles based on reason, logic, and individual rights. These frameworks laid the groundwork for modern concepts of ethics and influenced political and social thought during this transformative period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Enlightenment, philosophers like John Locke and Immanuel Kant significantly shaped ethical theories by emphasizing reason, individual rights, and moral duties.
2. Utilitarianism, developed by thinkers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, gained traction during this time as a way to evaluate the morality of actions based on their consequences.
3. Kantian ethics introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, a principle stating that one should act only according to that maxim which can be universally applied.
4. The Enlightenment's focus on rationality and scientific inquiry prompted a shift away from religious-based moral systems towards secular ethical frameworks.
5. These ethical theories influenced various movements, including human rights advocacy and democratic governance, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers contribute to the development of ethical theories?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Immanuel Kant played a crucial role in developing ethical theories by advocating for the use of reason and individual rights as foundational principles. They challenged traditional moral views rooted in religious authority, promoting secular ethics instead. This shift led to diverse ethical frameworks like utilitarianism and deontology, which focused on different aspects of morality—utility and duty—thus shaping modern ethical discourse.
• Compare and contrast utilitarianism and deontology as ethical theories that emerged during the Enlightenment.
  • Utilitarianism, advocated by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, focuses on maximizing overall happiness as the measure of morality. In contrast, deontology, primarily associated with Immanuel Kant, emphasizes adherence to moral rules or duties irrespective of consequences. While utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their outcomes, deontology insists that certain actions are inherently right or wrong based on universal principles. This distinction highlights different approaches to understanding ethical behavior.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ethical theories on contemporary moral philosophy and societal norms.
  • The impact of Enlightenment ethical theories on contemporary moral philosophy is profound, as they laid the groundwork for current debates around human rights, justice, and individual freedom. The emphasis on reason and autonomy has shaped democratic values and legal systems around the world. Moreover, discussions on ethics in fields like bioethics and environmental ethics can trace their roots back to Enlightenment ideas, showing how these frameworks continue to influence societal norms and personal decision-making in today's complex moral landscape.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.

Deontology: An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules or duties, regardless of the consequences of actions.

Virtue Ethics: An ethical approach that focuses on the character and virtues of individuals rather than on rules or consequences, emphasizing moral development.