Normaitve Ethics

Normative Ethics

Concepts:

Normative ethics involves arriving at moral standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. In a sense, it is a search for an ideal test of proper behavior. One simple example is, we should do to others what we would want others to do to us. Since I do not want my neighbor to steal my car, then it is wrong for me to steal his car. Since I would want people to feed me if I was starving, then I should help feed starving people. Using this same reasoning, I can theoretically determine whether any possible action is right or wrong. So, based on this simple rule, it would also be wrong for me to lie to, harass, victimize, assault, or kill others. This rule is an example of a normative theory that establishes a single principle against which we judge all actions. Other normative theories focus on a set of foundational principles, such as moral rights to life, liberty, and happiness

Thus as discussed in the online reading of our study guide, “Normative ethics seeks relationships between moral values, non-moral values, and moral obligation. Moral values, often called virtues, are traits of character assumed to be acquired by mimicking that which is practiced by those who are most influential in our life. Moral values, the theory concludes, have to do with an internal state of beliefs which result in a particular external behavior. For example, a man who is truthful will usually act in a trustworthy manner. Normative ethics is often referred to as prescriptive ethics because it is concerned with asking, "What is right, good, or obligatory?" It generally takes the form of discussing what is right in a particular case or as a general principle, and in forming some "normative" judgments as to a conclusion.“

(see http://ecourse.amberton.edu.proxy.amberton.edu/grad/RGS6036E1/Threea.htm)

Applying to Warner Case:

I found case 12 “Illegal Behavior” quite compatible with the normative ethics. The case describes that most reputed professionals such as doctors, dentist, engineers, advertising men and salesmen are cheating in the toll way while paying their toll. Apparently, if they have to advise other people they would never say to put dropped lead washer or foreign coins in to it. When they don’t want others to do then why they themselves practicing such illegal behavior? This is the question of normative ethics.

Normative ethics are generally grouped into three sub-groups:

1) Virtue Theories: Many philosophers believe that morality consists of following precisely defined rules of conduct, such as ‘don't kill’, or ‘don't steal’. Presumably, I must learn these rules, and then make sure each of my actions live up to the rules. Virtue theorists, however, place less emphasis on learning rules, and instead stress the importance of developing good habits of character, such as benevolence. Once I've acquired benevolence, for example, I will then habitually act in a benevolent manner. Historically, virtue theory is the oldest normative tradition in Western philosophy, having its roots in ancient Greek civilization. Plato emphasized four virtues in particular, which