Introduction: Ethics in Context

Relevance of the Theme

Ethics, as a field of philosophical study, is fundamental for understanding the principles that guide human behavior. This theme transcends the theoretical plane and enters the structures of action, becoming essential from small daily decisions to the great issues that permeate society. Our reflection on Ethics is situated within the broader study of Philosophy, setting aside merely descriptive aspects of reality to focus on questions about what is right, what is wrong, and why.

Contextualization

Ethics, as one of the axes of Philosophy, is introduced in the first year of High School as an integral part of the development of critical and reflective thinking of students. This theme, along with logic and metaphysics, makes students not just passive spectators of the world, but active authors of their lives. By delving into Ethics, we open doors to discussions about justice, morality, freedom, among other issues that directly impact the intellectual and ethical formation of young people. Reflection on Ethics, thus, constitutes the foundation of a broader understanding of the philosophical, social, and moral world.

Theoretical Development: Ethics in Detail

Components

Normative Ethics: This approach focuses on how people should behave, seeking to define universal moral norms and rules. In other words, Normative Ethics asks "what is right?". It encompasses Deontology, Consequentialism, and Relativism.

• Deontology: This ethical theory focuses on the duties and obligations intrinsic to human conduct. Philosopher Immanuel Kant, for example, believed that the morally correct action was one performed out of duty, not in pursuit of a positive consequence.

• Consequentialism: Unlike Deontology, Consequentialism emphasizes the outcomes of actions to determine their morality. For example, for a consequentialist, an action is correct if it produces positive consequences for the majority of people.

• Relativism: Ethical Relativism argues that morality is variable and dependent on culture, society, or individuals. Its proponents believe that there are no universal moral principles.

Applied Ethics: This subdiscipline focuses on the application of normative ethical theories in specific contexts, such as medical ethics, business ethics, environmental ethics, among others.

Meta-Ethics: Meta-Ethics seeks to understand the very nature of Ethics, examining the origins, foundations, and nature of moral concepts. For example, while Normative Ethics asks "what is right or wrong?", Meta-Ethics questions "what does it mean to say that something is right or wrong?"

Key Terms

Ought To Be: Expression used in Normative Ethics to indicate what is considered correct or morally obligatory.

Morality: Set of rules and values that dictate the correct behavior of a person within a society. It is an intrinsic component of normative ethics.

Consequence: Central term in Consequentialism, refers to the result or effect of an action.

Cultural Relativism: Belief that moral standards are determined by culture, and therefore, vary from one society to another.

Meta-Ethics: Subdiscipline of ethics that studies the very nature of morality and moral language.

Examples and Cases

Medical Ethics Cases: In medical ethics, the principles of beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (not causing harm) from bioethics are often applied in clinical decisions. These principles can be analyzed by different normative ethical theories to justify moral actions or choices.

Consequences of Pollution: The environmental impact caused by pollution is an example where Consequentialism can be applied. The theory could analyze the consequences of human actions on the environment and judge them based on these consequences.

Euthanasia Issues: Discussions on euthanasia are also fertile fields for the application of normative ethical theories. Deontology, for example, could argue that the act of taking another human life is morally wrong, regardless of any positive consequence that may come from it. Consequentialism, however, could justify euthanasia if it is considered that the action would bring more benefits than negative consequences.

Detailed Summary:

Relevant Points:

• The Importance of Ethics: We discussed the relevance of this theme as a basis for understanding the principles that guide human behavior. It was highlighted that Ethics is more than a set of rules to be followed, it is a way to understand and question the world around us, from small daily decisions to the great issues that permeate society.

• Normative Ethics: We focused on three theoretical approaches in this area - Deontology, Consequentialism, Relativism - and how each defines "what is right?". We explored the idea of ought to be and how it is understood in different ethical contexts.

• Applied Ethics: We introduced the concept of Applied Ethics and how it applies to different fields, such as medicine, the environment, and the business world. We emphasized that ethics is not isolated in the theoretical field, but permeates all spheres of life.

• Meta-Ethics: We explored Meta-Ethics, a subdiscipline that is concerned with the nature of Ethics itself, questioning the meaning of ethical terms and morality. The role of Meta-Ethics in broadening and deepening the understanding of Ethics as a whole was analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Ethical Relativism: We highlighted the existence of different views on morality, including Ethical Relativism, which defends the idea that the notion of right and wrong is relative and varies between cultures and individuals.

• Ethics and Practical Action: We established the connection between normative ethical theories and practice, through Applied Ethics. Normative Ethics provides the principles and guidelines for action, while Applied Ethics brings these principles to real situations, assisting in ethical decision-making.

• Ethical Reflection: Finally, we exhorted to reflection on our own notions of ethics and morality, urging students to consider how their own ideas and actions are rooted in the theories and concepts discussed.

Exercises:

1. Case Study - Medical Ethics: Analyze a medical ethics case in light of normative ethical theories (Deontology, Consequentialism, Relativism). How would each theory justify the actions taken by the doctors?

2. Ethical Decision - Environment: Imagine that you are a public manager and need to make a decision that will impact the environment of your city. Using Consequentialism, justify your choice and discuss possible criticisms that could be made in light of other ethical theories.

3. Classroom Discussion - Meta-Ethics: Conduct a classroom discussion on the foundations of Meta-Ethics, focusing on understanding terms like "right" and "wrong". Ask students to present arguments for and against Cultural Relativism as a meta-ethical view.