Normative Ethics: Theory Requirements and Three Approaches

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What is metaethics?

Metaethics examines the foundations and assumptions of morality, including the meaning of moral terms, the source of values, and whether moral facts are objective or relative.

How does normative ethics differ from applied ethics?

Normative ethics develops general principles and standards for how people should act. Applied ethics uses moral principles to assess specific issues, such as euthanasia or artificial intelligence.

What makes a normative moral theory coherent?

It has a logical foundation for its principles, offers consistent guidance, and provides reasons that explain and justify its recommendations about right conduct.

What criterion does consequentialism use?

Consequentialism evaluates actions by their outcomes. It typically regards an action as right when it produces the greatest good, such as happiness or general welfare.

How do deontology and virtue ethics determine right action?

Deontology focuses on duties and rules, while virtue ethics focuses on character and the development of good habits or traits. Virtue ethics holds that right action flows from right character.

Quiz questions

1. Which question is characteristic of metaethics?Answer: Whether moral facts are objective or relative.
2. What should a coherent normative moral theory provide?Answer: A logical foundation, consistent guidance, and reasons for its recommendations.
3. A decision-maker chooses the policy expected to produce the greatest overall welfare. Which approach are they using?Answer: Consequentialism, which evaluates actions by their outcomes.
4. A person says lying is wrong because it violates a duty, even if a particular lie would have beneficial results. Which framework best fits this reasoning?Answer: Deontology, which evaluates actions according to duties or rules.
5. Which question is most characteristic of virtue ethics?Answer: What would an honest or compassionate person do?