Ethics: Moral Concepts, Theories and Applied Issues
Ethics studies moral concepts, moral theories and their application. The paper tests definitions of good, right, duty and virtue, comparison of theories, and reasoned judgement on applied issues.
Core rules and concepts
- Metaethics asks what moral language means; normative ethics proposes standards; applied ethics treats cases.
- Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill) judges acts by consequences, aiming at the greatest happiness; Mill distinguishes higher and lower pleasures.
- Kant's deontology tests maxims by the categorical imperative: universalisability and treating persons as ends.
- Virtue ethics focuses on character and practical wisdom.
- Indian ethics uses rita (cosmic order), dharma (duty and righteousness), karma, ahimsa and the purusharthas: dharma, artha, kama, moksha.
Worked example
Should you break a promise to save a life? A utilitarian may argue that saving life maximises welfare, so breaking the promise is right. A Kantian asks whether the maxim 'break promises when useful' can be universalised; it cannot, because it destroys the institution of promising. A virtue approach asks what a truthful, compassionate person would do. The best answer compares the theories and names the criterion used.
Traps
Do not derive 'ought' from 'is' without argument. Do not equate legal with moral. Do not reduce dharma to religion. Do not treat utilitarianism as selfish; it is impartial but consequence-based. Marks are lost for a verdict without reasons.