Two styles of ethics Theoretical ethics Practical ethics

Two styles of ethics “Theoretical” ethics -- “Practical” ethics – • Rests on reason & logic • Produces correct principles for acting • Emphasizes the individual’s autonomy • Imposes constraints on behavior • Rests on wisdom • Produces good action • Recognizes individuals’ sociality • Seeks self-regulation of behavior

“Theoretical” ethics For example, Kant - • Find correct maxims for behavior • Accomplished by applying a logical test – the “rational” conceivability (reversibility and universalizability) of the maxim • Done in “splendid” isolation • Constrains us to act in ways we ordinarily might not, e. g. , against our self-interest

“Theoretical” ethics For example, Utilitarianism - • Find correct action in a particular situation • Accomplished by making a rational calculation – the best balance of benefits vs. costs (understood broadly to involve more than actual dollars) • Done in “splendid” isolation • Constrains us to act in ways we ordinarily might not, e. g. , against our self-interest

Simple example “Theoretical” ethics – “Practical” ethics – • Drive below posted • “Drive at a speed maximum speed reasonable and proper” • Drive above posted minimum speed, if any • Observe variable speed zones • Etc.

Less simple example Old Testament Ethics New Testament Ethics • Do the things on this list • Don’t do the things on this other list • Do what it says in that big stack of books • “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…strength… and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10: 27)

Aspects of “practical” ethics -Community • Our reality is essentially social – individuals exist only in communities, and communities themselves are built of other communities • Our well-being is dependent on the wellbeing of the interlocking communities of which we are a part – including the businesses for which we work

Aspects of “practical” ethics -Excellence • Being “ethical” is acting “virtuously” • Virtue (or being virtuous) is a matter of actively seeking excellence in our lived reality, rather than passively adhering to imposed standards

Aspects of “practical” ethics – Role Identity • Ethics is contextual, in the sense that at every moment and in every ethical decision we have multiple sets of roles and responsibilities within our intersecting communities • Simple, absolute principles will always miss the ethical mark

Aspects of “practical” ethics -Integrity • The situational character of our ethical decisions means that different virtues will take precedence in different cases • Integrity thus becomes the “linchpin” virtue

Aspects of “practical” ethics -Judgment • A mechanical application of simple rules will not work • Broad judgment, wisdom, “moral imagination” is necessary

Aspects of “practical” ethics -Holism • Just as we must ethically integrate ourselves into our communities, we must integrate ourselves. • Good character yielding “naturally” good behavior, rather than disjoint, piecemeal ethics

For example, Aristotle’s “practical” ethics • Virtues are a balance point between two extremes – for example, courage lies between cowardice and foolhardiness • The particular balance point depends on us and our individual situations, and our judgment enables us to determine what it is • We ingrain a virtue and help make it “second nature” every time we act virtuously – for example, we become courageous by acting courageously

Being ethical Aristotle’s way • Adopt the ideals for behavior that are embodied in the virtues – honesty, loyalty, courage, benevolence, civility, tolerance, wit, magnanimity, etc. • Develop good character by practicing these virtues. • Use the wisdom you have gained from this practice to “blend” the virtues appropriately for the differing situations of your life. • Virtuous action will then flow from you as your second nature