Rob Colquhoun

Consequentialist-

1. Helps to see the bigger picture- full extent of position and especially possibility to end war. The end justifies means in this sense. Henry Sidgwick- every individual seeks own pleasure.

 

2. would bomb for the sake of lives saved in hypothetical calculation of consequences. Speculative nature of consequences presents the dubious nature of ethical calculation. Ethics of act of murder not so important as the after effects. Corruptibible by hedonism and self interest, emotivism, corruption.

 

Virtue Ethics-

1. virtues, habits, character. Purpose of human life, happiness, difficulty of establishing nature of virtues. Reduces legalism, focus on person’s character. Conceptions of virtues- enables individual to discharge social role (homer), enable individual to natural/supernatural achievement of telos (Aristotle), achieve earthly and heavenly success (Franklin). Possession and exercise of virtue enables us to achieve goods.

 

2. not bomb- bad for character and person involved in dropping bomb. Not virtuous for person to kill others. Firm disposition to do good. Allows person to perform good acts. Give best for himself. Hero- admiration even in failure. Virtue habitual. Tends towards good with all sensory and spiritual powers. Truth, honour, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellence, praise- thing about these. Virtuous life to become like God. Happiness, friendship, love, pleasure, honour, contemplation. Friendship, Justice, temperance, wisdom, courage, Aristotelian virtue

 

Natural Law

1. Objective moral absolutes. Best of goods for all. Complete well being perfection. Reason. Experience. Seeking happiness fulfilment. Respect nature way we were made. Reflect on who I am and what I seek. Foundational ways of life. Necessary way for fulfilling nature. Ethics of action not consequence. Universal application.

 

2. not bomb- wrong to murder. Universal applies everywhere. Not lead to happiness. Personal ethics wrong and law wrong. Wrong on virtues and values.

 

3. MOST USEFUL: natural law… embedded in human nature. Objective morality – is true to morals and not corrupted or tempted by justification by other means. Not embedded with duty or consequences. Divine law, transcendent, embedded in humanity. CICERO – true law right reason in agreement with nature. Virtue ethics – does not fully subscribe to objectivity – versatility a hindrance to true moral reflection. Example strongly conditioned towards consequences- encourages us to ignore the given objective morality of murder.