Ethics
Social Ethics
Utilitarian ethics focus directly on increasing the best possible outcome for all while minimizing the suffering of all. This ethical view tends to be more impersonal than other ethical perspectives, such as care ethics as it focuses on what is best for all without taking into consideration any familial ties with others. An example of utilitarian ethics would be rationing of resources during World War II. In order to ensure that everyone had all necessary resources, including milk, bread, etc., the government rationed out certain items in order to maximize the good for the most and minimize the most suffering.
Social ethics is founded in contracting society as a whole in order to outline what is ethical and what is not. Once society has decided what is permitted and what is forbidden, the entire population is contracted into behaving specific ways in accordance with the social contract. We all live within some level of social ethics. As a society, we have decided that having sexual relations with those under age 18 is illegal. In some cultures, the age of consent is much lower sometimes even as low as age 12. These are differences between the cultures that causes the idea of “what is acceptable” to be different based on the society.
Egoism has two kinds: psychological and ethical. In psychological egoism, the idea that we are all concerned about ourselves in a selfish, self-interest manner is what rules our ethical decisions. Ethical egoism however suggests that we should be concerned about what is best for us as individuals. Essentially psychological egoism states that we do act in our own self interests while ethical egoism states that we should act in our own self interests. Often times we see the idea of egoism in colleges and high schools. Many times people decide what is best for them and act in their own best interests in both college and high school in order to fit in. An example would be the teenager who makes fun of another in order to feel better about themselves. In this scenario, it is all about the individual and how they feel and believe they can better their social status. It is definitely an egocentric way to approach situations.
Relativism focuses on what is relative and relevant in each culture. The phrase “when in Rome, do as the Roman’s do” epitomizes this form of ethical thinking. This ethical theory will inevitably vary from culture to culture as there will always be differences between different societies. This method of ethics is apparent between varying cultures that exist within the US borders. If one goes to a Japanese restaurant, for example, then blending in with the Japanese culture one would take off their shoes and sit on the floor as occurs in the Japanese culture.
Care ethics emphasizes reason combined with feelings and empathy for others. This ideal in ethics focuses more on relationships and affection than solely on reason. Different from utilitarian ethics, care ethics does take into consideration any personal and emotional ties we have with others, such as family and friends. In regards to care ethics, looking at those closest to us and making decisions based off of how connected with others we are takes precedent. Strangers are more likely to be treated differently than our family and friends as a result of this line of thinking. For example, if a car was about to catch fire and my brother and her friend (whom I’ve never met) were in the car and I could only save one person, using care ethics I would save my brother first. With this line of thinking I have more of an interpersonal connection with my brother than I do with his friend, therefore I would put him first.
Let’s take into consideration a societal dilemma that we can apply ethics to. The job of the US president is to maximize the most benefit for all while minimizing suffering for the most people possible. This utilitarian approach is what makes a good politician. However, often times we see people involved in politics who take on the egoistic or care ethics approach. Some simply look out for themselves, while others will look out for their friends in the business. A good leader will adopt the utilitarian approach that will serve all people under his protection the best. Once the leader of a group of people begins to utilize the utilitarian approach, many others will take note and hopefully adopt the same measures. Unfortunately, many people will see this as a sign of weakness and utilize their own egoistic approaches in order to further their own agendas (as is the demon of politics).
Personally, it is easy to see the pros and cons of each approach to ethics. The idea of utilitarianism is idealistic, but irrational as a fool-proof approach. We are all founded in some level of social contract theory, as many of our laws are founded in this. Egoism sometimes rears its ugly head, but is also sometimes necessary. Relativism applies when we are working with others and their customs. And care ethics is ever so present when we consider others, specifically those we are close to.
Reference:
Waller, Bruce N. Consider Ethics: Theory, Readings, and Contemporary Issues. Pearson Custom
Publishing: New York, 2005.
