Module 3--C.Abe

Critical Reaction: “Thinking Ethically” by Velasquez, et al

The theme of the article was that although it is difficult to deal with moral issues, there are guidelines to help make the process easier. Listed in the article were five different approaches to resolving an ethical issue successfully: The Utilitarian Approach, The Rights Approach, The Fairness or Justice Approach, The Common Good Approach, and The Virtue Approach.

The Utilitarian Approach, formulated in the 19th century is based on the idea that ethical actions are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil. In this approach, the goal is to weigh the options and effects in an ethical situation and then to choose the action with the least harm and greatest benefits.

The Rights Approach is solely committed to serving the individual. It promises individuals their rights, or “justified claims on others” (“Rights” article by Velasquez, et. Al). In other words, the rights given to individuals directly affect other people. The article “Rights” by Velasquez, et. al gave this example:
“If I have a right to freedom, then I have a justified claim to be left alone by others. Turned around, I can say that others have a duty or responsibility to leave me alone.”

Philosophers who support this approach suggest that human beings are set apart from other beings because of their ability to choose what they will do with their lives. These philosophers claim that it is because of this freedom of choice that gives humans the moral right to have their choices respected.

Next, the Fairness or Justice Approach is rooted in Aristotle’s teaching. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, believed that “equals should be treated equally and unequal unequally.” This type of thinking tends to be very complicated, however, because it is difficult to measure fairness and even more difficult to maintain a level of fairness with all people. As humans, we are imperfect and thus have a tendency to show favoritism to people, while at the same time discriminate against others. It is virtually impossible to promote equality among all people.

The Common Good Approach describes a notion that originated more than 2,000 years ago. It seeks to provide everyone—regardless of social status, income, etc-- with the same resources, policies, social systems, and institutions. According to ethicist John Rawls, the common good is “certain general conditions that are…equally to everyone’s advantage.”

Finally, the Virtue Approach seeks to provide and promote rich and pure character, above all else. Virtues such as honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are ones that hold high esteem and priority in this particular approach. The approach causes one to reflect on the way he or she is living, communicating with others, dealing with problems, and overall maintaining a level of virtue. The idea is that the more virtuous a person is, the more ethical he is. A virtuous person is able to clearly and confidently solve problems, confronting wisely and gently when necessary.