Ans. Ethical theories represent the grand ideas on which guiding principles are based. They attempt to be coherent and systematic, striving to answer the fundamental practical ethical questions: 1.What ought I do? 2. How ought I to live? Ethical theories are needed for a number of purposes. They are the foundations of ethical analysis because they are the viewpoints from which guidance can be obtained along the pathway to a decision. The aim of ethical theory is to give a reasoned account of how we ought to be or act, individually or communally. Ethical theories each emphasize different aspects of an ethical dilemma and lead to the most ethically correct resolution according to the guidelines within the ethical theory itself. People usually base their individual choice of ethical theory upon their life experiences. Ethical theories may function as instruments in discovering the ethical aspects of a problem/situation. Similarly, ethical theories may suggest certain arguments/reasons that can play a role in moral judgments. Furthermore, we need ethical theories to promote ethical social conduct, which is an essential component for creating a civilized, disciplined, productive and progressive society.
2. Ethical theories attempt to systemize ordinary moral judgments, establish and define basic moral principles. Discuss. (7)
Ans. We now look at several ethical theories which attempt to systemize ordinary moral judgments, establish and define basic moral principles but they also have some limitations.
We first look at two extremes of the normative ethical theories. On one hand is normative relativism. It states that all moral points of view are relative. The morals of one person are not necessarily equal to the morals of another person. Next to this, it is also impossible to say that certain norms and values are better than other norms and values.
The problem with this theory is that it is now impossible to discuss