Philosophy Ethical Theories

Absolutist
An absolutist is a rule that is true in all situations. The rule says things are basically right, no matter what the circumstances, there is no room for manoeuvre. What makes an ethic deontological is that it pays no regard to consequences, as the name makes clear, coming from the Greek duty. For example stealing is always wrong. It makes no difference who does it, what the reasons were, what culture they live in o whether it took place hundreds of years ago. Stealing is just one of those things which is universally wrong and knows that even if they don’t obey the rules. Strengths Weaknesses

. It provides a fixed ethical code to judge actions with

. Clear guidelines of behaviour.

. Absolutism enables us to have a UN Declaration of human rights

. Equality- same rules apply to everyone.

. Life contains many situations which people instinctively take an absolutist approach to. For example: cruelty to a baby is wrong

. It doesn’t consider different circumstances or cultural attitudes

. How does everyone know what the absolute morals are?

. it is not concerned with the motive or outcome of an action

. Doesn't tolerate certain religions / cultures.

Relativist
A moral judgement that takes circumstances into consideration is relativist. Because it is related to the situation and not to any fixed rules. It also means that no action is good or bad in itself; only by weighing up the whole situation can a judgement be made. Strengths Weaknesses

. It is flexible

. It focuses on people

. It allows people to take responsibility

. Judgement are always subjective

. No two people may agree on a judgement

. It is more difficult to apply than absolutism

Objective: Judgements are based on impartial absolute value system Subjective: Judgements are based on personal opinion and not on any fixed rules