Ethical Theories and Societal Equality: A Comprehensive Analysis
Ethical Theories
Ethical theory is the reflection of morality. It involves investigating the origin and desirability of different moral codes, suggesting where our behavior should be directed. It analyzes the consequences of our moral actions and helps us navigate moral dilemmas. Fundamental moral action, although this does not cause problems.
Different Ethical Theories
There are many ethical theories. We can distinguish three main groups:
- Ethical Ends: This focuses on the purpose or consequences we enjoy if we follow a set of rules.
- Ethics of Duty: This ethical question is not whether we are happy, but whether we are bound as human beings endowed with reason.
- Current Ethics: This focuses on ethical problems of our world, such as ecological or environmental ethics.
Eudaemonism (Aristotle)
Aristotle wrote the first treaties that expose the moral behavior of individuals. His ethical theory centers on happiness. Aristotle believes we need to use reason and not choose the most beneficial option at first, but the wisest.
Hedonism (Epicurus)
This theory argues that the ultimate goal is to achieve human happiness, understood as pleasure and avoidance of pain. Epicurus does not refer only to bodily pleasures and pains, but also to spiritual ones. The maximum pleasure for Epicurus is the peace of mind once all requirements have been met, and the absence of worries and suffering. This means that disease, disposition, or death should not worry us.
Moral Emotivism (David Hume)
Hume argues that moral behavior is explained by the desire to reach joy, comfort, and happiness for the greatest number of people possible. For Hume, it is not possible to be happy alone; we need the happiness of those around us.
Utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill)
Like Hume, Jeremy Bentham argues that human beings always act, moved by the pursuit of happiness for the greatest number of people possible. However, he adds a new concept: that which gives us pleasure and happiness is good and, therefore, useful. John Stuart Mill adds that pleasures differ not only in quantity but also in quality. Thus, there are higher and lower pleasures. The best political system is one that ensures greater freedom for individuals and their moral progress. For Mill, democracy is the best way to govern.
The Ethical Theory of Kant
The ethics philosopher Immanuel Kant raised a theory radically different from all previous ones. Kant explains that our behavior should not be based on finding a reward or avoiding punishment, but on what reason dictates that we must do. Kant argues that our reason tells us which moral laws we must follow to behave morally. So, all those moral laws are moral norms that can be understood as universal. He calls these moral laws categorical imperatives. A right action differs from one done out of duty or under any duty.
Challenges for Equality
In our societies, equal rights and opportunities are key concepts. Today, many groups demand equal rights for themselves. The challenges are:
- Economic and Social Equality: All members of society should have equal opportunities for personal development.
- Legal and Political Equality: All members of society should be guaranteed the fulfillment of all recognized rights. All persons are equal before the law.
Society
Society is responsible for an attitude of assistance to its members. Some people think the state should confine itself to acting as a referee and ensuring political order. To do this, we need resources. These resources are obtained through various taxes, fees, and charges paid by citizens. Tax fraud is an unsupportive act.
Discrimination and Exclusion
Discrimination is the rejection of an individual or group by a majority group. Discrimination can also manifest as indifference toward the loss of a person or group. Social exclusion refers to cases of serious discrimination. Society must make an effort to integrate and try to make all citizens feel part of a joint project.
Causes of Discrimination
The causes of discrimination include:
- Lack of Resources: This prevents people from meeting their vital needs and participating in various aspects of life, such as social, cultural, or professional spheres.
- Differences in Physical or Psychological Characteristics: These can lead to prejudices and stereotypes that affect a person’s dignity.
- Unusual Behaviors or Attitudes: This can occur in the case of prostitutes, drug addicts, and alcoholics.
- Downtime.
- Different Social or Personal Conditions: These can be objects of rejection, like AIDS patients, or mockery.
Immigration and Cultural Diversity
The phenomenon of migration has increased dramatically in the second half of the twentieth century.
Racism and Xenophobia
The coexistence of different cultures in our society has generated two major problems:
- Racism: A human group considers itself superior to another for reasons of ethnicity or race.
- Xenophobia: This is the rejection of foreigners. It originates from a certain fear or phobia of that which is foreign to us.