Unit 1: Nature and Scope of Ethics
Table of Contents
1. Nature and Scope of Ethics
Ethics (derived from the Greek word 'ethos', meaning character or custom) is the branch of philosophy that studies the morality of human conduct. It is often referred to as Moral Philosophy.
Nature of Ethics
- Normative Science: Unlike positive sciences (which study what is), ethics is a normative science because it studies what ought to be. It seeks to establish norms, standards, or values for human behavior.
- Rational Inquiry: It does not rely on tradition or emotion alone but uses logical reasoning to evaluate the "rightness" or "wrongness" of actions.
- Practical Science: While it involves deep theory, its ultimate goal is practical—to guide human life toward the "Summum Bonum" (the Highest Good).
Scope of Ethics
The scope of ethics includes the analysis of moral concepts, the study of human motives and intentions, and the application of moral principles to social, political, and professional life.
2. Moral and Non-moral Actions
Ethics does not judge every human movement. It only evaluates actions that fall under the category of "Conduct."
| Type of Action | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Moral Actions | Voluntary actions performed by a rational agent with a sense of responsibility. | Telling the truth, helping someone in need, making a promise. |
| Non-moral Actions | Involuntary actions or actions performed by those without moral capacity. | Reflexes (blinking), actions of infants, animals, or the mentally incapacitated. |
"Only voluntary actions—actions done with knowledge, freedom, and intention—are subject to moral judgment."
3. Object of Moral Judgment
When we say an action is "bad" or "good," what exactly are we judging? Philosophers debate the Object of Moral Judgment.
- Motive: The inner drive or feeling that prompts an action (e.g., pity, anger, love).
- Intention: The aim or the end toward which the action is directed. It includes the chosen means and the foreseen consequences.
- Consequences: The actual results produced by the action in the external world.
The Ethical View: Most moral philosophers argue that Intention is the primary object of moral judgment because it reflects the character and choice of the agent more accurately than the mere outcome.
Exam Focus: Tips & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Ethics called a 'Normative Science'?
A: Because it provides 'norms' or 'standards' (like Justice, Honesty, Utility) to judge human conduct. It is a science because its study is systematic and rational.
Q: Can animals be moral?
A: No, in the philosophical sense. Animals act on instinct rather than rational choice. Therefore, their actions are 'non-moral'—they are neither right nor wrong.
Exam Tip
In your answers, distinguish clearly between Motive (Why I did it) and Intention (What I planned to do). Intention is broader as it involves the means used to achieve an end.