EthicsEthics

Defining Terms

Bell Ringer: Ethical Conundrum

Test Case: Lying

Bell Ringer: Ethical Conundrum

Test Case: Lying

Is it ever morally permissible?

Is it ever morally right?

The Noble Lie: From Plato’s Republic

The Noble Lie: From Plato’s Republic

Comes to us from Plato (via Socrates in the Republic)

“Myth of Metals”: Gold, Silver, Iron (Bronze or copper)

A lie told to improve the overall functioning of society/state. Some people are too dumb to understand the necessity of virtue. Therefore, a lie told to improve their outlook and productivity is needed.

False propaganda for public welfare is acceptable. Can you think of a Noble Lie in our society?

Key Terms of the Ethics UnitKey Terms of the Ethics Unit Moral Philosophy: The Search for the best way

to live and the right principles to guide our actions

Good Will: Acting on moral principles that are justifiable by practical reason

Morality: Set of principles that guide our actions Duty: Something one ought to do Good Life: ???? (pg. 245). It does refer to the

end-goal, not simply the means of achieving this end. “The End in itself.”

Methods of Achieving a Good LifeMethods of Achieving a Good Life Hedonism (245):The Good life is getting as

much pleasure in one’s life and avoiding as much pain as possible. –Epicurus

Success (247): Achieving a decent social status and respectability in society (wealth usually a determining factor) -William James

Asceticism (248): The Good life is one of simplicity –oftentimes denying worldly pleasures.

-Diogenes/Jesus/Buddha

Freedom (249):The Good life is one free of responsibility and social obligations. -Dostoevsky

Methods of Achieving a Good LifeMethods of Achieving a Good Life Power & Creativity (250): “Will to Power”

Man desires the power to grow as a person and to develop one’s talents, to create.

–Nietzsche Religion (250): Devoting one’s life to

following a religious doctrine; “religion…permeates and dominates [all other desires].” –Paul Tillich & Kierkegaard

Happiness/Eudemonia (251): That which is desired for its own sake and not for the sake of anything else. Happiness is not one activity, but the result of many activities. -Aristotle

Your Method for the Good LifeYour Method for the Good Life After examining various attempts at living “the Good life” it is

time for you to attempt to express your opinion on the Good Life.

1). What does it mean to live the Good Life? What ought we want out of life?

2). What about life should we just accept and move on rather than try to ‘solve’?

3). Respond to Nietzsche’s ‘Power & Creativity’ theory. What is he saying? Is he right? Explain.

4). Choose a specific method of achieving the Good Life. Re-read that section. Provide two criticisms or supporting claims for that method of achieving the Good Life.

5). What criticism does the textbook have for the methods of a good life as laid down in all of the concepts we’ve examined thus far (Hint: it’s after Aristotle’s version of the good life).