Modern Ethical Theories

Modern Ethical Theories Hey Mumbai University FYBA IDOL students!  Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of MORAL PHILOSOPHY , exploring  about – “Modern Ethical Theories“. we’re going deep into the world of modern ethical theories, where we’ll uncover the secrets behind some of the most influential ideas in moral thought. First up, we’re going to dive into the mind of David Hume. Ever wondered what he believed was the most important aspect of moral actions? Get ready to unravel the mystery as we explore Hume’s fascinating insights. But that’s not all! Hume also had some intriguing arguments about the role of reason in moral actions. Can reason alone influence our moral decisions? Let’s dissect Hume’s reasoning and see what conclusions we can draw. Next, we’ll explore Hume’s influence argument. What exactly is it, and how does it shape our understanding of moral behavior? It’s a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of human nature and ethics. Now, let’s shift gears and explore Immanuel Kant’s ethical theories. What lies at the core of Kant’s ethics? Hint: it involves something called the categorical imperative. We’ll unravel this concept and explore its implications for moral philosophy. But wait, there’s more! We’ll also delve into Utilitarianism, a theory championed by thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. What exactly is Utilitarianism, and how does it measure the morality of actions? Get ready for a deep dive into the world of consequentialist ethics.  And of course, we’ll explore the nature and origin of morality as discussed by David Hume. What factors shape our moral beliefs, and how do they influence our behavior? It’s a fascinating exploration into the roots of moral thought. But hey, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! We’ll also tackle Kant’s categorical imperative and Mill’s Utilitarianism in greater detail. Plus, we’ll explore some key concepts like Kant’s notion of good will and the paradox of hedonism. And finally, we’ll wrap things up by comparing and contrasting Kant’s moral theory with Mill’s moral theory, as well as exploring the differences between hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative. So, FYBA IDOL Mumbai University students, get ready to learn about –”Modern Ethical Theories” with customized idol notes just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together  QUESTION 1:- What is the most important in moral actions according to Hume?   Introduction:        We’re delving into the fascinating world of ethics through the lens of David Hume’s perspective. Get ready to explore how feelings and emotions take center stage in Hume’s ethical theory and why he believes they’re the driving force behind our moral decisions. So, let’s embark on this journey and uncover the importance of moral sentiments according to David Hume in a way that’s as clear as day!    Hume’s Emphasis on Moral Sentiments:          Picture this: You’re faced with a moral dilemma—do you help a friend in need or look out for yourself? According to David Hume, the key to making moral decisions lies not in cold, hard logic, but in something much warmer and fuzzier: moral sentiments or feelings.          Hume was all about the feels—he believed that our moral judgments are deeply rooted in our emotions and sentiments, rather than just our rational thoughts. In fact, he argued that moral evaluations aren’t solely based on reason but are heavily influenced by our emotional responses, like feeling approval or disapproval.        But wait, there’s more! Hume put a spotlight on a special little thing called sympathy. He believed that sympathy—a fancy word for understanding and sharing the feelings of others—is the glue that holds society together. After all, if we couldn’t empathize with each other’s joys and sorrows, how would we ever connect with one another?     Hume saw sympathy as a fundamental aspect of human nature, driving our social interactions and even contributing to our personal happiness. In his view, our ability to feel what others feel is what makes us truly human and shapes the way we navigate the world around us.   Conclusion:        In a nutshell, David Hume’s ethical theory shines a spotlight on the importance of moral sentiments and feelings in guiding our moral decisions. He believed that our emotions play a crucial role in shaping our ethical actions, with sympathy serving as the cornerstone of social life and personal happiness. So, the next time you’re faced with a moral dilemma, don’t forget to listen to your heart—after all, according to Hume, it knows a thing or two about what’s right and wrong! QUESTION 2 :- How Hume proves reason alone cannot influence moral action?   Introduction:          In his “influence argument,” David Hume challenges the idea that reason alone guides our moral actions. He suggests that while reason can help us understand moral distinctions, it’s not the driving force behind our behavior. Instead, Hume proposes that our actions are primarily motivated by our feelings and passions, like pleasure or pain. Let’s break down Hume’s argument in simpler terms to understand why he thinks this way.   Explanation:      Imagine you know that eating an apple every day can keep the doctor away. That’s some good reasoning, right? You understand the logic behind it – apples are healthy, doctors are busy people – but does that reasoning alone make you actually eat an apple every day? Probably not. Hume would say it’s because you don’t have a strong passion for good health driving you to munch on those apples.       Hume talks about two types of reasoning: demonstrative reason and probable reason. Demonstrative reason is like math – it gives us certain, undeniable conclusions, like 2 + 2 = 4. But when it comes to moral decisions, we often deal with probable reason – it’s more like weighing the evidence and making an educated guess. Hume argues that even this kind of reasoning isn’t enough to make us act morally on its own.       Let’s take an example. You know you shouldn’t cheat on a test. That’s a