What normative theory best identifies your approach to ethics? Why? Keep in mind the difference between ethics and morality.

In Critical Response Paper #2, you are asked to reflect on the readings in Shafer-Landau, Living Ethics, Chapters 5, 6, 8 and 9 on the first four normative theories in ethics – consequentialism, Kantian ethics, natural law, and prima facie duties. You are also encouraged to interact with other relevant readings we’ve done up to this point such as the insights drawn from the RSL readings in Chapter 3.

Critical Response Paper Question

Shafer-Landau argues in Chapters 5, 6, 8 and 9 of Living Ethics that there are various attempts among moral philosophers to offer and defend a normative approach to ethics. What does it mean to say that an approach to ethics is normative? According to the readings, what is the essential thing a moral philosopher attempting to do in setting forth an ethical theory? (Think about what philosophers do in general and try to apply this to the field of ethics.) Trace through the arguments of the four normative theories and take about two sentences to briefly summarize each approach.

Next, identify at least one of the major objections each ethical theory or approach in question must satisfactorily answer if it is to be successful. What objection do you think is the most damaging to the ethical approach in question? Offer good philosophical arguments for your position. Which ethical approach, given its tensions, objections, and aims, has the most promise of being a defensible position? Again, support your conclusion with good reasons and arguments.

Finally, what normative theory best identifies your approach to ethics? Why? Keep in mind the difference between ethics and morality. Morality speaks to the kinds of behaviors you find acceptable and unacceptable. Ethics speaks to the evidential reasons and arguments for why you subscribe to a particular theory. Consequently, a critical response is not about how you feel but how you argue your position from a philosophical perspective.