Great Throughts Treasury

"The Ten Commandments, and religious principles in general, simply tell you what to do. Learning to think morally (i.e., philosophically) helps you to discover both what to do, and why."

"Simply put, philosophical counselling consists of a trained philosopher helping an individual deal with a problem or an issue that is of concern to that individual. Philosophical counselors know that the majority of people are quite capable of resolving most of their problems on a day-to-day basis either by themselves or with the help of significant others. It is when problems become too complex -- as, for example, when values seem to conflict, when facts appear contradictory, when reasoning about a problem becomes trapped within a circle, or when life seems unexpectedly meaningless -- that a trained philosopher can be of greater help than the average friend or family member."

"Ethical options: 1. Majority How would most people in my community decide this issue? 2. Consensus What decision would all members of my community be likely to agree with regarding this issue? 3. Discourse ethics What decision would I arrive at through careful discussion with others? (Jürgen Habermas) 4. Divine command morality What does my church or my religious beliefs say I should do? 5. Golden Rule What would I want others to do if the situation were reversed? (found in most religions. Do unto others as you want them to do to you.) 6. Justice as fairness How would I decide if I didn’t know where my personal interest lies in the situation? (John Rawls’ deciding objectively) 7. Virtue ethics What would a good person do in this situation? (Aristotle) 8. Duty ethics What are the principles of duty involved in this situation? (Immanuel Kant e.g., don’t lie; don’t steal, respect others) 9. Utilitarianism or greatest happiness principle What decision will bring the most happiness to the most people? (Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill) 10. Consequentialism What will be the outcome of my decision both in the short-term and in the long run? 11. Cost/benefit analysis What will my decision cost (and for whom?); what will be the rewards (and who will receive them)? 12. Relational ethics How will my decision affect my connection with significant others? 13. Care ethics Is my decision kind and compassionate, and does it reflect my caring nature? (Carol Gilligan) 14. Casuistry or case-based How have similar cases been decided in the past, and with what results? 15. Contextualism or situational ethics Is the decision I have come to fitting or appropriate to the unique aspects of this particular context or situation? 16. Empirical ethics or pragmatism Will my decision actually help the individuals involved, or my community, to thrive? 17. Existential ethics Is the decision I have made “authentic”,i .e., true to myself, my values, beliefs, and principles?"