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Introduction
Ethics is a broad social science field, grounded on the precepts of moral philosophy and focused on the elucidations of behaviors deemed morally right or wrong. The paper aims to highlight some of the primary conceptualizations integrated into the study of morality, including natural law, human rights, ethics of care, and virtue ethics. Natural law is a crucial concept in contemporary society due to its applicability in ethical, political, and moral systems. Ethics of care is a feminist morality approach that challenges conventional moral male-centric theories (Mackinnon and Fiala 130). At the same time, virtue ethics is a person-centered conception that assesses the moral character or virtue of the individual executing an action instead of the underlying ethical rules and duties or a particular actions consequences. This piece of writing provides comprehensive summaries and reflections on the concepts defined above. It summarizes each chapters (chronologically) conceptualizations and later offers in-depth thoughts on the vital course conceptions.
Chapter 7: Natural Law and Human Rights
Summary
Natural law is a fundamental ethical concept that stipulates that humans should ascertain what they must do by decoding the moral law elements as defined in nature. The theory asserts that individuals should harbor the desire to understand the truth. Natural law reflects on moral law that guides people categorically on how they are supposed to behave. John Locke a renowned philosopher-argued that since all human beings have a common origin of nature, they should receive equal treatment (Mackinnon and Fiala). Therefore, people globally are entitled to the natural right to possess properties as provided in natures laws.
Some of the historical proponents of natural law theory include Aquinas, Aristotle, Cicero, and Stoics. Each one of these individuals established compelling perspectives on the subject of natural law. For instance, Aquinas developed the argument that natural law is a component of divine law and part of the broader plan for the world or universe. Aquinas received credit as the founder of natural laws ethics, where the primary objective is to define a clear path for the link between natural law and human reasoning. On the other hand, Cicero, a reputable morality philosopher, asserted that natural laws foundational origin is the supernatural God. He advanced his theory by declaring that natural laws object has no limit of time since it applies at the present moment (today) and in the future (tomorrow).
Human rights relate to the fundamental freedoms and entitlements belonging to every individual, upon their conception and until death. These rights apply irrespective of ones location, beliefs, and life choices. Although sometimes they can be constrained, they can never be taken away or denied. Human rights are ground on shared values, including independence, respect, equality, fairness, and dignity; they are delineated and protected by law. For instance, the 1998 Human Rights Act safeguards Britains human rights.
Reflection
The chapter shares interesting and fascinating lessons on natural law and the weighty issue of human rights. The study sheds light on the growing need for respect for humanity through adherence to the basic human rights and fundamental privileges that should be accorded to a person. International organizations and institutions such as the United Nations have made tremendous contributions to the implementation of human rights protocol to protect humanitys dignity and essence in the world. One of the challenges in comprehending the chapter is that some of the natural-law theory concepts are abstract; hence an individual may encounter difficulties when attempting to relate the lessons in the real world.
This chapters concepts are exciting due to the idea that they lure humanity into discovering the truth about nature. The knowledge shared by ancient philosophers such as Aquinas has great relevance to the modern world since it inspires people to apply to reason when discussing faith elements. I concur with Aquinass perspective that there is a strong interrelationship between natural and divine law (originates from faith). The lessons on the philosophy of natural law and the foundation of human rights have a deep correlation to the laws or commandments provided in the bible.
Chapter 8: Virtue Ethics
Summary
Virtue ethics is a glossary of theories and concepts that demonstrate the significance of morality and character in the practice of moral philosophy. Virtue ethicists developed the argument that an individuals conduct should adhere to the behavior that would be exhibited by a virtuous individual. Numerous theories related to virtue ethics are derived from Aristotles concepts. Aristotle posited that a moral person is an individual who displays good or favorable traits. Ethics of care is a fundamental branch of virtue ethics developed by feminist philosophers. The scholars presented that virtue ethics or ethics of care should align to the dominant feminist characteristics or traits of empathy, respect, tenderness, and affection.
Several shortcomings arise from the consideration of virtue ethics; this includes the lack of clarity on a virtuous individuals exemplary character. As such, virtue ethics only declare that the standard of reasonable conduct should adhere to an honest persons behavior. Further, virtue ethics fails to recognize that a virtuous persons behavior or the capacity to develop proper or acceptable virtues may be adversely influenced by the factor of education, culture, and society. The concept of African virtue-theory has been highlighted in the text. The main assertions of morality are tied to good character, and morality lacks relations to God. Further, the concept posits that storytelling helps in sharing knowledge on good habits. Again, the essence of humanitys well-being is at the primary focus of morality.
Reflection
The acquisition of knowledge on the teachings of Aristotle on virtue ethics has been impactful and exciting. I feel that virtue ethics is the most significant branch of ethics based on the understanding that their characters nature defines a human being or individual. The corporate world and the public service can draw numerous lessons from virtue ethics. The professionals working for the companies and the government must cultivate an impressive (good) character of human behavior that signifies dignity and command reputation from the public sphere. I am delighted by the lesson that human beings can develop good virtues through the constant practice of good actions that translate to good virtues. I have decided to undertake a personal initiative of following daily activities based on the good character that will establish good virtues.
One of the dominant criticisms that one can draw from the chapter is the blurred clarity on the specific definition of a virtuous persons character traits as proposed in the text. From the development, it becomes difficult for a person to align their behavior to ethical standards since there lacks a benchmark from which an individual may refer. I strongly concur with the view that ethics of care should largely incline to the moral positioning of the character traits of feminist groups. In practice, when defining the ethics of care, the character codes of nurturing, love, tenderness, and empathy- that are highly feminine should set the standards for the practice of ethics of care in society.
Chapter 9: Feminist Thought and Ethics of Care
Summary
The feminist thought has been clearly illustrated in the chapter, and it seeks to propagate a feminist perspective to the element of morality and ethics. Indeed, feminism is an intellectual-based consideration and political strategy that aims at gender mainstreaming by eliminating personal, institutional, and societal prejudices aligned on the female gender. The chapter provides exciting insights on the link between gender and morality that assigns particular traits such as justice to the male gender. In contrast, the female gender receives qualities such as compassion and care. The ethics of care represent a distinct branch of ethics that deals with the feminist approach to the concern of morality and ethics through drawing female and male differences in the art of moral reasoning.
Reflection
I am intrigued by the research work of Gilligan Carol. He delved into the study of the unique differences in moral reasoning between the female and male gender. Gilligans lessons are instrumental in shaping the perspective on modern ethics in the contemporary world by including womens character traits while drawing the standard on acceptable values. Further, I have enjoyed the texts analysis of classical feminism that seeks to achieve non-discrimination and equality in society. In my esteemed view, I feel that when the community recognizes the place of women in the role of shaping the perspective of morality, significant progress emerges. Further, I have gained knowledge of moral reasoning benefits, such as facilitating decision-making when one encounters ethical dilemmas.
Conclusion
This writing piece provides comprehensive summaries and reflections on the concepts included in chapters seven, eight, and nine. Natural law reflects on moral law that guides us categorically on how we are supposed to behave. Therefore, all persons on the earth are entitled to the natural right to possess properties as provided in the laws of nature. Virtue ethicists argue that an individuals conduct should adhere to a virtuous individuals behavior. Further, ethics of care is a fundamental branch of virtue ethics that feminist philosophers developed. Feminist thought seeks to propagate a feminist perspective to the element of morality and ethics.
Work Cited
Mackinnon, Barbara, and Andrew Fiala. Ethics Theory and Contemporary Issues. 9th ed., Cengage, 2018.
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