Foundations of Applied Ethics and its theories

An overview of the Foundations of Applied Ethics, highlighting its key concepts, ethical theories and relevance to real-life moral decisions in personal, social and professional contexts.

1. Foundations of Applied Ethics Exploring Moral Reasoning, Ethical Theories, and Practical Applications "Foundation of Applied Ethics "  by  Rajshree Beneymadoo  is licensed under  CC BY 4.0

2. Introduction Ethics studies moral principles guiding human actions. Applied Ethics: Applies moral theory to practical issues. Importance: Helps make reasoned moral choices in complex situations.

3. Key Trends in Ethics Applied Ethics: Real-life dilemmas. Practical Ethics: Everyday moral decisions. Business Ethics: Corporate responsibility. Medical Ethics: Patient care and healthcare dilemmas. Environmental Ethics: Sustainability and human impact.

4. Differentiating Key Trends Trend Focus Scope Example Applied Ethics Bridging theory & practice All spheres Ethical business decision Practical Ethics Everyday choices Personal & social life Lying to protect a friend Business Ethics Corporate morality Workplace & commerce Fair trade policies Medical Ethics Healthcare decision-making Hospitals, clinics End-of-life care Environmental Ethics Human-environment relations Global & local Reducing carbon footpri Trend Focus Scope Example Applied Ethics Bridging theory & practice All spheres Ethical business decision Practical Ethics Everyday choices Personal & social life Lying to protect a friend Business Ethics Corporate morality Workplace & commerce Fair trade policies Medical Ethics Healthcare decision-making Hospitals, clinics End-of-life care Environmental Ethics Human-environment relations Global & local Reducing carbon footpri

5. Ethical Theories Overview Deontology: Duty-based ethics (Kant) Utilitarianism: Outcome-based ethics (Bentham, Mill) Virtue Ethics: Character-based ethics (Aristotle)

6. How Ethical Theories Guide Action Deontology: Follow rules regardless of outcomes. Utilitarianism: Maximize overall happiness. Virtue Ethics: Act according to virtuous character. Example: Medical decision-making (deontology vs utilitarianism vs virtue ethics).

7. Ethical Value of Life Life is morally valuable. Key questions: What makes life meaningful? Moral status of humans & non-humans? Debate: Sanctity vs. quality of life.

8. Moral Issues – Suicide and Euthanasia Suicide: Autonomy vs societal duty; mental health; ethical responsibility. Euthanasia: Voluntary vs involuntary; ethical frameworks. Deontology: Prohibited Utilitarianism: Depends on suffering relief

9. Applying Moral Reasoning Steps: 1. Identify the problem 2. Consider ethical principles & stakeholders 3. Apply ethical theories 4. Reach reasoned judgment Example: Euthanasia in terminal illness.

10. References / Further Reading Rachels, J. & Rachels, S. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. S inger , P. Practical Ethics. Beauchamp, T. & Childress, J. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Velasquez, M. Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases.