Discussion Questions

These questions are designed to stimulate critical thinking and in-depth discussion about the ethical theories presented in the chapter, encouraging you to explore the practical applications and implications of these theories in various contexts.

Overview of Ethical Theories

1. How do ethical theories provide frameworks for analyzing moral issues in various professions, particularly in contexts like aviation?
2. Discuss the role of ethical theories in shaping personal and professional conduct across different sectors.

Consequentialism and Utilitarianism

1. Evaluate the principle of maximizing good in consequentialism. How does this principle apply in real-world ethical decision-making?
2. Discuss the challenges consequentialism faces in predicting the outcomes of actions. How can these challenges impact ethical decision-making in high-stakes fields like medicine or law?
3. Analyze the distinction between ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures in Mill’s Utilitarianism. How might this distinction influence decisions in areas like education or entertainment?
4. Can you think of a real-world scenario where utilitarian principles might lead to a controversial decision? How would you address the potential conflicts between utilitarianism and individual rights? 

Deontological Ethics

1. How does deontology address the moral value of actions without considering the outcomes? Provide examples where this might lead to ethical dilemmas.
2. Kant’s Categorical Imperative emphasizes actions that can be universalized. Discuss a situation where this principle might conflict with cultural or personal values.

Virtue Ethics

1. Describe how virtue ethics differs from consequentialism and deontology in its approach to ethical decision-making. Is it more important to have good character than to always perform good actions? Why or why not?
2. Examine the role of character and moral virtues in professional settings like business or healthcare. How do these virtues influence ethical behaviors and decisions?

Relativism

1. Do you agree with the premise of relativism that moral truths vary by cultural or historical context? How does this theory address or fail to address global ethical dilemmas?
2. Discuss the implications of moral relativism in international business and global politics. How does it affect ethical standards across different cultures?
3. Evaluate the challenges relativism presents in establishing universal human rights. Can moral principles be truly universal?

Care Ethics

1. How does care ethics contrast with traditional ethical theories in its approach to moral decision-making?
2. How does care ethics redefine the concept of moral obligations? Discuss its significance in today’s interconnected world.
3. Discuss the application of care ethics in fields like nursing or social work. How does focusing on relationships and empathy change the approach to ethical dilemmas?

Social Contract Theory

1. Analyze how social contract theory can inform ethical leadership and governance in modern democratic societies.
2. Discuss the relevance of social contract theory in understanding the obligations and rights of citizens in a state.
3. How does social contract theory apply to contemporary issues in governance and societal organization? Can you provide an example where this theory helps in understanding a current event?

Existentialist Perspectives

1. Explore how existentialism’s emphasis on individual choice and responsibility can impact ethical decision-making in personal and professional settings.
2. Discuss the concept of authenticity in existentialism. How can striving for authenticity influence moral and ethical choices in one’s career or personal life?
3. Discuss the role of personal freedom and authenticity in existentialist ethics. Can this lead to ethical subjectivism, and is that a problem?

Classical Ethical Thought Experiments

1. Choose one of the thought experiments mentioned (like the Trolley Problem) and discuss how it helps in understanding the complexities of moral decision-making.
2. Analyze the Trolley Problem in the context of utilitarian and deontological ethics. Which ethical approach do you believe offers a more just solution, and why?
3. Discuss the implications of the Ship of Theseus in understanding personal and organizational identity. How might this thought experiment apply to modern issues of corporate responsibility?
4. Evaluate the Prisoner’s Dilemma in terms of social contract theory and virtue ethics. Which theory provides a more compelling framework for understanding cooperation and trust?
5. Reflect on the Experience Machine scenario. What does this thought experiment tell us about the values of authenticity and reality in our pursuit of happiness?
6. Discuss the ethical implications of the Ring of Gyges. If given absolute power with no consequences, how might an individual’s true moral character be revealed?

The Relevance of Ethical Theories in Contemporary Society

1. How do ethical theories influence the formulation of laws and policies in contemporary society? Give examples where ethical theories might guide or have guided legislative decisions.
2. Discuss the role of ethical theories in promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue in a globalized world.
3. Analyze how ethical theories can help address modern challenges such as environmental crises or technological advancements.
4. How can these ethical theories be applied specifically in the context of the aviation industry? Discuss potential ethical dilemmas in this field and how different theories might address them.