Ethical Theory Presentation

Julie Rosenthal, Kyle Napler, Julie Pilak, and Kaci Schultz

Tuesday/5:30October 21, 2008

Common Good Working toward the good of the

community without the expense of others.

Common Good Approach Members of the same community Reflecting on broad questions What kind of society do we want to be? How do we achieve that?

Aristotle

Connection between political community and citizens

“it is the possession and use of practical knowledge that makes it possible to live a good life”

Plato Had a profound impact on political

theory The Academy Best political order lead to harmony in

society European universities

Richard Cumberland (1631-1718)

Good = preservation of the faculties of several

John Rawls Everyone has an equal advantage

Principles of Common Good Respect for a persons Social Welfare Peace and security

Our Pluralistic Society Ideas are inconsistent with our society

Different people have different ideas

Minorities

Free-Rider Problem Benefits are available to everyone Some refuse to do their part

Individualism Individual freedom Personal rights Doing your own thing

Bailout Benefit to our nation? Benefit to big companies? Benefit to tax payers?

Vaccines Vaccination = decreased fatal disease Individual beliefs My child, my right My body, my right

Death Penalty-Is it for the common good?

American safety Individual vendetta Beneficial for the criminals?

Review Question In your own words, describe the

Common Good Approach. What “hiccups” in American society

can hinder this idea? Give an example of an ethical dilemma

that can put the Common Good Approach in to action.