Ethical Theories: Emotivism, Nihilism, Values, Marxism, and Consensus

Other Ethical Choices

Moral Emotivism

For Hume, human knowledge is based on subjective data obtained by the senses, downplaying reason and experience. Feeling is the criterion on which moral values are based (pleasure and taste). Man must develop virtue, defined as any action that causes a pleasant feeling.

Nihilism

Means "nothing." In Nietzsche's theory, the supreme value is the exaltation of life. It shows two faces:

• He rejects the values of European culture because it is based on reason.
• Provides new values: the superman and the will to power.

Superman refers to man's goal to get something better. The will is what drives man to become the Superman.

The Theory of Values

Moral behavior is the realization of values. They are objective and a priori, having these features:

• Values: worth and need of people and things
• They are timeless and unchanging.
• They are polarized and hierarchical. Occur at opposite poles.
• They are grasped through the "sense of value."

Marxism

Marx tried to highlight the social and economic injustices developed by capitalists over workers. According to Marxism, ethics and different value systems have been designed by the powerful to maintain their privileges. Workers must maintain awareness and promote values and norms.

Contemporary Ethics: Ethical Consensus

Looking for procedures for resolving collective problems. Bridge the differences between the individual and the political community (we harmonize interests and needs, respect, and tolerance). Posed:

• Faced with a conflict, seek solutions, taking into account the moral good.
• The agreement is based on moral consensus or agreement of all.
• General interests prevail.
• The agreement must respect freedom and dignity.
• It's fundamental education and good information.

The Discourse Ethics of Habermas

For Habermas, the goal is to determine if the actions of men are right or fair; they are if they have been decided by all. Morality is the need of human beings for rules that make possible their life together, having two functions:

• Ensures the respect of every person.
• Maintain agency relationships and people's mutual recognition.

The principle of justice and the general welfare responds to this.