Ethical Frameworks: Communitarianism, Kantian, and More

Posted on Mar 10, 2025 in Philosophy and ethics

Ethical Frameworks

Communitarianism Ethics

Main contributors: Amitai Etzioni, Jürgen Habermas

Origin: 20th century

Fundamental Ideas: Rooted in Aristotle’s philosophy, communitarianism posits that humans are inherently social beings bound by shared values and goals. Decisions are made collectively, emphasizing common duties over individual rights. Communitarians advocate for balancing rights and responsibilities.

Kantian/Deontological Ethics

Main contributor: Immanuel Kant

Origin: 18th century (The Enlightenment Age)

Fundamental Ideas:

  • Hypothetical Imperative: Commands are obeyed to satisfy desires. For example, going to the doctor to get well.
  • Categorical Imperative: Duty-based, irrespective of consequences or desires. For instance, the duty not to lie, based solely on reason. The action itself is inherently good or bad, regardless of the outcome. The ends never justify the means.

Ethics of Care

Main contributors: Carol Gilligan, Michael Slote, Patricia Paperman, Joan Tronto

Origin: Feminist movement in the USA

Fundamental Ideas: Focuses on the motivation to care for dependent and vulnerable individuals. Ethical attention is directed towards relationships above other considerations. For example, prioritizing saving a sister over a doctor.

Utilitarian Ethics

Main contributor: Jeremy Bentham

Origin: 18th century

Fundamental Ideas: Prioritizes the good for all people, regardless of personal connections. The principle of “the greatest good for the greatest number” guides ethical decisions.

Virtue Ethics

Main contributors: Socrates, Aristotle

Origin: Ancient Greek Philosophy

Fundamental Ideas: Emphasizes the moral character of the person performing an action. Cultivating virtue to become an excellent person is central. Aristotle’s concept of Eudaimonia represents the ultimate goal behind developing virtuous characteristics.

Existentialist Ethics

Main contributors: Friedrich Nietzsche, Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger

Origin: 20th century

Fundamental Ideas:

  • Freedom and Responsibility: Humans are inherently free and must make choices, even when choosing inaction.
  • Absurdity: The world lacks inherent order or meaning.
  • Anxiety: Arises from the realization of being solely responsible for one’s actions, leading to feelings of dread and exhilaration.
  • Alienation: A sense of estrangement from the world, stemming from absurdity.
  • Existence Precedes Essence: Self-definition comes after existence.
  • The “Übermensch”: Nietzsche’s concept of the ideal human striving for excellence.
  • The Death of God: Rejection of external systems, emphasizing individual responsibility for finding answers.
  • Subjectivity: Actions originate from personal perspectives, needs, desires, and emotions.

Individuals are free to choose their actions.

Ethics of Self

Main contributors: Henry Sidgwick and Thomas Hobbes

Origin:

Fundamental Ideas: Self-interest is paramount, with the moral requirement to maximize one’s own happiness. Actions are motivated by and aimed at one’s own well-being. Egoism.