1. Majority view is when the majority of the people in a population decide whether something is moral or immoral (Ruggiero, pg. 24). An example of this in real life would be the majority of Senators in the U.S. Government deciding to ban gay marriage. Although there may be a minority of Senators who voted in favor of permitting homosexual rights, the majority wins. Majority view is not always the best way to decide what is morally right. In the example of cannibalism, it most certainly is. However, the majority of plantation owners (including President Lincoln) believed that slavery was just fine when now it is seen as an inhumane and cruel practice.
2.Conclusion: Majority view is a reliable basis for ethical decision making.
Premises:
(1) It shows what the masses believe in and sets the norm.
(2) The majority view is well informed about societal issues.
(3) People are intelligent enough to judge what is morally acceptable.
Conclusion: Majority view is not a reliable basis for ethical decision making.
(1) The majority can be ridden with biases and prejudice.
(2) Authority figures can manipulate the masses to perform immoral deeds such as in the Holocaust.
(3) Different cultures have different views about morality.
The Role of Feelings
1. Feelings are what each individual desires and what he or she deems to be morally right and virtuous. Feelings are thoughts that people have based on experiences and how they were raised. They may also determine different morals based on religious standing. It is immoral to be homosexual for a strong Christian, but an agnostic may consider homosexuality to be moral as long as the person is kind. Feelings are a way of communicating and they make up each individual person. Feelings about different acts also create sanctions and laws. Most people find it morally wrong to flash people, and thus it is a sex crime.
2. Conclusion: Feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) Feelings are the basis for most societal norms which influence law-makers and create sanctions.
(2) Strong and passionate feelings can help create change.
(3) Staying true to your morals should guide your own individual decision-making.
Conclusion: Feelings are not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) People can have immoral desires and feelings.
(2) Feelings are biased and subjective.
(3) Feelings differ between individuals and cultures.
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