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Normative theories are frameworks that prescribe how things should be, often used in fields like ethics, economics, and political science to evaluate actions, policies, and institutions. They provide criteria for judging the rightness or wrongness of actions, focusing on ideals such as justice, fairness, and utility.
Relevant Degrees
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Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It evaluates actions based on their consequences, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
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Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of rules, duties, and obligations, asserting that the morality of an action is determined by its adherence to these principles rather than its consequences. It is often associated with Immanuel Kant, who argued that actions must be guided by universal moral laws that respect the autonomy and rationality of individuals.
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Virtue ethics is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy, rather than either the consequences of actions or adherence to rules. It suggests that cultivating good character traits leads to moral behavior and a fulfilling life.
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Social contract theory posits that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler or government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. This theory serves as a foundational concept in political philosophy, explaining the origin of society and the legitimacy of state authority over the individual.
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Justice as Fairness is a political philosophy developed by John Rawls that proposes principles of justice to structure a fair and equitable society. It emphasizes the importance of the original position and the veil of ignorance as tools for determining the principles that ensure fairness in the distribution of rights and resources.
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Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based solely on their outcomes or consequences. It posits that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number, often associated with utilitarianism.
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Moral absolutism is the ethical belief that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences. It contrasts with moral relativism, which suggests that morality is context-dependent and subjective.
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Ethical relativism is the philosophical view that moral judgments and ethical standards are not universal and can vary based on cultural, societal, or individual perspectives. It challenges the notion of absolute moral truths, suggesting that what is considered morally right or wrong depends on specific contexts and cultural norms.
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Rational Choice Theory posits that individuals make decisions by maximizing utility based on preferences and constraints, assuming they have access to all relevant information. This theory underlies many economic models and has been applied to various disciplines, though it is often criticized for oversimplifying human behavior by ignoring emotional and social factors.
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Libertarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government intervention in personal and economic affairs. It advocates for the protection of private property, voluntary exchange, and personal responsibility as the foundation of a free and prosperous society.
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Communitarianism is a social and political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of community in the functioning of political life, contrasting with individualistic approaches. It argues that individuals are shaped by the values and norms of their communities, and thus, policies should reflect communal goals and collective well-being.
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Normative evaluation refers to the process of assessing actions, policies, or outcomes based on a set of standards or norms, often involving ethical, moral, or societal benchmarks. It is crucial in determining the desirability or acceptability of certain practices within a given context, guiding decision-making and policy formulation.
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