Philosophy · Grade 12 · Ethics: Moral Philosophy · 4.º Período

Normative Ethical Frameworks

Students examine major normative theories, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. They will apply these frameworks to determine the morality of various actions.

TL;DR:Normative Ethical Frameworks is the 'how-to' of moral decision-making. This topic introduces the three major 'lenses' of ethics: Utilitarianism (focus on consequences), Deontology (focus on duty and rules), and Virtue Ethics (focus on character). These frameworks are central to the Ethics strand (D1) and provide students with a structured way to analyze moral dilemmas beyond 'gut feelings.'

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• HZT4U D1.1
• HZT4U D1.2

About This Topic

Normative Ethical Frameworks is the 'how-to' of moral decision-making. This topic introduces the three major 'lenses' of ethics: Utilitarianism (focus on consequences), Deontology (focus on duty and rules), and Virtue Ethics (focus on character). These frameworks are central to the Ethics strand (D1) and provide students with a structured way to analyze moral dilemmas beyond 'gut feelings.'

In the Ontario curriculum, we apply these frameworks to contemporary Canadian issues, such as healthcare resource allocation or environmental policy. Students learn that different frameworks can lead to the same conclusion for different reasons, or to completely opposite conclusions. This topic comes alive when students can apply these 'lenses' to a series of increasingly difficult moral 'trolley problems' in a collaborative setting.

Key Questions

1. What makes an action morally right or wrong?
2. Should we focus on the consequences of actions or our duties?
3. How does character play a role in ethical behavior?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Utilitarianism is just 'doing whatever I want.'

What to Teach Instead

Utilitarianism is about the *greatest good for the greatest number*, often requiring personal sacrifice. A 'Resource Allocation' simulation helps students see that utilitarianism is actually a very demanding and selfless framework.

Common Misconception

Deontology is just 'following the law.'

What to Teach Instead

Deontology is about following *universal moral laws* (like 'don't lie'), which might sometimes conflict with actual legal laws. Peer discussion about historical figures who broke the law for a 'higher duty' helps clarify this.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation

The Ethics Lens Lab

Set up three stations: The Utilitarian, The Deontologist, and The Virtue Ethicist. Groups rotate through each, applying that specific framework to a single dilemma (e.g., 'Should a self-driving car prioritize passengers or pedestrians?') and recording their reasoning.

50 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

The Trolley Problem Variations

Present the classic 'Trolley Problem' and then add layers (e.g., the person on the track is a doctor, or a family member). Students must debate the 'right' action using specific terminology like 'categorical imperative' or 'greatest good.'

30 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share

The 'Good Person' Profile

Pairs list the top 5 traits of a 'good person' (Virtue Ethics). They then compare this to a list of 'good rules' (Deontology) and discuss which is more important for a functioning society, sharing their thoughts with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kant's 'Categorical Imperative' in plain English?

It's the 'What if everyone did that?' test. Kant argued that you should only act on rules that you would be okay with becoming a universal law for everyone. If you lie, you have to be okay with a world where *everyone* lies and communication breaks down. If that world doesn't work, the action is immoral.

How can active learning help students understand ethical frameworks?

Ethics is best learned through 'doing' rather than 'reading.' Active learning strategies like 'The Ethics Lens Lab' force students to inhabit a viewpoint they might disagree with. When a student is forced to argue for a utilitarian outcome that feels 'wrong' to them, they begin to understand the internal logic and the potential 'blind spots' of that theory, leading to a much deeper, more nuanced understanding of moral philosophy.

Which framework is most common in Canadian society?

We use a mix! Our healthcare system is often Utilitarian (maximizing health for the most people), while our Charter of Rights is Deontological (protecting individual rights regardless of the 'greater good'). Virtue Ethics is often what we look for in our leaders and role models.

How do I teach Virtue Ethics without it sounding like a 'character education' lecture?

Focus on Aristotle's 'Golden Mean.' It's a practical tool: courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness. Have students find the 'Golden Mean' for modern traits like 'honesty' or 'ambition' in a group brainstorming session. It makes virtue feel like a skill to be practiced rather than a list of 'don'ts.'