Philosophy · Year 12 · Moral Philosophy: Applied Ethics · 4.º Período

Stealing and Deception

Students apply normative ethical theories to the issues of stealing and telling lies. They will contrast utilitarian, Kantian, and Aristotelian approaches.

TL;DR:Stealing and Deception serves as the first 'Applied Ethics' topic, where students test the three normative theories (Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Virtue Ethics) against real-world moral problems. Students must move beyond 'gut feelings' to provide rigorous philosophical justifications for why these acts might be right or wrong. This topic is a key requirement for the AQA Moral Philosophy exam.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA 7172: Moral Philosophy 3.2.2.1
• AQA 7172: Moral Philosophy 3.2.2.2

About This Topic

Stealing and Deception serves as the first 'Applied Ethics' topic, where students test the three normative theories (Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Virtue Ethics) against real-world moral problems. Students must move beyond 'gut feelings' to provide rigorous philosophical justifications for why these acts might be right or wrong. This topic is a key requirement for the AQA Moral Philosophy exam.

Students will contrast the absolute 'No' of Kantianism with the 'it depends' of Utilitarianism, and the 'character-based' approach of Aristotle. This unit is particularly effective for showing how the same action can be judged differently depending on the ethical framework used. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of 'justified' lies or thefts.

Key Questions

1. Is it ever morally permissible to steal?
2. How does Kant view the act of lying?
3. What would a virtue ethicist say about deception?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often assume Utilitarians would always support stealing if you are poor.

What to Teach Instead

A Rule Utilitarian might argue that a general rule against stealing creates more long-term happiness and trust in society. Active 'consequence mapping' helps students see the difference between short-term gain and long-term social utility.

Common Misconception

Students think Kant's ban on lying is just about 'being a good person'.

What to Teach Instead

For Kant, lying is a 'perfect duty' violation because it is logically impossible to universalise a world where everyone lies. Peer-led logic checks help students see that for Kant, lying 'breaks' the very possibility of communication.

Active Learning Ideas

Mock Trial

The Case of the Robin Hood Thief

A character steals life-saving medicine for a poor family. Three 'legal teams' (Utilitarian, Kantian, Aristotelian) must argue whether the thief is 'guilty' or 'innocent' based strictly on their theory.

45 min·Whole Class

Stations Rotation

The Ethics of Lying

Stations feature different types of lies: white lies, lies to protect others, and lies for personal gain. Students move around and apply the 'Universalisation Test' and the 'Hedonistic Calculus' to each.

35 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Virtuous Liar?

Students discuss whether a 'virtuous person' would ever lie. They try to identify a situation where lying might actually be the 'Mean' between two vices (like being brutally honest vs being a sycophant).

15 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Kant say lying is always wrong?

Kant argues that if everyone lied, the very concept of 'truth' and 'promises' would disappear. Therefore, you cannot consistently will that lying becomes a universal law. It also treats the person being lied to as a 'means' rather than an 'end'.

Would a Utilitarian ever support stealing?

An Act Utilitarian might support stealing if it leads to a massive increase in happiness (e.g., stealing a loaf of bread to save a starving child). However, a Rule Utilitarian would likely oppose it, as a society where stealing is allowed would be chaotic and unhappy.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching Applied Ethics?

Case study 'speed dating' is excellent. Students are given a scenario and must defend a specific ethical position for 2 minutes before switching to a new partner and a new theory. This forces them to quickly apply the core principles of each theory to concrete problems like stealing or deception.

What would Aristotle say about stealing?

Aristotle generally viewed stealing as an 'already bad' action that doesn't have a 'mean'. However, a modern virtue ethicist might look at the character of the person, are they stealing out of greed (a vice) or out of a desperate need to care for others (which might involve the virtue of justice)?