Moral Philosophy Definitions by Christen McGaughey

DEONTOLOGY

cmcgaughey3 — 2025-10-22 23:59:51 UTC

C.A.M 💗

1. We noticed that the key features of this moral philosophy are that it's based on rules rather than taking into consideration the context or consequences. This philosophy can be problematic in some ways because it discourages taking in the influence of external factors/conflicts like with the example of not stopping a nuclear war because it's hacking.

2. It can be valuable when we're teaching children concrete rules of morality and their reasoning so that they have a solid foundation of what's right or wrong.

3. This philosophy can be problematic because it can very black and white, as we saw in the Brother's Grimm with how the punishment didn't always match the action because it just seemed like, "you did something bad, so you're in big trouble". Making these guidelines leaves little to no room for development and critical thinking. It also hinders children's self-growth and development because it suppresses their individuality and fosters a deep sense of obedience in them which can be harmful because sometimes kids need to feel safe to make mistakes without experiencing severe consequences as a result.

4. This moral philosophy is present in children's literature with how extreme punishments are served for actions like lying or stealing. This instills the lesson that breaking rules will lead to bad results, thus teaching children to not stray or disobey. Additionally, earlier older versions of children's literature are less nuanced and less forgiving, they're more straightforward and severe to drive the point home like stories like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Thumb. Even stories like Peter Rabbit show how casual this thinking was with how Peter's dad was literally killed and baked into the pie but it was just treated as a warning.

CONSEQUENTALISM

cmcgaughey3 — 2025-10-23 00:01:00 UTC

Focuses on the end result of an action rather than the action itself.

Involves Utilitarianism where the focus on whether an action effects the most amount of people in a good way. Ex. Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor

Involves Hedonism which is the belief where something feels good then it is good. Ex. Eating junk food makes you happy.

Is it ethical to do a bad action if it leads to good results.

UTILITARIANISM

cmcgaughey3 — 2025-10-23 00:01:46 UTC

Some of the keys distinguishing, focus on the most ethics and moral reasoning. The value of the benefit is not really knowing what the final outcome will be. Some of the problems are limitation, is not as ethical you are never sure if they are the right choices. It relates to children literature because you never really know what the outcome is going to be at the end, we can define some of the ethics and moral in some of the stories we have read.

VIRTUE ETHICS

cmcgaughey3 — 2025-10-23 00:02:33 UTC

Some of the key distinguishing features of this moral philosophy are that when you practice good moral ethics (building character), you can later on demonstrate it/it reflects you. This approach to morality assumes that we acquire virtue through practice.
The value/benefit of this philosophy is that by honing virtuous habits, people will likely make the right choice when faced with ethical challenges.
Some of the complexities, nuances, and/or problems with this philosophy are that there is no clear direction on what is right or wrong; it is up to you. Emotion can influence your decision, even if you try to stay level-headed.
We might begin to think about how children's literature relates to virtue ethics by the fact that the main character is always deciding on what to do next. For example, Peter Rabbit did his own thing, not listening to his mom, even if it was not the right choice (thinking of what is right for him); his choices also show the consequences behind his actions.

HEDONISM

cmcgaughey3 — 2025-10-23 00:02:55 UTC