What do you think is the biggest attraction of Ross's view? Explain why Ross's view has this attraction and why some competing ethical theories do not. Is this a sufficient reason to accept Ross's theory or not?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The biggest attraction of Ross's view is his emphasis on the importance of prima facie duties, which are moral obligations that we have in certain situations. This attraction stems from the fact that Ross's view allows for flexibility and nuance in ethical decision-making. Instead of adhering to a strict set of rules or principles, Ross's theory acknowledges that moral dilemmas often require us to weigh conflicting duties and make difficult choices based on the specific circumstances.

This attraction is not found in some competing ethical theories, such as deontological theories like Kantianism, which prioritize following universal moral rules without exception, or utilitarianism, which prioritizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being. These theories may not have the same attraction as Ross's view because they can be seen as too rigid or overly focused on one aspect of morality at the expense of others.

However, while the flexibility and nuance of Ross's view may be attractive, it is not necessarily a sufficient reason to accept his theory. Critics of Ross's view argue that the concept of prima facie duties is too vague and subjective, leading to potential inconsistency and uncertainty in ethical decision-making. Additionally, some may argue that Ross's view lacks a clear framework for resolving conflicts between prima facie duties, which can make it difficult to apply in practice.

Ultimately, whether Ross's view is sufficient or not depends on one's perspective and the specific ethical dilemmas being considered. While the flexibility of his theory may be appealing, it is important to critically evaluate its strengths and weaknesses before accepting it as a comprehensive ethical framework.

What Do You Think Is the Biggest Attraction of Ross's