[Serious] Ethics

[polymath257]

I am usually allergic to deontology. I am never convinced the rules are the 'correct' ones or that they should be universal. Good rules of thumb, sure. But 'thou shalt not', never.

Lets look at the ball pit at mcdonalds.  They say no needles in the ballpit, and we certainly feel that no needles in the ball pit...is...correct...as a matter of fact.

But, the question for you, tell me why that's opinion?

No, it is not a matter of fact. it is what is needed to achieve a goal (no injuries in the ball pit). That thi sis a goal is a matter of opinion (admittedly a common one).

Maybe it is an ethical rule that there are no hard and fast ethical rules.

 
That would be a deontology.

And one that is inherently self-limiting. But, i would also say it is a rule of thumb as well.

"Every rule has an exception, including this one"

Ethics has to do with goals. Once we establish goals (human prosperity, for example), we can deduce what course of actions are required to achieve those goals.

But the goals themselves are not matters of fact.