Ethical Framework in Literature & Literary Theory

Ethical Framework: Concept

An ethical framework is a systematic and structured set of moral principles, values, and guidelines that individuals or organizations employ to make ethical decisions and assess the rightness or wrongness of actions. It serves as a foundational basis for evaluating and justifying behavior, aiding individuals in navigating intricate moral dilemmas, and fostering consistency and accountability in ethical decision-making.

Ethical frameworks encompass a wide array of philosophical traditions, such as deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and relativism, offering a structured approach to addressing ethical questions by considering factors like consequences, duties, virtues, and cultural context.

The adoption of a particular ethical framework significantly influences an individual’s or group’s ethical perspectives and choices, ultimately shaping their moral character and the societal impact of their actions.

Ethical Framework: Meanings

Aspect	Meaning
Structure of Morality	Framework organizes moral principles and values.
Decision Guidance	Provides guidance for ethical decision-making.
Foundational Justification	Serves as a basis to justify ethical behavior.
Navigating Dilemmas	Helps individuals address complex moral dilemmas logically.
Accountability Promotion	Encourages consistency and accountability in ethical choices.
Philosophical Diversity	Draws from various ethical traditions (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism).
Systematic Approach	Offers a structured method for addressing ethical questions.
Influential Perspectives	Significantly shapes individuals’ and groups’ ethical views and decisions.
Character Development	Plays a crucial role in shaping moral character and societal impact.

Ethical Framework: Definition of Theoretical Term

An ethical framework is a theoretical construct that provides a structured system of moral principles, values, and guidelines for making ethical decisions and assessing the ethicality of actions. It serves as a foundational basis for justifying ethical behavior and navigating complex moral dilemmas. Ethical

frameworks draw from various philosophical traditions and influence an individual’s or group’s ethical perspectives and choices, ultimately shaping moral character and the societal impact of their actions.

Ethical Framework: Theorists, Works, And Arguments

Theorists	Works	Arguments
Immanuel Kant	Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals	Kant’s deontological ethics emphasizes moral duties and the categorical imperative, promoting universal moral laws and the autonomy of rational agents.
	Critique of Practical Reason
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill	Bentham’s Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation	They are influential proponents of utilitarianism, which evaluates actions based on their consequences and seeks to maximize overall happiness or pleasure for the greatest number.
	Mill’s Utilitarianism
Aristotle	Nicomachean Ethics	Aristotle’s virtue ethics emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits and moral virtues as the foundation for ethical decision-making.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau	Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men	Rousseau’s social contract theory explores the idea that individuals agree to a collective ethical framework, sacrificing some individual freedoms for the greater good and protection of natural rights.
Cultural Relativists		Cultural relativism posits that ethical frameworks and moral values are context-dependent and vary across cultures, with moral right or wrong determined by cultural norms and values.
John Rawls	A Theory of Justice	Rawls’ theory of justice, with concepts like the “original position” and the “veil of ignorance,” seeks to create a just society by making ethical decisions while unaware of one’s own circumstances, ensuring fairness and equality.

Ethical Framework: Relevance to Different Literary Theories

1. Reader-Response Theory: Relevance: In Reader-Response Theory, the interpretation of a text is highly subjective and depends on the reader’s individual response. Ethical frameworks can be relevant in analyzing how a reader’s ethical values and beliefs influence their interpretation of a text. The reader’s ethical stance might lead them to emphasize certain moral or ethical aspects of the text, affecting their reading experience.
2. Formalism: Relevance: Formalism focuses on the structural and formal aspects of a text, often ignoring external factors such as authorial intent or social context. Ethical frameworks can be less relevant in a purely formalist analysis since the emphasis is on the text’s internal coherence and aesthetics. However, ethical concerns may still be considered in relation to how they are portrayed within the text’s formal structure.
3. Feminist Theory: Relevance: Feminist literary theory often highlights gender-related ethical issues, including questions of power, agency, and representation. Ethical frameworks are highly relevant in analyzing how gender dynamics and ethics are portrayed in literature and how these portrayals may reinforce or challenge societal norms and values.
4. Marxist Theory: Relevance: Marxist literary theory focuses on the economic and social structures that shape a text and society. Ethical frameworks are relevant in examining the ethical dimensions of class struggle, exploitation, and power relations within literature. Questions of economic and social justice are central to Marxist literary analysis.
5. Postcolonial Theory: Relevance: Postcolonial theory explores the legacies of colonialism and the ethical implications of imperialism and oppression. Ethical frameworks are crucial in analyzing how literature reflects and challenges colonial power structures, cultural hierarchies, and the ethical implications of postcolonial identity and resistance.
6. Psychoanalytic Theory: Relevance: Psychoanalytic literary theory, particularly Freudian and Jungian approaches, delves into the psychological aspects of characters and authors. Ethical frameworks can be relevant in analyzing the moral and ethical dimensions of characters’ actions, motivations, and personal conflicts.
7. Deconstruction: Relevance: Deconstruction challenges traditional interpretations and binary oppositions in texts. Ethical frameworks can be relevant in questioning and deconstructing the moral and ethical binaries present in literature, exposing how they may be constructed or subverted.
8. Queer Theory: Relevance: Queer theory focuses on the representation and ethics of non-normative sexualities and identities. Ethical frameworks are highly relevant in analyzing how literature portrays and challenges norms related to gender and sexuality.

Ethical Frameworks: Types

Type	Principle	Key Theories
Consequentialism	The moral rightness of an action is determined by the overall outcome or consequence it produces.	Utilitarianism (maximizing overall happiness), Hedonism (maximizing pleasure), and Egoism (maximizing self-interest).
Deontology	Actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.	Kantian ethics (duty-based morality), divine command theory (ethical rules are derived from a higher authority), and rights-based ethics.
Virtue Ethics	Focuses on the character and virtues of the person rather than the action itself.	Aristotle’s virtue ethics and Confucian ethics.
Social Contract Ethics	Ethical principles and rules are agreed upon by individuals in a social contract, and moral actions are those that adhere to the terms of this contract.	Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to the development of social contract theory.
Relational Ethics	Emphasizes the importance of relationships and the ethical duties and responsibilities that arise from them. It considers the impact of actions on others within the context of specific relationships.	Feminist ethics and care ethics.
Rights-Based Ethics	Ethical actions respect and protect individual rights and liberties. These rights are often considered fundamental and not subject to trade-offs for the greater good.	Human rights theories and deontological ethics.
Casuistry	Ethical decisions are made by comparing the current situation to specific cases or precedents. It involves a careful examination of analogous cases to determine the morally correct action.	Often used in legal and medical ethics.
Narrative Ethics	Emphasizes the role of stories and narratives in shaping moral perspectives. It considers the ethical implications of individual and collective life stories.	The narrative approach to ethics is more of a perspective than a specific theory.
Environmental Ethics	Focuses on the moral obligations and responsibilities concerning the natural environment and non-human entities, considering the interdependence of all life.	Deep ecology, eco-centrism, and ecofeminism.
Utilitarianism	Actions should be evaluated based on their ability to maximize overall happiness or minimize suffering. The greatest good for the greatest number is the primary goal.
Care Ethics	Emphasizes the importance of caring relationships and the role of empathy, compassion, and care in moral decision-making, particularly in interpersonal contexts.
Intuitionism	Moral knowledge is intuitive and self-evident. It posits that some moral truths can be known directly without the need for elaborate ethical theories.

Ethical Framework: Major Elements

Ethical frameworks are structured systems or approaches for analyzing and evaluating ethical dilemmas, decisions, and actions. While the specific elements can vary depending on the framework, there are some major elements common to many ethical frameworks. These elements help guide individuals in making ethical decisions and evaluating the moral dimensions of various situations. Here are the major elements of ethical frameworks:

1. Principles or Rules: Ethical frameworks often start with a set of fundamental principles or rules that serve as a foundation for making ethical judgments. These principles can be specific (e.g., “do not lie”) or more abstract (e.g., “maximize overall happiness”).
2. Moral Agents: Ethical frameworks consider the individuals or entities responsible for making moral decisions and taking ethical actions. These are often referred to as moral agents. Understanding who bears ethical responsibility is crucial.
3. Moral Values and Virtues: Ethical frameworks typically involve a consideration of core moral values and virtues that guide ethical behavior. Values like honesty, compassion, justice, and integrity are often emphasized.
4. Consequences: Many ethical frameworks take into account the consequences of actions. This may involve assessing the outcomes of a decision and determining whether they align with the ethical principles or values.
5. Rights and Responsibilities: Ethical frameworks often address the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups. Rights represent what individuals are entitled to, and responsibilities outline the obligations and duties they have towards others.
6. Social and Cultural Context: The social and cultural context in which ethical decisions are made is an essential element. Different cultures and societies may have varying ethical norms and expectations.
7. Duties and Obligations: Ethical frameworks consider the duties and obligations that individuals have towards others and society at large. These duties may be derived from principles, values, or social contracts.
8. Balancing Conflicting Values and Principles: Ethical frameworks help individuals navigate situations where different ethical values or principles may come into conflict. They provide a structured approach to making difficult choices.
9. Ethical Reasoning: Ethical reasoning involves the process of thinking through moral dilemmas and decisions, often applying the principles, values, and rules of the chosen ethical framework to determine the right course of action.
10. Consistency and Universality: Ethical frameworks often emphasize the importance of consistency in ethical decision-making. They may also seek to establish universal principles that apply to all people in all situations.
11. Critique and Evaluation: Ethical frameworks encourage a critical evaluation of ethical decisions and actions. This includes self-assessment, peer review, and societal reflection on the ethical implications of one’s choices.
12. Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical frameworks address the existence of ethical dilemmas, situations in which one must choose between two or more morally conflicting options. They offer guidance on how to approach and resolve such dilemmas.
13. Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct: Some ethical frameworks are formalized into guidelines or codes of conduct specific to certain professions, organizations, or institutions. These codes provide detailed instructions for ethical behavior within those contexts.
14. Ethical Decision-Making Models: Ethical frameworks often include decision-making models that provide a structured process for assessing and resolving ethical issues. These models may involve steps like defining the problem, considering alternatives, and implementing a course of action.
    1. Accountability and Consequences: Ethical frameworks address the accountability of individuals and organizations for their ethical decisions and actions. They consider the consequences, including potential rewards or penalties, for ethical and unethical behavior.

These major elements collectively form the foundation for ethical frameworks, which serve as tools for individuals and groups to navigate complex ethical questions, make moral judgments, and act in ways that align with their values and principles.

Ethical Framework: Application in Critiques

Critique Type	How to Do It
Literary Critique	Character Analysis: Use ethical frameworks to analyze the moral values and behaviors of characters. Evaluate whether characters are virtuous or exhibit ethical flaws. Assess if their actions align with or contradict the ethical principles presented in the narrative. Moral Themes: Evaluate the moral themes and messages in the text. Analyze if ethical principles are upheld or challenged by the narrative. Examine how characters’ choices and their consequences relate to ethical principles. Authorial Intent: Consider the ethical implications of the author’s intent. Assess whether the author intended to convey specific ethical messages or explore moral dilemmas. Evaluate the success of the author in achieving these ethical goals.
Art Critique	Ethical Content: Examine the ethical content of visual art, music, or other creative expressions. Analyze how the artwork engages with ethical issues and values. Assess whether it challenges societal norms or reflects cultural values.   Representation: Analyze how individuals or groups are represented in the artwork. Consider ethical considerations related to stereotypes, discrimination, or the depiction of marginalized communities. Assess whether the artwork empowers or disempowers certain groups. Ethical Responsibility of Artists: Assess the ethical responsibilities of artists in creating their work. Determine if they have a moral obligation to address specific issues or consider the impact of their art on society.
Research Critique	Research Ethics: Evaluate the ethical conduct of research in academic and scientific critiques. Check if researchers followed ethical guidelines and principles, such as obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Consequences of Research: Consider the potential ethical consequences of the research. Examine how the findings might be used and their impact on individuals or society. Identify potential harms that need to be addressed. Publication Ethics: Analyze the ethical standards in publishing research. Address issues like plagiarism, data manipulation, and transparency in reporting results.
Societal and Policy Critique	Ethical Implications: Assess the ethical implications of policies, laws, or societal structures. Examine if they are just and fair, respect individual rights, and promote the well-being of all members of society. Equality and Justice: Analyze whether societal structures promote equality, justice, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Consider issues related to discrimination, social justice, and human rights violations. Environmental and Global Ethics: Evaluate policies and practices related to the environment and global issues. Examine how they address ethical concerns about sustainability, climate change, and global cooperation.
Media Critique	Media Representation: Examine the ethical aspects of media representation, including the portrayal of diverse communities, gender, race, and marginalized groups. Assess the potential impact on public perceptions and behaviors. Media Responsibility: Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of media organizations in reporting news and disseminating information. Assess the accuracy, balance, and potential bias in media content. Media Influence: Consider the ethical implications of media content on public opinion and behavior. Analyze how media might influence social and political issues.

Ethical Framework: Suggested Readings

1. Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Terence Irwin, Hackett Publishing Company, 1999.
2. Beauchamp, Tom L., and James F. Childress. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 7th ed., Oxford University Press, 2012.
3. Bok, Sissela. Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life. Vintage Books, 1978.
4. Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 2012.
5. MacIntyre, Alasdair. After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press, 1984.
6. Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. Hackett Publishing Company, 2002.
7. Noddings, Nel. Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education. University of California Press, 2013.
8. Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press, 1999.
9. Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2011.