| Pluralism is the view that there’s more than one main ethical principle. Kidder takes that position. He says we should stock our ethical toolbox with three very different principles: Rule-based, ends-based, and care-based. Pluralism is great because it’s flexible. Just pick the tool you need for the job. The problem with pluralism is when we don’t know which one to use. For example, should we decide what’s right based on end-based thinking, or on rule-based? Think dilemmas like The Trolley Problem or current events like mandatory vaccination. Perhaps Kidder is wrong to recommend three principles. Perhaps he should focus on one, such as rule-based: We should always follow the rules, including the rule to always respect human rights. What do you think? |
