W. D. Ross: the Right and the Good

question 20

Essay

W. D. Ross: The Right and the Good
Ross starts by considering two influential ethical theories: egoism and hedonistic utilitarianism. Against egoism-the view that the right action is whatever will bring about the greatest benefit to oneself-Ross asserts that a large part of morality consists of respecting the rights and interests of others. Against utilitarianism-the theory that an action is right if and only if it creates more net happiness than any alternative action-Ross claims that there are many things besides happiness that are good in themselves. Because G. E. Moore's theory avoids these problems by holding that the right action is the one that produces the greatest amount of good, Ross considers it an improvement over the previous two views. Nonetheless, Ross criticizes Moore's view on the grounds that it claims that there is ultimately only one duty: that of maximizing goodness.
Against this, Ross develops his own moral theory, according to which there are a number of irreducible prima facie duties. A prima facie duty is a characteristic of an act that tends to make the act right in the absence of other considerations. That an act would fulfill a prima facie duty (e.g., the act would fulfill a promise) always counts in favor of performing that action, but this can be outweighed if the act would violate other prima facie duties (e.g., the act would cause great harm). According to Ross, there is no formula for deciding which prima facie duties take precedence over others in any particular situation; we must simply consider the circumstances in which we are acting and come to a considered opinion regarding which prima facie duty takes precedence. Because of this, we can never truly know what our obligations are in any particular situation. On the other hand, Ross claims our prima facie duties are self-evident-we can know them simply by reflecting on their content, much as we are able to recognize that certain mathematical axioms are true.
-Ross claims, "There is therefore much truth in the description of the right act as the fortunate act." What does he mean by this, and why does he think it is true? Do you agree with him?

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Definitions:

Divergent Thinking

is a thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions.

Synergistic Fashion

A manner of working together in which the combined effect is greater than the sum of individual efforts.

Group Brainstorming

A collective thinking process in which group members generate ideas or solutions to a problem in a non-judgmental environment.

Solitary Brainstorming

is a process where an individual generates ideas or solutions on their own without the influence or interruption of a group setting.