Ross and Prima Facie Duties
W.D. Ross developed a pluralist deontological ethics based on prima facie duties—duties that are binding unless overridden by stronger duties in particular circumstances. Ross identified seven prima facie duties: fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, beneficence, non-maleficence, and self-improvement.
Real World
A doctor who promised a terminally ill patient confidentiality faces a conflict when the patient reveals plans to harm someone — Ross's framework explains why both fidelity and non-maleficence pull in opposite directions simultaneously.
Exam Focus
Define 'prima facie' carefully: duties are genuine but defeasible — confusing prima facie with absolute duties is a common mark-losing error.
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