Final answer:
The ethical principle of faithfulness is known as the duty of fidelity, representing the moral obligation to keep promises and be truthful. Ross's prima facie duties, including fidelity, are crucial in ethical decision-making but not absolute. Confucian philosophy and other ethical viewpoints offer additional perspectives on prioritizing duties in complex situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ethical principle that refers to faithfulness or honoring one's commitments or promises is known as the duty of fidelity. This duty is one of the five prima facie duties introduced by philosopher W.D. Ross, emphasizing our moral obligations. The duty of fidelity encompasses the expectation to keep promises and maintain truthfulness in our dealings with others. Moreover, Ross outlined other duties which include the duty of reparation, duty of gratitude, the duty to promote a maximum of aggregate good, and the duty of non-maleficence. Each duty represents a significant moral commitment but is not considered absolute; the importance may vary based on the situation at hand.
Ross's framework implies that when faced with conflicting duties, we must determine which duty is the most immediate or pressing. This quasi-consequentialist approach aids in resolving conflicts between duties, such as when truth-telling may harm someone, by striving for the greatest balance of prima facie rightness over wrongness. The complexities of ethical dilemmas illustrate that one must weigh the consequences of their actions alongside their inherent duties.
Moreover, Ross is not the only philosopher to consider these conflicts; Confucian philosophy, for example, highlights the role of filial piety and the prioritization of familial loyalty over other ethical considerations such as Kant's universal moral law. These diverse perspectives show the intricate nature of ethical decision-making and the importance of context in determining our moral responsibilities.