Chap 2 Flashcards
Act utilitarianism
The type of utilitarianism that determines the goodness of a particular act by measuring the utility (good) for all
Categorical imperatives
The concept that some things just must be, with no need for further justification, explanation or rationalization for why they exist
Deontological ethical system
The study of duty or moral obligation emphasizing the intent of the actor as the element of morality
Egoism
The ethical system that defines the pursuit of self- interest as a moral good
Enlightened egoism
The concept that egoism may appear to be altruistic because it is in ones long - term best interest to help others in order to receive help in return
Ethical formalism
The ethical system espoused by Kant that focuses on duty; holds that the only thing truly good is a good will, and that what is good is that which conforms to the categorial imperative
Ethical system
A structured set of principles that defines what is moral
Ethics of care
The ethical system that defines good as meeting the needs of others and preserving and enriching relationships
Ethics of virtue
The ethical system that based ethics largely upon character and possession of virtues
Generalization principle
The principle that all decisions should be made assuming that the decision would be applied to everyone else in similar circumstances
Hypothetical imperatives
Statement of contingent demand known as if-then statements (if I want something, then I must work for it); usually constrained w/categorical imperatives (statements of “must” with no “ifs”)
Imperative principle
The concept that all decisions should be made according to absolute rules
Moral pluralism
The concept that there are fundamental truths that may dictate different definitions of what is moral in different situations
Natural law
The idea that principles of morals and rights are inherent in nature and not human-made; such laws are discovered by reason but exist apart from humankind
Peacemaking justice
An ancient approach to justice that includes the concepts of compassion and care, contentedness and mindfulness
Principle of forfeiture
The idea that one gives up ones right to be treated under the principles of respect for persons to the extent that one has abrogated someone else’s rights; for ?????
Principle of golden mean
Aristotle’s concept of moderation, in which one should not err toward excess or deficiency; this principle is associated with the ethics of virtue
Psychological egoism
The concept that humans naturally and inherently seek self-interest, and that we can do nothing else because it is our nature
Religious ethics
The ethical system that is based on religious beliefs of good and evil; what is that which is God’s will
Rule utilitarianism
The type of utilitarianism that determines the goodness of an action by measuring the utility of that action when it is made into a rule for behavior
Situational ethics
The philosophical position that although there are a few universal truths, different situations call for different responses; therefore, some action can be right or wrong depending on situational factors
Teleological ethical system
An ethical system that is concerned with the consequences or ends of an action to determine goodness
Utilitarian principle
The principle that all decisions should be made according to what is best for the greatest number
Utilitarianism
The ethical system that claims that the greatest good is that which results in the greatest happiness for the greatest number; major proponents are Bentham & Mill
