Chap 2

Question 1

Act utilitarianism

Answer 1

The type of utilitarianism that determines the goodness of a particular act by measuring the utility (good) for all

Question 2

Categorical imperatives

Answer 2

The concept that some things just must be, with no need for further justification, explanation or rationalization for why they exist

Question 3

Deontological ethical system

Answer 3

The study of duty or moral obligation emphasizing the intent of the actor as the element of morality

Question 4

Egoism

Answer 4

The ethical system that defines the pursuit of self- interest as a moral good

Question 5

Enlightened egoism

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Ethical formalism

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Ethical system

Answer 7

A structured set of principles that defines what is moral

Question 8

Ethics of care

Answer 8

The ethical system that defines good as meeting the needs of others and preserving and enriching relationships

Question 9

Ethics of virtue

Answer 9

The ethical system that based ethics largely upon character and possession of virtues

Question 10

Generalization principle

Answer 10

The principle that all decisions should be made assuming that the decision would be applied to everyone else in similar circumstances

Question 11

Hypothetical imperatives

Answer 11

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”)

Question 12

Imperative principle

Answer 12

The concept that all decisions should be made according to absolute rules

Question 13

Moral pluralism

Answer 13

The concept that there are fundamental truths that may dictate different definitions of what is moral in different situations

Question 14

Natural law

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Peacemaking justice

Answer 15

An ancient approach to justice that includes the concepts of compassion and care, contentedness and mindfulness

Question 16

Principle of forfeiture

Answer 16

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 ?????

Question 17

Principle of golden mean

Answer 17

Aristotle’s concept of moderation, in which one should not err toward excess or deficiency; this principle is associated with the ethics of virtue

Question 18

Psychological egoism

Answer 18

The concept that humans naturally and inherently seek self-interest, and that we can do nothing else because it is our nature

Question 19

Religious ethics

Answer 19

The ethical system that is based on religious beliefs of good and evil; what is that which is God’s will

Question 20

Rule utilitarianism

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Situational ethics

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Teleological ethical system

Answer 22

An ethical system that is concerned with the consequences or ends of an action to determine goodness

Question 23

Utilitarian principle

Answer 23

The principle that all decisions should be made according to what is best for the greatest number

Question 24

Utilitarianism

Answer 24

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