Chapter Two Flashcards
A structured set of principles that defines what is moral.
Ethical System
The ethical system that bases ethics largely upon character and possession of virtues.
Ethics of Virtue
Aristotle’s concept of moderation, in which one should not err toward excess or deficiency; this principle is associated with the ethics of virtue.
Principle of the Golden Mean
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.
Natural Law
The ethical system that is based on religious beliefs of good and evil; what is good is that which is God’s will.
Religious Ethics
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 categorical imperative.
Ethical Formalism
The study of duty on moral obligation emphasizing the intent of the actor as the element of morality.
Deontological Ethical System
Statements of contingent demand known as if-then statements: usually contrasted with categorical imperatives.
Hypothetical Imperatives
The concept that some things just must be, with no need for further justification, explanation or rationalization for why they exist (Kant’s categorical imperative refers to the imperative that you should do your duty, act in a way you want everyone else to act, and don’t use people).
Categorical Imperative
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 and Mill.
Utilitarianism
An ethical system that is concerned with the consequences or ends of an action to determine goodness.
Teleological Ethical System
The type of utilitarianism that determines the goodness of a particular act by measuring the utility (good) for all, but only for that specific act and without regard for future actions.
Act 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.
Rule Utilitarianism
The ethical system that defines good as meeting the needs of others and preserving and enriching relationships.
Ethics of Care
An ancient approach to justice that includes the concepts of compassion and care, and mindfulness
Peacemaking Justice
The ethical system that defines the pursuit of self-interest as a moral good.
Egoism
The concept that humans naturally and inherently seek self-interest and that we can do nothing else because it is our nature.
Psychological Egosim
The concept that egoism may appear to be altruistic because it is ones long term best interest to help others in order to receive help in return.
Enlightened Egoism
The concept that all decisions should be made according to the absolute rules.
Imperative Principle
The principle that all decisions should be made according to what is best for the greatest number.
Utilitarian Principle
The principle that all decisions should be made assuming that the decision would be applied to everyone else in similar circumstances.
Generalization Principle
The idea that values and behaviors differ from culture to culture and are functional in the culture that holds them.
Cultural Relativism
The idea that one gives up one’s right to be treated under the principles of respect for person’s to the extent that one has abrogated someone else’s rights; for instance self-defense is acceptable according to the principle of forfeiture.
Principle of Forfeiture
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.
Situational Ethics
The concept that there are fundamental truths that may dictate different definitions of what is moral in different situations.
Moral Pluralism
