Chapter Two

Question 1

A structured set of principles that defines what is moral.

Answer 1

Ethical System

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Ethics of Virtue

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Principle of the Golden Mean

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Natural Law

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Religious Ethics

Question 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 categorical imperative.

Answer 6

Ethical Formalism

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Deontological Ethical System

Question 8

Statements of contingent demand known as if-then statements: usually contrasted with categorical imperatives.

Answer 8

Hypothetical Imperatives

Question 9

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).

Answer 9

Categorical Imperative

Question 10

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.

Answer 10

Utilitarianism

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Teleological Ethical System

Question 12

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.

Answer 12

Act Utilitarianism

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

Rule Utilitarianism

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Ethics of Care

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Peacemaking Justice

Question 16

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

Answer 16

Egoism

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Psychological Egosim

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

Enlightened Egoism

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Imperative Principle

Question 20

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

Answer 20

Utilitarian Principle

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Generalization Principle

Question 22

The idea that values and behaviors differ from culture to culture and are functional in the culture that holds them.

Answer 22

Cultural Relativism

Question 23

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.

Answer 23

Principle of Forfeiture

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

Situational Ethics

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Moral Pluralism