Ethical Dilemmas & Decisions, Ch.2

Question 0

deontological ethical system

Answer 0

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

Question 1

ethical systems

Answer 1

a structured set of principles that defines what is moral

Question 2

teleological ethical system

Answer 2

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

Question 3

ethical formalism

Answer 3

ethical system espoused by Kant focuses on duty; holds the only thing truly good is a good will, and what is good is that which conforms to the categorical imperative

Question 4

hypothetical imperative

Answer 4

statements of contingent demand known as if-then statements [“IF one wants something, THEN one must work for it”]

Question 5

categorical imperative

Answer 5

the concept that some things simply must be, with no need for further justification or rationalization for why they exist

Question 6

utilitarianism

Answer 6

the ethical system claiming the greatest good is that which results in the greatest happiness for the greater number

Question 7

ethics of virtue

Answer 7

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

Question 8

principle of the golden mean

Answer 8

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

Question 9

ethics of care

Answer 9

ethical system defining good as meeting the needs of others and preserving and enriching relationships

Question 10

egoism

Answer 10

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

Question 11

imperative principle

Answer 11

concept all decisions should be made according to absolute rules

Question 12

utilitarian imperative

Answer 12

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

Question 13

natural law

Answer 13

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 14

principle of forfeiture

Answer 14

the idea that one gives up one’s right to be treated with respect to the extent that one has abrogated someone else’s rights; [self-defense is acceptable according to principle of forfeiture]

Question 15

moral pluralism

Answer 15

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

Question 16

3 principles of ethical decision making

Answer 16

1) imperative principle - decision maker acts according to a rule
2) utilitarian principle - determines ethics of conduct on good or bad consequences
3) generalization principle - “what if everyone else acted under similar circumstances