Ethical Theories Flashcards
Morality is just individual preference,
Right and wrong are a matter of taste
Subjectivism
Define ethical relativism
The belief that we cannot make moral judgments about what people do
Who were the two major founding figures in the theory of utilitarianism
Jeremy Bentham
John Mill
What is the central principle of utilitarianism?
Do what is good for the greatest number of people
What are the five components of hedonic calculus
Pleasure minus pain Intensity Duration Fruitfulness Likelihood
Who felt that intellectual pleasures are better than sensual ones, Bentham or mill?
Mill
What are criticisms of utilitarianism?
The greatest good asks too many variables to consider
Promotes group sacrifice, like slavery
What is the categorical imperative?
Act as if your action became universal law
Man and any other rational beings exist as an end in themselves. What theory?
Deontology
What are the two categorical imperatives?
- Universalizing ones contemplated action
2. The proper treatment of persons as persons
What are perfect duties?
Necessary duties
Absolute
Imperfect duties?
Meritorious duties
More flexible
What theory says that moral obligation is real and strictly binding?
Deontology
What does virtuous life focus on?
Character
What is defined as a mean between excess and deficiency?
Virtue
