Ethics Flashcards
What are the three main concerns of Ethics?
- Right Action: Determining what is morally right or wrong.
- Good Character: Focusing on the virtues and moral character of individuals.
- Moral Responsibility: Understanding the obligations and responsibilities of individuals in society.
Define Good.
A quality that is morally right or beneficial.
Define Will.
The faculty of conscious choice or decision-making.
Define Happiness.
A state of well-being and contentment; often seen as the ultimate goal in life.
Explain the relationship between the Good, the Will and Happiness.
The Good is what the Will aims for; pursuing the Good leads to true Happiness. When we make choices based on what is good, we achieve genuine happiness.
List and briefly explain two ways that a thing can be ‘Good.’
- Intrinsic Good: Good in itself, like love or knowledge, valued for its own sake.
- Instrumental Good: Good for the sake of something else, like money, which is useful for achieving other ends.
Define and briefly explain the three types of Happiness.
Delectacio gaudium beatitude
Explain why wealth is not the ‘Highest Good.’
Wealth provides temporary pleasure and security but cannot guarantee true happiness. True happiness comes from virtue, relationships, and fulfilling one’s purpose, which wealth alone cannot provide.
Define Virtue.
Virtue is a habitual quality of character that leads to moral excellence and good behavior.
Explain how St. Thomas Aquinas says that we can attain Virtue.
Virtue is attained through practice of good habits. It also involves the grace of God and aligning one’s will with Gods will
Explain the difference between a Theological virtue and a Cardinal virtue.
Theological Virtues are gifts from God that relate directly to Him (Faith, Hope, Charity). Cardinal Virtues are fundamental virtues that are acquired through human effort (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance).
List the three Theological virtues.
- Faith: Belief in God and His teachings.
- Hope: Trust in God’s promises and expectation of eternal life.
- Charity: Selfless love for God and others.
List the 4 Cardinal virtues.
- Prudence: The ability to judge correctly and make wise decisions.
- Justice: Fairness and giving each individual their due.
- Fortitude: Courage and strength in facing difficulties.
- Temperance: Moderation in all things.
Is Consequentialism compatible with Virtue Ethics? Justify your answer.
No, because Consequentialism focuses on the outcomes of actions to determine right and wrong, while Virtue Ethics looks at the intention behind actions. These methods have different priorities.
