Ethics Definitions - Natural Law

Question 1

Meta Ehics

Answer 1

The study of the meaning of ethical concepts

Question 2

Normative Ethics

Answer 2

Considers ethical theories that give advice on how we ought to behave

Question 3

Applied Ethics

Answer 3

Discusses specific problems in ethics e.g. should euthanasia be allowed?

Question 4

Descriptive Ethics

Answer 4

Different ethical views that vary across cultures

Question 5

Absolutist

Answer 5

Moral rules are fixed and apply at all times and places

Question 6

Relativist

Answer 6

Moral rules are not fixed and are dependent on situation and culture

Question 7

Deontological

Answer 7

Whether the action is good i.e. right or wrong

Question 8

Teleological

Answer 8

RIghtness of an action is determined by the consequences

Question 9

Natural Law and Kantian Ethics are……

Answer 9

Absolutist and deontological

Question 10

Utilitarian and situation ethics are……

Answer 10

Relativist and teleological

Question 11

Telos

Answer 11

The idea that everything has a purpose

Question 12

Eudaimonia

Answer 12

Flourishing and living well, is the ultimate end that all actions should

Question 13

Aquinas’ 4 tiers of Law

Answer 13

Eternal Law –> Divine Law –> Natural Law –> Human Law

Question 14

Primary Precepts

Answer 14

W - worship God
O - ordered society
R - reproduce
L - learning
D - defend the innocent

Question 15

Secondary precepts

Answer 15

Derived from the primary precepts

Question 16

Synderesis

Answer 16

The natural human inclination to do good and avoid evil

Question 17

Real Good

Answer 17

The thing we should follow and is our duty to follow. We arrive at what this is by using our reason.

Question 18

Apparent Good

Answer 18

We have been tricked into believing that it is real good and we are wrong. E.g. if you think euthanasia is acceptable in some cases then you are following an apparent good as it also goes against the divine laws.

Question 19

Exterior Acts

Answer 19

What you actually do in the given situation.

Question 20

Interior Acts

Answer 20

Intention of how you plan to act

Question 21

Consequentialism

Answer 21

The idea that right or wrong is based on the outcome or consequences of actions

Question 22

Naturalistic Fallacy

Answer 22

The idea that it is a mistake to define moral terms with reference to other non-moral or natural terms

Question 23

Existentialism

Answer 23

A school of philosophy that begins with human existence rather than human essence, it argues that humans are free and don’t have a fixed nature

Question 24

Natural Law

Answer 24

Natural Law is deontological theory which argues that we should use our God-given ability to reason to fulfil our duty within the situation. Aquinas believes that our purpose was to reach a union with God, but we do not strive for this.

Question 25

Proportionalism

Answer 25

Choosing the lesser of two evils. In some situation, you have to weigh up the positives and negatives. Important to have a proportionate amount of good and evil in your lives. Bernard Hoose.