Ethics Exam 2 Flashcards
Good Will, Categorical Imperative
doing something because its the right thing to do, you should only do something if you’d be okay with everyone doing it.
Hypothetical Imperatives
“if you want good grades, then you study hard”
Acts for the Sake of Duty VS In Accordance of Duty
The action can be morally correct, the motivation might now be solely based on duty; other factors could be involved
Morally Binding Duties
they are rules we should all follow to be fair and just
Kant - Dilemmas Between Duties?
Think about each duty carefully and pick the best one that follows moral rules. Finding the right choice, even when tough
Practical Imperative
you should act in a way that you would want everyone else to act, recognizing the value of each person
Utilitarianism - Bentham and Mills
Actions are good if they make the most people happy. Betham cared more about quantity of happiness, Mills believed in both quantity and quality
Principle of Utility
about maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering
Kant VS Bentham
Kant focused on duty and universal principles in ethics, while Bentham emphasized maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.
Jonathan Swift’s Modest Proposal
To solve problems in Ireland, people should sell their children as food. He is actually criticizing how the British treat Ireland and the poor.
Greatest Happiness Principle
actions are good if they make the most people happy and reduce suffering
Stopping the Tyranny of the Majority
Protecting everyone’s rights is not just the most common option.
Act VS Rule Utilitarianism
The act utilitarian considers only the results or consequences of the single act while the rule utilitarian considers the consequences that result of following a rule of conduct .
The Principle of Obliquity
Aiming directly for a goal might not be the most effective way to achieve it
Happiness Lessons from the Ancients
Encourages a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses both physical and mental aspects of life.
Csikszentmihalyi, “When do people feel most happy?”
finding activities that provide a sense of flow for maximizing happiness and fulfillment in life.
Virtue Ethics
Strive for excellence in their character and to act in ways that promote human flourishing and well-being.
Aristotle’s View on Humanity
the importance of rationality, virtue, and social connection in leading a good life.
Aristotle’s View of Flourishing
Living a virtuous life, realizing one’s potential, and actively participating in a supportive and interconnected community.
Virtue VS Excess and Deficiency
avoiding both excess and deficiency by finding the right balance in character traits and actions.
Tessman’s Burdened Virtues
virtues like care and compassion can sometimes be difficult to practice because they require individuals to deal with complex moral challenges and emotional burdens, especially in unfair or oppressive situations.
Buddhist Ethics
guide individuals towards greater awareness, compassion, and moral responsibility in their thoughts, words, and actions.
The Story of Hakuin
Emphasized meditation and practical application in daily life, and they still inspire people today.
Presenting Problems VS Underlying Problems
By addressing both the presenting and underlying problems, individuals can work towards more comprehensive and lasting solutions.
Four Noble Truths
diagnose the problem of suffering, identify its causes, offer hope for its cessation, and outline a path to achieve liberation from suffering.
Eightfold Path
guiding practitioners towards a life of wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental cultivation.
Buddhist Virtues(8)
Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration
Buddhist Moral Precepts
don’t hurt others, don’t steal, be faithful, speak truthfully, stay sober
Aristotle, Political, and Unlikely Friendship
People who are very difference can still be friends if they have common goals or values. Friendship can bring people together no matter their difference
Mental Complexity - Self Transforming Mind, Self-Authoring Mind, etc.
Mental complexity is how deep we think, self-transforming mind is when we can change and grow, while self-authoring mind is when we know ourselves and can pursue our goals independently
The Common Good - in ethical deliberations
Reminds us think beyond ourselves and consider whats best for everyone in our community or society
WCU’s Mission Statement and its relevance to ethical theory
the university demonstrates its dedication to fostering an ethical culture and preparing students to make ethical decisions in their personal and professional lives
Four Views of the Common Good
utilitarian, egalitarian, communitarian, libertarian
Plato and Aristotle’s View on the Common Good
Plato’s view was more idealistic and hierarchical, centered around the rule of the philosophers. In contrast, Aristotle’s view was more practical and focused on cultivating virtues and excellence within a participatory political framework.
Critiques of the Common Good Approach
Individual rights, definition challenges, clarity issues, majority rule problems, and cultural differences.
The Tragedy of the Commons
self-interest can lead to the destruction of shared resources.
Social Contract Theory
societies form, and why people agree to follow the rules and laws, government exists to serve the people and protect their rights.
Equity
Making sure everyone has an equal chance to do well, especially those who face
Key Thinkers in Social Contract Theory
thomas hobbes, john locke, jean jacques rousseau
Rawls and Veil of Ignorance
It encourages people to imagine making decisions about society without knowing their own place in it. By doing this, they can create fair and just principles that benefit everyone, regardless of their personal circumstances.
The Liberty Principle
Emphasized the importance of equal basic rights and liberties for all members of society.
The Difference Principle
Arranging social and economic inequalities to benefit the least advantaged members of society. It aims to create a fair and just society with equal opportunities to succeed.
Critiques of Rawls
Highlights the concern for feasibility, treatment of historical injustices, and global issues.
Oppression Readings - Porritt, Frye, McIntosh, Sample Student Paper, Heterosexual Privilege
Porritt: Talks about environmental issues and how they can oppress people.
Frye: Discusses how oppression works through systems of power.
McIntosh: Explores how white people have privileges that others don’t.
Sample Student Paper: An example of a student’s writing about oppression or privilege.
Heterosexual Privilege: Explains the advantages straight people have over LGBTQ+ individuals.
Blue River Declaration
Keeping the earth clean is our duty.
