ETHICS: introduction

Question 1

meta-ethics

Answer 1

a type of ethic that explores the meaning and use of ethical language. it is a consideration of why we act the way we do.
(e.g. what do we need by: ‘good’, ‘bad’, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’?)

Question 2

normative ethics

Answer 2

the study of the content of, or the principes that underlie a specific ethical theory. it asks what things are good and bad; what behaviour is right or wrong.
decides how people ought to act and how they make moral choices

Question 3

descriptive ethics

Answer 3

describes and compares different ways societies have answered moral questions. also known as moral sociology.
(e.g. what do Christian traditions believe about sex before marriage?)

Question 4

absolutists

Answer 4

believe that there exists a standard of right and wrong that is fully and totally binding on all human beings. those who are religious may feel that this absolute standard proceeds from the mind and will of a supreme being (God.) those who are not religious may believe that the standard simply exists.

Question 5

relativists

Answer 5

believe that there is no absolute right or wrong. they do not see morality as imposing a binding obligation on human beings to behave in a certain way. they see morality as the response of human communities to issues of how to behave in relation to each other. there are no absolute rules but there are norms of behaviour that promote goodwill and happiness or some other desirable objective.

Question 6

subjective

Answer 6

in ethics, a theory is described as ‘subjective’ if its truth is dependant on the person’s view. moral judgements that are typically associated with the own speaker’s feelings or attitudes.

Question 7

objective

Answer 7

in ethics, a theory is described as ‘objective’ if the truth is independant of a person’s view. also known as moral realism.
(e.g. 2+2=4)

Question 8

telelogical ethics’

Answer 8

‘telos’ meaning end.
an ethical theory that is concerned with the end purpose or goal of an action.

Question 9

deontological ethics

Answer 9

meaning duty.
an ethical theory that explores obligation or duty.

Question 10

consequentialism

Answer 10

an ethical theory based on considering consequences.