Ethics- Normative Ethical Approaches

Question 1

1)When was situation ethics created? 2)Who created it?
3)In what book does it appear?

Answer 1

1)20th century (modern).
2)by Joseph Fletcher
3)Situation Ethics: The new Morality

TELEOLOGICAL

Question 2

Is situation ethics religious?

Answer 2

Yes, Catholic Christian

Question 3

Define AGAPE

Answer 3

Unconditional love.

Question 4

What are the 4 prepositions? Situation ethics

Answer 4

PRAGMATISM, PERSONALISM, POSITIVISM, RELATIVISM

Question 5

Name 2 of the 6 working principles

Answer 5

• GOD - GOOD
• LOVE - LAW
• JESUS - JUSTICE
• NEVER - NEIGHBOUR
• EVER - ENDS
• SIN - SITUATION

Question 6

Name 2 quotes for situation ethics

Answer 6

• “Love your neighbour as yourself” -JESUS
• “…there are times when a man has to push his principles aside, and do the right thing”

Question 7

1) who created virtue ethics?
2) when was it created?
3) what is the key text?

Answer 7

1) ARISTOTLE
2) 4th cent. BC (predates christianity)
3) Nicomachean Ethics

CHARACTER - BASED

Question 8

Define eudaimonia

Answer 8

HUMAN FLOURISHING. END GOAL

Question 9

what are the 2 types of virtues and how do you develop them?

Answer 9

Intellectual virtues —-> taught them
Moral virtues —-> imitate others + practice

Question 10

Identify 2 moral virtues

Answer 10

Courage
Generosity
Ambition

Question 11

Identify 2 intellectual virtues

Answer 11

Wisdom
Scientific knowledge
Intuition

Question 12

What is the golden mean / Doctrine of the mean?

Answer 12

The perfect balance of virtues. In between vices of deficiency or excess. For example,
Cowardice ➡️ Courage ⬅️ Rashness
Courage is the golden mean.

Question 13

Define theoria. Why is it significant to Aristotle?

Answer 13

Theoria —> contemplation/speculation. Gives us the ability to have reason and be virtuous + reach eudaemonia. Aristotle says theoria diffrentiates humans from animals.

Question 14

1) Who created Natural Moral Law?
2) When?
3) What key text can it be found in?

Answer 14

1) Thomas AQUINAS
2) 13th Century / Middle Ages
3) Summa Theologica

Question 15

Is Natural Moral Law a religious theory?

Answer 15

yes, Christian !

Question 16

What type of ethical approach does NML take?

Answer 16

Deontological - its based on rules.
+ teleological - end goal of synderesis

Question 17

What are the 4 tiers of law according to this NML?

Answer 17

Eternal Law, Divine Law, Natural Law, Human Law

Question 18

Briefly explain each tier of law (natural moral law)

Answer 18

Eternal –> principles God made to control the universe, only fully known by God
Divine –> The BIBLE
Natural –> the theory that the eternal absolute moral law can be found in nature + discovered through reason
Human –> humans make specific laws to govern society. To capture the truths of the natural laws (lead to secondary precepts)

Question 19

What are the 5 primary precepts? NML

Answer 19

Preservation of life
Ordered Society
Worshipping God
Education
Reproduction

Question 20

Describe synderesis

Answer 20

the key precept / end goal is : ‘Do good and avoid evil’ . Reasoning about what the COMMON GOODS are is what created the primary + secondary precepts

Question 21

What is the Doctrine of Double Effect?

Answer 21

It can be ethically acceptable if an action with morally good intent presents a bad side effect. As long as it’s proportionate + valuable.

Question 22

What is proportionalism?

Answer 22

the idea that agreed moral rules should be broken in some circumstances.

Question 23

Give example of proportionalism

Answer 23

Bonhoeffer: a Christian who was involved in plot to assassinate Hitler

Question 24

Explain Real VS Apparent Goods

Answer 24

Real goods –> something that will enable us to get closer to the ideal nature God has planned for us
Apparent goods –> things that bring us pleasure but don’t lead us to reach our full potential. EG drugs, adultery