Ethics Theories Flashcards
What are prudential ethics?
The prudent course of action.
What are legal ethics?
The legal course of action - what we can do according to the law.
What are moral ethics?
Related to duty/obligation. This is what we are obliged to do according to our morals.
What is consequentialist ethics theory?
Acts are evaluated based on their outcomes. Maximizes the good consequences, minimizes the bad.
Utilitarianism
What theory of ethics believes that intentions, motives, and nature of the act are irrelevant (only the outcome matters)?
Consequentialist Theories
What is the difference between an altruist and an egoist?
Altruists are worried about the consequences for others, egoists are trying to maximize good consequences for themselves.
True or false: consequentialist theories fall under the category of utilitarianism.
True
What is deontological ethics theory?
Acts are evaluated based on their very nature.
Duty/rule-based decision making.
The outcome of the act is irrelevant.
What larger categorical umbrella does deontological theories of ethics fall under?
Kantian Ethics
What are categorical imperatives?
Unconditional commands that are binding on everyone at all times. There are no exceptions to these rules.
What are maxims?
Principles based on reason, bridge between inner self and outer actions.
What are Kant’s central concepts?
Reason and freedom
Duality
Good will
Duty
What are some criticisms for duty-based theories (deontological)?
Moral minimalism
Moral alienation
Duty/ “just following orders”
What are utilitarianism/cosequentialism ethical theories?
Strives to make the world a better place.
Good consequences vs. good intentions
Fundamental Imperative: always act in the way that will create the greatest amount of good in the world
Aims to eliminate moral disagreement
What are four intrinsic values according to consequentialist theories.
Pleasure
Happiness
Ideals
Preferences
