Exam 1 Flashcards
What is ethics?
the study of morality using tools and methods of Philosophy (critical reasoning, logic, reflection)
What are descriptive statements?
describe (say how the world in fact is/was/will be) ex. 5/10 dentists use Crest, there are 42 people in this room, it is going to snow tomorrow.
What are normative statements?
Prescribe (what should be done) and evaluate (say what’s good/bad). Normative moral terms are normative terms with moral action guiding force. Ex. you shouldn’t tell a lie, people ought to be vaccinated.
Benefits of examining issues through the lens of ethics
More clarity and better understanding about what is right and wrong, therefore, more confidence about our choices and about the reasoning process we use to defend our behavior, Understanding about other possible and legitimate ways to arrive at ethical answers; tolerance about different approaches.
What is common morality?
Contains general norms that are abstract, universal, and content-thin
Traits of Moral Principles
- Prescriptivity
- Universalizability
- Overridingness
- Publicity
- Practicability
What is an argument?
a set of statements intended to persuade an audience that a particular statement is true based on one or more other statements
What is a premise?
A statement in an argument which, by itself or with other statements, is supposed to provide compelling reasons for accepting the argument’s conclusion
What’s a conclusion?
The statement in an argument that the argument’s author wishes to establish as true. It is often the most controversial statement in the argument.
What is deductive argument?
the conclusion is guaranteed by the truth of the premises
What is inductive argument?
Claims only a high degree of probability for the conclusion
What is a sound argument?
A valid argument in which all premises are true. In order to be sound all premises must be true and be valid.
What is a strong argument?
If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Ex.
1. Socrates was Greek
2. Most Greeks eat fish
3. Socrates ate fish
What is “begging the question”?
When a premise in an argument assumes the conclusion to be correct. Ex. I said “Iam always right” Because I said it, it must be right. Conclusion: I am always right
What is ad hominem fallacy?
a statement, premise, is rejected because of an irrelevant fact about the author
What is slippery slope fallacy?
Object to something because of the assumption that it will necessarily lead to other undesirable consequences
What is ethical theory?
a systematic exposition of a particular view about what is the nature and basis of good or right. The theory provides reasons or norms for judging acts to be right or wrong and attempts to give a justification for these norms.
Utilitarian Theory Bentham
When making moral decisions people should choose whatever course of action will produce the greatest balance of pleasure over pain.
Utilitarian Theory Mill
Agreed with Bentham but argued there are qualitative differences among pleasures and pains. Ex. The pleasures of “intellect” are higher than the pleasures of the senses.
Criteria for judging/calculating pleasure and pain
- Pleasure minus pain
- Intensity
- Duration
- Fruitfulness (likeliness of producing additional pleasure)
5.Certainty
Hedonism
Pleasure and happiness are the only two things that have intrinsic goodness
Consequences
consequences which produce pleasure or happiness are considered “good”
Instrumental value
things that are useful for producing pleasure
Intrinsic value
pleasure and happiness
Strengths of Consequentialism
Practical, Results oriented View
Relatively clear how to make ethical judgements
Weaknesses of Consequentialism
- How can we know all the consequences of an action?
- How can we compare utility from person to person?
- Do we include all generations? All species?
- Will utilitarianism lead us to ‘repugnant conclusions’?
Virtue Ethics
Development of certain character traits. Ex. Courage, honesty, compassion
Gilligan
Criticizes pure rational and objective approach to morality. Character traits should be considered. Moral decisions involve an analysis of the particular situation, a sensitive understanding.
Heinz’s Dilemma
Mr. Heinz’s wife has an aggressive cancer. There’s only one medicine that could save her life. The drug costs $2,000 he borrows the money from his friend and relatives. He only gets half, $1,000. He asks the lab to sell it cheaper or allow him to pay the remainder of the money later. They refuse. He’ll return later and steal the drug that can save his wife”. Should he steal the drug and face the consequences? Or should he go scotch free? Should he obey the law and not steal the drug, only to let his wife die
Kohlberg
Kohlberg’s sample was composed only of males
Dilemmas were all hypothetical and abstract
Rationalism
pure reason can tell us how the world is, independent of experience
Empericism
Our minds are a blank slate all knowledge comes from experience.
Out of duty
base our actions on what the morally right thing to do is. we are exhibiting good will.
Accordance with duty
the act itself must be morally right
