exam 1- part 1 Flashcards
What is Ethics?
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions about morality, including concepts like how we ought to live, idea of good, and concept such as right and wrong.
What is Descriptive Ethics?
The study of people’s beliefs about what is morally right or wrong, without making value judgments.
Define Moral Philosophy/Ethical Theory.
The systematic study of moral values and principles, attempting to provide frameworks for deciding what is right or wrong.
What is Applied Ethics?
The application of ethical theories to specific moral issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, or animal rights.
Why Study Ethics in Light of Ethical Theory?
Ethical theory provides structured frameworks for understanding, evaluating, and addressing moral questions.
What is the distinction between Morality and Law?
Law involves rules enforced by authorities; morality concerns personal beliefs about right and wrong.
How is Morality distinct from Religion?
Religion is based on spiritual beliefs and practices, while morality is concerned with principles of right and wrong that don’t necessarily depend on religious teachings.
What does Etiquette concern?
Etiquette concerns socially accepted behaviors and manners, while morality addresses deeper questions about what is right and just.
List the five traits of Moral Principles.
- Prescriptive
- Universal
- Impartial
- Reason-based
- Overriding
What are the Four Domains of Ethical Assessment?
- Action
- Agent
- Outcome
- Context
Define Ethical Relativism.
The belief that moral principles are not absolute and may vary based on culture, context, or individual perspective.
What is Moral Objectivism?
The view that there are objective moral facts or truths that are independent of human beliefs or perceptions.
What is Subjective Ethical Relativism?
The belief that moral judgments are based on individual feelings and perspectives; what is right or wrong depends on personal beliefs.
What are the appeals of Subjective Ethical Relativism?
- Promotes tolerance and acceptance of diverse moral views
- Acknowledges the validity of different personal experiences and beliefs
What are the criticisms of Subjective Ethical Relativism?
- Leads to moral subjectivity
- Fails to resolve moral disagreements
What is Conventional Ethical Relativism?
Recognizes the importance of cultural context and the diversity of moral beliefs.
What are the critiques of Conventional Ethical Relativism?
- Can lead to moral paralysis
- Makes it difficult to make cross-cultural moral judgments
Define Ethnocentrism.
The belief that one’s own culture or group is superior to others and that other cultures should be judged by the standards of one’s own.
What is Psychological Egoism?
The theory that all human actions are motivated by self-interest, even when they appear altruistic.
What is the Argument from Self-Satisfaction in Psychological Egoism?
The claim that even when people do good for others, they do so because it provides them satisfaction or pleasure.
List the critiques of Psychological Egoism.
- Overgeneralizes human behavior
- Fails to account for genuine self-sacrifice
What is Ethical Egoism?
The normative ethical theory that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest and pursue their own happiness.
What are the main ideas of Ayn Rand’s Virtue of Selfishness?
- Advocates for rational self-interest
- Asserts that individuals should live for their own sake
- Rejects altruism
What is the Publicity Argument against Ethical Egoism?
If everyone acted selfishly, society would collapse because trust and cooperation would be undermined.
What is the State of Nature according to Hobbes?
A condition where there is no government or authority, and individuals act based on their own self-interest, leading to conflict and insecurity.
What are the consequences of the State of Nature?
Life is chaotic and violent because individuals constantly fear for their survival and compete for limited resources.
Define Social Contract.
An agreement where individuals consent to form a government or authority to provide security and protect their rights.
What does the Social Contract resolve?
It resolves the chaos of the state of nature by creating a structured system of rules and enforcement.
What is Mill’s Theory in Utilitarianism?
Happiness as the ultimate goal, promoting the greatest good for the greatest number, and considering both short-term and long-term consequences.
What is the difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism?
- Act Utilitarianism: Focuses on individual actions and their consequences
- Rule Utilitarianism: Focuses on following rules that lead to the greatest happiness
What are the strengths of Utilitarianism?
- Impartial and democratic
- Provides a clear and measurable way to assess actions
What is the Problem of Formulation in Utilitarianism?
Difficulties arise when trying to precisely measure and predict happiness for every possible action.
What is the No Rest Objection in Utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism demands too much, suggesting individuals must constantly act to maximize happiness.
What is a criticism regarding ends justifying immoral means in Utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism could justify harmful actions if they lead to a greater overall good.
