exam Flashcards
Why is conscience essential to ethics, according to the document?
Conscience acts as a moral compass that provides the basis for evaluating actions and aligns ethics with human nature.
What is emotivism, and how does it differ from rational ethics?
Emotivism bases ethics on emotions, which are subjective, while rational ethics is grounded in reason, seeking objective moral truths.
How does treating ethics as a trend impact moral values?
Ethics can become superficial if it follows social trends, losing its grounding in principles of human dignity and responsibility.
What are fundamental goods, and how do they guide ethics?
Fundamental goods (life, truth, beauty) are universally desired and shape ethical actions, directing humans towards fulfillment.
How is moral law distinct from positive law?
Moral law is intrinsic and unchangeable, rooted in human dignity, while positive law is changeable and based on societal choices.
Why is freedom important in ethical decision-making?
Freedom allows humans to choose actions that perfect their nature, rather than acting solely on instinct or external pressures.
How does freedom relate to moral responsibility?
True freedom involves responsibility; actions taken freely must align with moral good, and choices determine one’s moral character.
What role does society play in individual ethics?
Society provides a context for ethical growth, but personal conscience must guide actions rather than societal norms alone.
What distinguishes authentic ethics from ethics based on social approval?
Authentic ethics is based on principles of human dignity, while ethics based on approval can be superficial, seeking popularity over morality.
