FINAL EXAM Flashcards
the ethical theory which holds that actions are good if and only if they are performed with the intent to conform to universal moral duties derived by reason from the abstract concepts of moral duty and lawfulness.
deontology
reason’s function in determining what we do/should do (our will)
practical reason
a rule, originating in reason, governing all experience
principle
a principle governing MY action in a particular kind of situation
a maxim
a practical principle, a principle governing ALL actions
a moral law
a principle taking the form of a command telling us what we OUGHT to do if we wish to achieve a certain end (these are non moral)
hypothetical imperative
a principle taking the form of a command telling us what we must always do; this is the basis for all moral duties in Kant
categorical imperative
1st formulation of categorical imperative
Act only on that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
2nd formulation of categorical imperative
Act in such a way that you treat humanity (or rational beings in general), whether in your own person or in any other person, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.
3rd formulation of categorical imperative
All maxims which stem from autonomous lawgiving are to harmonize with a possible kingdom of ends and with a kingdom of nature.
A will that ‘gives the law to itself’ acting according to our own principles; kantian freedom = behaving morally
autonomy
A will that is determined by its object
heteronomy
the worth of things which are irreplaceable ex. human beings
dignity
the worth of things which are replaceable ex. objects
price
define: the original position
a “purely hypothetical situation” in which “no one knows his place in society, his class position, or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities.”
define: the veil of ignorance
the limitations Rawls establishes on our knowledge of our own lives which are presupposed by the original position
first principle of justice
Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others.
second principle of justice or the difference principle
social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both a.) reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage and b.) attached to positions and offices open to all.
inequalities are only justifiable if they are better for the least advantaged than a position of complete equality would be
the ethical theory that holds that the right action cannot be completely understood by means of universal or rational standards. At least part of ethics involves caring for others, which can only be understood in the context of relationships of mutual recognition.
feminist care ethics
the idea that the self is fundamentally distinct from other people
atomistic self
the concept if the self as essentially defined by its relationships to other ‘selves’ (people)
relational self
Three things necessary for mutual recognition?
1) I recognize the other as a subject, a consciousness, as having dignity
2) I become an ‘other’ to myself - I see myself through the eyes of the other
3) I earn the other’s recognition and the other recognizes me
a school of philosophy which holds that philosophy should begin with the study of the lived experience of the philosopher.
existentialism
define: the absurd
the view that the human desire for meaning is always frustrated by a meaningless universe. the search for answers in an answerless world.
