Final Oral Exam Flashcards
What is Ethical Relativism and what are the criticism against it?
Ethical relativism is the idea that ethical principles and moral values are not universal but depend on the cultural, societal, or individual context. In simpler terms, what is considered morally right or wrong can vary from one culture, society, or person to another. There is no absolute standard for morality; instead, it is relative to the beliefs and practices of a particular group or individual.
Criticism
1. self contradictory - creates a new form or normative ethics
2. goes against reality - points of history wherein ethnicities were systematically murdered
3. removes possibilities of consensus - because the individual or groups of individual would opt to insist on his theory of personal ethical rule
What are the criticism in Ethical Relativism?
Criticism
1. self contradictory - creates a new form or normative ethics
2. goes against reality - points of history wherein ethnicities were systematically murdered
3. removes possibilities of consensus - because the individual or groups of individual would opt to insist on his theory of personal ethical rule
Is a universal ethical theory possible for Kant? What are the principles he introduced in our discussion on categorical imperative?
Yes, Kant believes in a universal ethical theory. He thinks there are objective moral principles that apply to everyone, regardless of the situation.
A Priori Principles:
- These are things you can know to be true without needing to experience them.
- Experience is not necessary for the individual to know what is moral.
A Posteriori Principles (In Simple Terms):
- These are things you can only know after you’ve experienced or observed them.
- Knowledge that could only be known through human experience
This is the experience is not necessary for the individual to know what is moral.
Priori Knowledge or Principle
This is knowledge that could only be known through human experience.
Posteriori Knowledge or Principle
What is the categorical imperative? What is duty-based ethics?
Categorical Imperative (In Simple Terms):
*It’s a moral rule introduced by Kant: Act in a way you’d want everyone to act.
* If your action can be a universal rule without causing problems, it’s morally okay.
* treating people situations with fairness and consistency
Duty-Based Ethics (In Simple Terms):
* Doing what’s right because it’s your duty, not just for personal gain.
* For Kant, moral duties come from rational thinking, not consequences
* Involves following moral principles and duties, like telling the truth or keeping promises, because it’s the right thing to do.
- Doing what’s right because it’s your duty, not just for personal gain.
- For Kant, moral duties come from rational thinking, not consequences
- Involves following moral principles and duties, like telling the truth or keeping promises, because it’s the right thing to do.
Duty-Based Ethics
*It’s a moral rule introduced by Kant: Act in a way you’d want everyone to act.
* If your action can be a universal rule without causing problems, it’s morally okay.
* treating people situations with fairness and consistency
Categorical Imperative
What is Rawl’s theory of justice? Discuss these two concepts: veil of ignorance and the original position
John Rawls’s theory of justice is about making rules for a fair society by imagining you don’t know anything about yourself.
This “veil of ignorance” hides all personal data and helps ensure fairness, as you won’t be biased by your personal situation.
In the “original position,” a starting point where everyone is equal, you and others decide on principles that would be fair for everyone, not knowing your own circumstances.
Veil of Ignorance
This “veil of ignorance” hides all personal data and helps ensure fairness, as you won’t be biased by your personal situation.
How could we know the most stringent duty out of two prima facie duties?
- Evaluate the Situation
- Consider the Consequences
- Weigh Moral Significance
- Prioritize Urgency or Importanc
- Make a Judgment
What is pragmatism and how is it different from utilitarianism?
Pragmatism
- holds the belief that the true and meaningful form of knowledge is one that is practical, workable, beneficial, and useful
- produces good result
- PRAGMATISM LOOKS AT PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCE AND OUTCOMES
Utilitarianism
- principle of the greatest happiness
- an act is good when it produces greatest happiness; bad if it tends to produce pain
- one should not consider his own happiness or in a particular group but HUMANITY as a whole
- UTILITARIANISM FOCUSES ON MAXIMIZING OVERALL HAPPINESS OR PLEASURE
Choose one ethical theory and discuss its relevance in your life. In doing this, cite an important example or experience that made you utilize the theory.
Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits or virtues, such as honesty, compassion, and courage, and making decisions based on those virtues. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a moral character rather than adhering to specific rules or consequences.
Relevance in Everyday Life:
In personal and professional life, virtue ethics can be relevant in guiding behavior and decision-making. For example, if faced with a challenging situation at work that requires honesty, a person influenced by virtue ethics would prioritize the virtue of honesty over personal gain or convenience. In personal relationships, virtues like empathy and patience can be crucial in fostering positive connections.
- What is the moral framework of Aristotelian virtue ethics and what are its ends?
Moral Framework:
- Be a good person by developing positive traits like courage, wisdom, and fairness.
- Aim for balance—don’t be too much or too little of something.
Ends (Goals):
- Live a great life, known as “flourishing” or “living well” (eudaimonia).
- Be the best version of yourself by practicing virtues and reaching your full potential.
Original Position
In the “original position,” a starting point where everyone is equal, you and others decide on principles that would be fair for everyone, not knowing your own circumstances.
