G1 Flashcards
What is virtue ethics?
An ethical theory focusing on the character of a moral agent rather than specific actions or their consequences.
Emphasizes virtues that enable individuals to live a good and fulfilling life.
Who is the most influential proponent of virtue ethics?
Aristotle
Developed the theory in his work Nicomachean Ethics.
What is eudaimonia?
The highest human good, often translated as ‘flourishing’ or ‘living well.’
Achieved by cultivating virtues and living according to reason.
What question does virtue ethics primarily ask?
‘What kind of person should I be?’
Distinguishes itself from deontology and consequentialism.
List the four cardinal virtues highlighted by Plato.
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Temperance
- Justice
These virtues contribute to moral development.
What are the two types of virtues categorized by Aristotle?
- Intellectual Virtues
- Moral Virtues
Intellectual virtues are developed through education, while moral virtues are developed through habit.
Define the Doctrine of the Mean.
Aristotle’s idea that virtue lies between two extremes of deficiency and excess.
Each virtue has its corresponding vices.
What are moral virtues?
Habitual qualities that shape one’s moral character, developed through practice.
Examples include courage, honesty, and generosity.
True or False: Virtue ethics provides clear moral rules.
False
It lacks specific guidelines unlike rule-based ethics.
What are some criticisms of virtue ethics?
- Lack of clear guidance
- Cultural relativity
- Conflicting virtues
These challenges can lead to moral disagreements.
In which fields is virtue ethics applied?
- Business Ethics
- Medical Ethics
- Environmental Ethics
Each field emphasizes different virtues relevant to its context.
What is natural law?
A philosophical and moral theory asserting that moral principles are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason.
It exists independently of human-made laws.
Contrast natural law with positive law.
Natural law is eternal and unchanging, while positive law refers to laws created by governments that may change over time.
Positive laws can be influenced by cultural and social factors.
Who integrated Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology in natural law?
St. Thomas Aquinas
His theory emphasizes that moral laws align with God’s eternal law.
List the four types of laws according to Aquinas.
- Eternal Law
- Natural Law
- Divine Law
- Human Law (Positive Law)
Each type has a specific role in moral and ethical considerations.
What are the primary precepts of natural law identified by Aquinas?
- Preserve life
- Reproduce and educate offspring
- Worship God
- Live in society
- Pursue truth and knowledge
These principles derive secondary precepts for specific moral rules.
What is a strength of natural law?
It provides objective moral standards.
This objectivity supports human dignity and rights.
What is a criticism of natural law?
Disagreement on moral truths.
Interpretations of what is ‘natural’ can differ across cultures.
In what areas does natural law influence society?
- Law and Justice
- Ethics and Morality
- Politics and Human Rights
Natural law principles can shape discussions around human rights and moral dilemmas.
What does the U.S. Declaration of Independence refer to in relation to natural law?
‘Unalienable rights’ derived from natural law.
This reflects the influence of natural law on foundational legal documents.
What is the conclusion regarding virtue ethics and natural law?
Both theories emphasize moral development and ethical living, though they face challenges from cultural and scientific perspectives.
They remain influential in personal and professional ethics.
What is virtue ethics?
An ethical theory focusing on the character of a moral agent rather than specific actions or their consequences.
Emphasizes virtues that enable individuals to live a good and fulfilling life.
Who is the most influential proponent of virtue ethics?
Aristotle
Developed the theory in his work Nicomachean Ethics.
What is eudaimonia?
The highest human good, often translated as ‘flourishing’ or ‘living well.’
Achieved by cultivating virtues and living according to reason.
What question does virtue ethics primarily ask?
‘What kind of person should I be?’
Distinguishes itself from deontology and consequentialism.
List the four cardinal virtues highlighted by Plato.
- Wisdom
- Courage
- Temperance
- Justice
These virtues contribute to moral development.
What are the two types of virtues categorized by Aristotle?
- Intellectual Virtues
- Moral Virtues
Intellectual virtues are developed through education, while moral virtues are developed through habit.
Define the Doctrine of the Mean.
Aristotle’s idea that virtue lies between two extremes of deficiency and excess.
Each virtue has its corresponding vices.
What are moral virtues?
Habitual qualities that shape one’s moral character, developed through practice.
Examples include courage, honesty, and generosity.
True or False: Virtue ethics provides clear moral rules.
False
It lacks specific guidelines unlike rule-based ethics.
What are some criticisms of virtue ethics?
- Lack of clear guidance
- Cultural relativity
- Conflicting virtues
These challenges can lead to moral disagreements.
In which fields is virtue ethics applied?
- Business Ethics
- Medical Ethics
- Environmental Ethics
Each field emphasizes different virtues relevant to its context.
What is natural law?
A philosophical and moral theory asserting that moral principles are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason.
It exists independently of human-made laws.
Contrast natural law with positive law.
Natural law is eternal and unchanging, while positive law refers to laws created by governments that may change over time.
Positive laws can be influenced by cultural and social factors.
Who integrated Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology in natural law?
St. Thomas Aquinas
His theory emphasizes that moral laws align with God’s eternal law.
List the four types of laws according to Aquinas.
- Eternal Law
- Natural Law
- Divine Law
- Human Law (Positive Law)
Each type has a specific role in moral and ethical considerations.
What are the primary precepts of natural law identified by Aquinas?
- Preserve life
- Reproduce and educate offspring
- Worship God
- Live in society
- Pursue truth and knowledge
These principles derive secondary precepts for specific moral rules.
What is a strength of natural law?
It provides objective moral standards.
This objectivity supports human dignity and rights.
What is a criticism of natural law?
Disagreement on moral truths.
Interpretations of what is ‘natural’ can differ across cultures.
In what areas does natural law influence society?
- Law and Justice
- Ethics and Morality
- Politics and Human Rights
Natural law principles can shape discussions around human rights and moral dilemmas.
What does the U.S. Declaration of Independence refer to in relation to natural law?
‘Unalienable rights’ derived from natural law.
This reflects the influence of natural law on foundational legal documents.
What is the conclusion regarding virtue ethics and natural law?
Both theories emphasize moral development and ethical living, though they face challenges from cultural and scientific perspectives.
They remain influential in personal and professional ethics.
