Introduction to Ethics

Question 1

Normative ethics

Answer 1

Looks at what should be normal in terms of right and wrong. What the right and wrong things to do actually are

Question 2

Applied ethics

Answer 2

Applies the theories of normative ethics to real-life situations and examines what is right and wrong in specific situations

Question 3

Meta-ethics

Answer 3

Meta=beyond. Takes a step beyond normative ethics and asks what right and wrong even mean

Question 4

Consequentialism

Answer 4

Normative theory. Based on consequences of an action. E.g situation ethics or utilitarianism

Question 5

Deontology

Answer 5

Morality is based on a sense of duty towards yourself and others. E.g kantian ethics

Question 6

Virtue ethics

Answer 6

Based on improving the nature of the moral agent

Question 7

Voluntarism

Answer 7

Based on moral agent’s obedience to a set of norms that are generally God-given. E.g Christian ethics

Question 8

Teleological

Answer 8

Right and wrong are determined by the consequences of an action

Question 9

Absolutism

Answer 9

Moral truths are fixed and the same for everybody at every time

Question 10

Relativism

Answer 10

Moral truth varies depending on the circumstance, culture or religion

Question 11

Subjective

Answer 11

Right and wrong are a matter of personal opinion or viewpoint

Question 12

Objective

Answer 12

Moral facts are the case regardless of people’s opinions