Introduction to Ethics and Law Flashcards
What does consequentialism focus on?
Consequentialism focuses on the consequences of actions. An action is right if it promotes the best consequences.
What do people who believe in consequentialism call themselves?
People who believe in consequentialism are called utilitarians.
Name two classic utilitarians.
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
Who are two modern utilitarians?
Peter Singer and John Harris.
What does maximising consequentialism hold?
Maximising consequentialism holds that an action is right if it promotes the best consequences, aiming to create the most utility.
What is satisficing consequentialism?
Satisficing consequentialism holds that an action is right if it promotes good enough consequences, creating enough utility rather than the most.
What is the core belief of deontology?
Deontology believes an action is right if it is in accordance with a correct moral rule or principle, focusing on duties and rules.
What is the primary focus of deontology?
The primary focus of deontology is duties, including duties created by rules and guidelines.
What is a major advantage of deontology?
A major advantage of deontology is that it clearly guides behavior and allows for profession-specific and personal duties.
What is a significant disadvantage of deontology?
A significant disadvantage of deontology is that it fails to account for the consequences of actions.
What is the concept of rights in ethics?
The concept of rights refers to entitlements ascribed to all persons, associated with duties and codified in laws like the European Convention and the Human Rights Act 1998.
What is virtue ethics?
Virtue ethics holds that an action is right if it is what a virtuous agent would characteristically do in the circumstances.
What does virtue ethics require in terms of emotional and rational alignment?
Virtue ethics requires that one’s emotions be in harmony with rational recognition of moral reasons for action.
What is practical wisdom, or phronesis, in virtue ethics?
Practical wisdom, or phronesis, is the ability to make sound decisions based on virtue and moral understanding.
What is a major advantage of virtue ethics?
A major advantage of virtue ethics is that it helps avoid moral pitfalls in situations where rules and codes of conduct are insufficient.
What is a major disadvantage of virtue ethics?
A major disadvantage of virtue ethics is that it does not give clear instructions on how to act, particularly in complex or novel ethical situations.
What is law?
Law is the principles and regulations established by an authority in a community, applicable to its people, and enforced by judicial decisions.
What are the two main types of law in the UK?
The two main types of law in the UK are civil law and criminal law.
What is the difference between statute law and common law?
Statute law is written law decided by the legislature or government agency, while common law is based on precedent and decisions made by judges.
What is the aim of criminal law?
The aim of criminal law is to deal with offenses against the whole community and to impose punitive measures, focusing on harmful intent.
