kant keywords

Question 1

Applied ethics

Answer 1

The practical application of ethical theories to moral dilemmas that people encounter such as abortion, euthanasia, the treatment of animals etc

Question 2

Autonomy

Answer 2

The ability to self-govern (to make your own decisions, based on reason and freedom)

Question 3

Categorical imperative

Answer 3

Commands that are categorical or absolute; according to Kant, we are obliged to follow them no matter what. Only these are moral imperatives

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

A statement that comes at the end of an argument, supported by the reasons(premises) given in the argument. If the premises are true, then the conclusion will be as well

Question 5

Consequentialist ethics

Answer 5

A normative moral theory which views the moral value of an action as lying in its consequences. An action can be judged as good if it brings about beneficial consequences and bad if it brings about harmful ones

Question 6

Deontological ethics

Answer 6

A normative moral theory that views the moral value of an action as lying in its dutifulmotives. A contrast to consequentialism that gives us rules

Question 7

Divine command ethics

Answer 7

A type of deontological ethical theory that claims that an action is good if it follows one of God’s commands

Question 8

Empiricist

Answer 8

An approach to philosophy which states that our beliefs and knowledge should be based on our experiences

Question 9

Ethics

Answer 9

The philosophical study of our ideas of moral good, of how to live and of the status of moral judgements

Question 10

Fallacy

Answer 10

When an argument has gone wrong because of a mistake or a problem with the structure of it

Question 11

Free will

Answer 11

The idea that humans control their lives and are capable of making decisions

Question 12

Golden rule

Answer 12

An idea present in many religions / moral philosophy systems that suggests we should treat others as we want to be treated

Question 13

Good

Answer 13

Actions that bring about positive outcomes. It can also have a functional meaning similar to ‘fulfilling your function / purpose well’

Question 14

Good will

Answer 14

A good will is one that only acts for the right reason (following the rules that you could rationally will that everyone else should follow)

Question 15

Hypothetical imperative

Answer 15

A command that is not moral (according to Kant) – usually involves things we should do to achieve a goal (e.g. if I want money, I ought to work)

Question 16

Imperative

Answer 16

A command

Question 17

Judgement

Answer 17

A decision made about the rightness / goodness of a course of action

Question 18

Kantian ethics

Answer 18

A deontological ethical theory developed / influenced by Kant. We can determine what is right / what our duties are through the categorical imperative

Question 19

Liberty

Answer 19

The freedom you have to perform actions which are not restricted / prohibited by the state / government

Question 20

Maxims

Answer 20

Rules underlying our actions (e.g. to survive, I need to drink water)

Question 21

Moral dilemmas

Answer 21

A situation where an agent will have difficulty choosing between two or more courses of action. Usually there are moral reasons both in favour and against choosing each option

Question 22

Moral philosophy

Answer 22

The philosophical study of moral good, of how to live and of the status of moral judgements

Question 23

Morality

Answer 23

Standards or principles taken from any given moral theory e.g. what is right and wrong according to utilitarianism

Question 24

Naturalism

Answer 24

The belief that we can explain moral concepts, such as good, in naturalistic terms like happiness and pleasure

Question 25

Normative ethics

Answer 25

Also known as ‘first-order ethics’ – this covers moral theories that offer action guides.They give us rules or principles, through which we make moral judgements which then direct our behaviour

Question 26

Partiality

Answer 26

When humans tend to value something or someone higher than other things or people e.g. friends and family. Some moral theories require that you don’t do this(impartiality)

Question 27

Person

Answer 27

Generally refers to humans, although some philosophers will discuss the nature of people and what sets us apart from other animals

Question 28

Premise

Answer 28

A statement / claim / reason that supports the conclusion of an argument

Question 29

Prescriptive

Answer 29

The belief that moral language has a special use. The purpose of moral judgements isto urge others to act in a certain way

Question 30

Rationalist

Answer 30

The belief that reason is the primary source of our knowledge

Question 31

Universalised

Answer 31

Refers to when something can be applied to all people in the same way

Question 32

Vices

Answer 32

A characteristic which is be avoided or is seen as a flaw e.g. dishonesty

Question 33

Virtues

Answer 33

A characteristic which is valued e.g. honesty, wisdom