Key Terms for Ethics Flashcards
What is ‘absolute ethics’
An ethical theory such as Kantianism which argues that X should always be done, regardless of circumstance.
What is ‘act utilitarianism’
Argues that one should always perform that individual act which will lead to the greatest balance of good over evil. Main supporter is Jeremy Bentham
What is ‘A posteriori’
That which can be known to be true only through sense experience; directly or indirectly
What is ‘A priori’
That which can be knowable without reference or sense experience. Does NOT mean innate
What is ‘Categorical Imperative’
Kant’s guide to duty which is morally obligatory, hence categorical
What is ‘Cognitive Language’
Language about which is appropriate to ask whether it is true or false. Cognitive ≠ true
What is Conscience
The faculty said to enable us to make moral decisions, and to judge our own and the other actions of people; called ‘innate’ or the ‘Voice of God’ Aquinas - the species of practical reason
What is Deontological Ethics
Any ethical theory which argues that the rightness of an act lies in doing the right thing because it is the right thing itself, regardless of any consequence
What is Determinism
Any theory which holds that events are the direct effects of previous causes without intervention of free choice
What is Emotivism
The theory advanced principally by Logical Positivisits that ethical sentences merely evince emotions and cannot be justified. Named the ‘Killing-boo!’ theory by Winston Barnes.
What is ‘Ethical Naturalism’
A meta-ethical theory which holds that ‘good’ is a synonym for a purely natural quality, such as pleasure
What is ‘Ethics of Duty’
The belief that right living means always performing one’s rationally determined duty. Often used to describe Kantian ethics.
What is Eudaimonia
The goal of Aristotle’s virtue ethics. Often translated as ‘flourishing’ or ‘happiness’
What is ‘Falsification’
Devised by Karl Popper, a criterion of demarcation between the scientific and non-scientific. Argues that science advances by proving theories false and making better ones
What is Hedonic Calculus
Bentham’s attempt to construct a system, which would determine on a strict utilitarian principles, precisely the right action to take in any circumstance which arises. Experiment failed.
What is ‘Hypothetical Imperative’
Kant contrasts this with the categorical imperative. The latter is obligatory, the hypothetical is not. Ie. the steps you need to take to go to university is needed, but there’s no obligation to go.
What is ‘Intuitionism’
The ethical theory, associated with G.E Moore, that one simply intuits the good. It is a category of mind
What are ‘Meta Ethics’
Considers the meaning and justification of ethics; Normative ethics explore how we should live whilst meta considers the meaning of ‘good’ and ‘right’
What is ‘Moral Responsibility‘
The idea that persons are responsible for their actions, except in the case of immaturity or mental illness, and are thus open to praise or blame
What is ‘Natural Law’
‘Right reason in accordance with nature’ This believes that by reason alone we can determine which actions are good or bad for human flourishing
What is ‘Negative Utilitarianism’
Instead of seeking to maximise pleasure, this seeks to minimise suffering. Peter Singer is a major advocate.
What is ‘Non-Cognitive Language’
Language about which it is inappropriate to ask whether it is true or false. This includes things such as prayers, curses, poetry etc.
What is ‘Normative Ethics’
Ethical theories which inform people how they should act
What is ‘Phenomenon’
That which is presented to us in senses experience. Kant argues that we can never know the world as it is, only as it is presented through sense experience
