Key Words

Question 1

applied ethics

Answer 1

the debates that arise when ethical issues are considered

Question 2

ethics

Answer 2

a study of the framework of guiding principles that direct an action

Question 3

meta-ethics

Answer 3

the debates that arise when the nature of ethics are considered

Question 4

moral

Answer 4

a term used to describe ethical behaviour.

Question 5

normative ethics

Answer 5

the debates that arise when ethical theories are considered

Question 6

absolutist

Answer 6

an ethical system that believes there exists a standard of right and wrong that is fully and totally binding on all human beings.

Question 7

objective

Answer 7

a theory that is independent of personal view

Question 8

subjective

Answer 8

a theory that is dependent on a personal view

Question 9

relativist

Answer 9

an ethical system that believes there is no absolutes of right and wrong

Question 10

consequentialism

Answer 10

an ethical theory based on considering consequences

Question 11

deontological

Answer 11

a theory that explores obligation or duty

Question 12

teleological

Answer 12

a theory concerned with the end purpose or goal of an action

Question 13

Omni benevolence

Answer 13

God’s all-loving nature

Question 14

arête

Answer 14

a Greek word meaning virtue

Question 15

ethos

Answer 15

a Greek word used by Aristotle to describe a character of a person.

Question 16

eudaimonia

Answer 16

human flourishing, fulfilment of an end goal. A life well lived.

Question 17

hexis

Answer 17

a Greek word used by Aristotle to describe a persons’ manner of behaviour

Question 18

akrasia

Answer 18

incontinent, that is, lacking self restraint and is uncontrolled.

Question 19

akrates

Answer 19

one who is weak-willed and overcome by vices

Question 20

enkrates

Answer 20

one who is tempted, but strong, and lives in the mean.

Question 21

sophron

Answer 21

one who effortlessly lives according to the mean

Question 22

beatitude

Answer 22

blessing given by Jesus for certain personal virtues

Question 23

altruism

Answer 23

selfless concern for the wellbeing of others

Question 24

ethical egoism

Answer 24

the normative view that holds that all action ought to be motivated by self interest.

Question 25

psychological egoism

Answer 25

the descriptive view that all human action is motivated by self interest

Question 26

einzige

Answer 26

ego

Question 27

eigenheit

Answer 27

ownness; the idea of mastering oneself.

Question 28

einzig

Answer 28

uniqueness; the freedom from all impositions leaving pure individuality.

Question 29

bigotry

Answer 29

intolerance and narrow-mindedness

Question 30

community ethos

Answer 30

the character of spirit of a community

Question 31

casuistry

Answer 31

the art of applying key principles to an ethical case

Question 32

agape

Answer 32

Greek word for unconditional love

Question 33

beatific vision

Answer 33

the state of perfect happiness through supernatural union with God.

Question 34

courage

Answer 34

a cardinal virtue involving physical, moral or spiritual endurance and strength of character.

Question 35

justice

Answer 35

a cardinal virtue involving guidance in how we act towards others

Question 36

prudence

Answer 36

a cardinal virtue involving sound judgement

Question 37

temperance

Answer 37

a cardinal virtue involving balance and restraint

Question 38

apparent good

Answer 38

an act that may seem good, but actually is a vice or sin that takes us further away from the ideal human nature that God had planned for us.

Question 39

external act

Answer 39

an action that is seen to be good or bad but one that does not correlate with, nor is consistent with, the action behind.

Question 40

internal act

Answer 40

an action that is consistent with intention whether good or bad.

Question 41

real good

Answer 41

a characteristic or act that will help people to become closer to the ideal human nature that God has planned for us.