May 18th Exam đź“š Flashcards
Moral Relativism
affirms that all moral rules and values depend on the situation
Maxims (2)
Kant’s idea of rules to guide moral action that are dependent on the individual and situation
Only those that have been correctly elaborated and have the proper form are morally acceptable
Minimums
a basic universal moral code that we could all share
Ataraxia (2)
- a Greek word that means “imperturbability” from Epicurean ethics
- it refers to achieving true happiness though a state of calm characterized by the absence of disturbance
Deontologism
an ethical theory based on the fulfillment of our duty as humans by always obeying our moral principles
Deon
Greek word meaning “duty” and relates to our ethical duty to obey moral principles
Formal Ethics (Kant 2)
Kant didn’t believe any ethical law could ever be truly universal, so it was up to the individual to decide what to do
Kant’s Formal Ethics have no concrete commands or prohibitions, as he wants us to use our freedom and autonomy to decide what to do
Hedoné
Greek term for “pleasure”, often used in Epicurean ethics relating to the supreme goal of human lives to achieve pleasure
Temperament (2)
- the genetic part of your personality
- includes the inclinations and tendencies you’ve had since birth and inherited from your parents
Character
- acquired part of your personality
- it depends on our actions and habits, and is therefore subject to change
Morals
based on feelings and our “interior voice” about what is good vs. bad
Ethics and Morals
guide human action though moral values and laws to give people a good life
(not found in any other species)
Actions of Duty (Kant)
actions in which the only motivation that drives us is to fulfill our moral obligation as humans, even if it does not make us happy
Ethics
a part of philosophy that asks questions about morality
Moral Universalism (2)
philosophical current that defends the existence of certain universal moral standards that are valid for all people, in all times and all places in the world (ex. incest and murder are bad)