MIDTERM 1 Flashcards
Virtue
inner qualities and moral character that guide one’s behaviour toward goodness
ex: Courage
Duty
responsibilities and obligations that one owes to oneself and society
ex: Keeping Promises
Utility
principle of maximizing overall happiness and welfare
ex: Cost-Benefit Analysis
Rights
fundamental privileges and entitlements bestowed upon individuals
ex: Freedom of Speech
Principles
basic truths and standards that guide moral reasoning
ex: Justice
Capacities
inherent abilities and potentialities that enable ethical behaviour
ex: Empathy
Virtue Ethics
- the rightness of actions is based on whether an action would accord with the relevant virtues
- human flourishing as highest goal of humanity
-goal directed
Aristotle
defined virtue as a traits that make us good people; good life = virtuous life
Eudaimonia
happiness, prosperity or bliss
teleological
explanation for events or natural phenomena especially in terms of purpose or final cause
Deontology
core of morality consists of following a rational and universally applicable moral rule and doing so solely out of a sense of duty
Kant
he said deontology is the necessity of doing something out of respect for the law
hypothetical imperative
command to do something if we want to achieve particular aims; if you want good pay, work hard
categorical imperative
a command to do something that applies without exception and without regard for particular needs or purpose; Do this, regardless
Utilitarianism
right actions are those that result in the most beneficial balance of good over bad consequences for everyone involved
