Midterm Flashcards
ethics
a field of study that reflects on human morality; sustained and intentional reflection on morality and the moral life with analysis, discernment, reasoning, and argument
bioethics
an interdisciplinary field of applied ethics that engages the complex moral problems emerging from developments in medical science, biotechnology, and health care
utilitarianism
greatest good for the greatest number of people; consequences, not intentions
deontological ethics
humans can reason for themselves, moral rules should be articulated and binding for everyone regardless of context
few moral dilemmas, deductive
Kantian
categorical imperative
Kant’s unbreakable moral rules
- Universal maxims guide actions (moral rules should be able to be applied to others
- Use people as ends, not means
- No suicide, must save other people if you can, no lying ever, no killing the innocent
natural law
moral standards are embedded in nature, all reasonable people can discover and affirm them; nature is teleological; universal moral principles
only way morality exists (to these theorists)
rights theory
people have justifiable claims for or from something; protects individuals from government and larger communal society
anything legal is inherently ethical; based on norms
casuistry/ethical pragmatism
focuses on actual examples and cases instead of abstract concepts; use precedents to determine morality in other situations
divine command
God gives shape of morality as an expression of his will; dominant for religious people
considered binding for everyone, no extenuating circumstances
revelation
God communicates plan for human flourishing socially and spiritually
covenant
God formed covenant with Jewish people to bring flourishing to human societies. God and humans have rights and responsibilities.
prophets
humans who received and communicated word of God to rest of the world
Torah
first five books of Bible; only recognized “constitution” for Jews
Talmud
fundamental core of Jewish tradition
compilation of Mishna (written texts and oral traditions), Rabbinic commentary and decisions
halakhah
Jewish law as applied to Jewish living, used to apply to new circumstances
divine body ownership
Body is on loan from God, does not belong to oneself. In Judaism, humans have responsibility to look after their bodies through good hygiene and protection from injury and illness.
Jesus of Nazareth
In Christianity, considered the Son of God, died to pay for human sins. In Judaism, has not arrived yet. In Islam, was just another prophet.
creation
process where God created planet, sun, nature, and all living beings
redemption
Humanity is inherently flawed and in need of redemption in the form of connection with God through the Holy Spirit. Under Christianity, must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior to be redeemed and saved from Hell.
image of God (imago dei)
Christian idea that humans are created in God’s image, have ability for reflection and creation and are given authority over other living beings.
human dignity
Christian idea that dignity comes from concept that God created us. Cannot be taken away, regardless of individual sins.
graced self-transcendence
God’s original intention for people. Always planned for humans to join him in supernatural afterlife and transcend our human bodies.
Islamic five pillars?
Shahadh, Salat, Zakat, Ramadan, and Hajj
Shahadh
Islamic declaration of faith