Midterm Exam Flashcards
An action’s morality to be based on whether the action itself is right or wrong, not on the consequences.
Deontology
An action’s morality is based on the consequences, not on the action itself. It is mainly motivated by self-interest.
Teleology
A sociological or anthropological discipline that attempts to describe the morals of a particular society
Descriptive Ethics
This refers to the discipline that produces moral norms or rules.
Normative Ethics
An area of ethics that investigates the meaning of moral language or the epistemology of ethics and considers the justification of ethical theories and judgments.
Metaethics
Emphasizes the full LIBERTY of the individual to decide for YOURSELF what is right or wrong.
Libertine
A principle of right action that is binding on groups and group members, which guides and regulates appropriate behavior. It is narrower in focus than values but broader than rules. Semi-specific definitions for behavior but still some vagueness. Christian Example: (revalue of modesty): Ladies should not wear blouses/shirts with a deep vee (i.e. revealing) or short skirts; men should not wear pants too tight.
Norms
A ______________ is a case where one has two moral “oughts” in conflict with no way to satisfy both–one must sin or sin. A ____________ is a specialized form of dilemma where one will be in conflict and suffering IF one does the “Right Thing.”
Moral Dilemma vs Moral Conflict
Is something right or wrong? Is an act good or bad because God commands it?
Euthyphro Dilemma
The doctrine of Two Wills
Competing moral demands and the choice to have control of our own actions. We cannot be forced to sin against our own will.
Another, higher power, deciding what’s right
Paternalistic
There are moral absolutes that never change and don’t conflict causing any moral dilemma. When moral issues do arise, the answer is to trust in God.
Common Characteristics between Conflicting and Graded Absolutism
Recognizes our human limits may leave us unclear as to what the absolute morally acceptable option is.
Biblical Absolutism
Tends to impose a black/white absolute without honestly wrestling with and acknowledging the unclearness of the known options.
Non-Conflicting Absolutism
Tends to recognize a simple, small range of moral absolutes. This leaves more room open for discussion.
The narrow base of Absolutes.
Biblical Absolutism