Module 2: Critical Reasoning and Moral Theory

Question 1

Refer to rules provided by an external source, e.g., codes of conduct in workplaces or principles in religions

The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group or culture.

Answer 1

Ethics

Question 2

Refer to an individual’s own principles regarding right and wrong.

Principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct. While it also prescribes dos and don’ts, it is ultimately a personal compass of right and wrong.

Answer 2

Morals

Question 3

Why do we follow ethics?

Answer 3

Because society says it is the right thing to do.

Question 4

Why do we follow morals?

Answer 4

Because we believe in something being right or wrong.

Question 5

The Flexibility of Ethics

Answer 5

Dependent on others for definition.

Tends to be consistent within a certain context, but can vary between contexts

Question 6

The flexibility of morals

Answer 6

Usually consistent, but can change if an individual’s beliefs change

Question 7

The term ‘morality’ can be used either:

Answer 7

Descriptively
Normatively

Question 8

A way to use the term ‘morality’ that refers to the certain codes of conduct put forward by a society or a group (such as a religion), or accepted by an individual for her own behavior

Answer 8

Descriptively

Question 9

A way to use the term ‘morality’ that refers to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons.

Answer 9

Normatively

Question 10

Why should we not consider law and ethics as the same?

Answer 10

The law only outlines a basic standard of behavior necessary for social institutions to function.

There are times when obeying the law would require us to act against our ethics or morality.