Test 2 philosophy Flashcards
early modern moral philosophy
is there a standard for distinguishing right from wrong, and if so, what is that standard
what was David Hume’s stance on moral philosophy
he thought that there was a standard
how did Hume feel about God
he thought that the order of the universe did offer some slight evidence that the universe has or had a creative force somewhat analogous to human intelligence. However, he thought that we can’t affirm anything about the creator and we cannot speculate anything. Christianity was a superstition
what did human think about moral judgements
are not the “offspring of reason”. he felt that something was not wrong because of facts or reason (example of murder), but rather because of emotion
what did hume think about value judgements
the same way, that it was all based on emotion. If you find a painting beautiful, facts and reason can break down the composition of the paint and canvas, the monetary value of the work, and other things, but whether or not it is beautiful is up to emotion
what did hume think about moral approval
the type act we think is morally acceptable is based on our concerns for one another and what we personally find morally acceptable; it reflects on benevolent character
benevolence
any kind act or the desire to do nice things
why do we feel good sometimes when we see someone do something good
because we picture ourselves on the receiving end and how it would make us feel
hume and benevolence
while we need to look out for others, we also need to look out for ourselves and it is okay to think about ourselves at times because we need that pleasure. However, caring for others also brings us a necessary pleasure.
who else agrees with Hume or thinks the same thing
Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas
what is standard emotion of moral philosophy
benevolence
did immanuel Kant agree or disagree with Hume
completely disagree
what did kant think about moral philosophy
that reason and reason alone can settle it; yes there is a standard
what was kant’s view
that whatever it was that was going on had to be held universally (cheating on a test; if you think you have to cheat to pass an exam, then in order to obtain passing grade, it is acceptable to cheat. If this were universal then everyone could cheat so the grade would mean nothing
what did kant think one should do if they did not think it should be held universally
if one does not think that something should be held universally then they should not do it, because they don’t want other people doing it
supreme categorical imperative
Kant: to act always in such a way that you could, rationally, will the principle on which you act to be a universal law; no if’s, and’s, or but’s
hypothetical imperative
Kant: one ought to do something IF such and such an end is desired… IF you want to lose weight, then go on a diet
moral imperative
Kant: hold unconditionally, or categorically. this means that a moral imperative commands obedience for the sake of no other end than its own rightness; do it because it is right
what did kant think about moral imperative
that doing something for any other purpose, for the sake of happiness or he welfare of humankind, id not to act morally
what did kant think about ones moral duty
one should do their moral duty because it is your moral duty
deontological ethical systems
duty-based ethical systems
according to kant how do you know if something is right or wrong
not the effects or consequences because they are not totally within your control, but rather intent. so what you think is good or bad depends on the intent that tis taken
what did kant say about moral worth
there is no moral worth in saying helping others because you are sympathetic or inclined too, but rather because of the sake that it is the right thing to do
how did kant want you to treat others
treat rational beings in every instance as ends and never just as means; would break the categorical imperative
what are utilitarianism/ consequentialism
the doctrine that the rightness of an action is identical with the happiness it produces as its consequence
what do utilitarians do
utilize a special version of hypothetical imperative; if you want the greatest happiness for the greatest number, then do X, or blank, to get it
