unit 1 test Flashcards
difference between ethics and morality; concepts of “ends” and “means” applied to ethics and morality
*Ethics= what you should do (the ends)
*Morality= what you would do (through what means do you get to that end goal)
difference between Absolutism and Relativism
*Absolutism= one single universal standard (what is a moral duty for me must also be a duty for you)
*Relativism= denies that there is one single universal standard (whatever members of a society thinks is right for them)
Theories of Kant, Levinas, and Aristotle
*Aristotle:
-teleological
-purpose driven
-how to get the goal
-implementing certain virtues/habits in order to choose to do the right thing
-reflects on purpose of human life
-the pursuit of happiness
*Kant:
-deontological
-duty driven
-do things that are good for everyone
-do things that you dont want to do but do it anyway because its for the betterment of others
-the good will
-the person as an end, not a means
-moral maxims (duty is determined by principles- a maxim is a statement of principles)
*Levinas:
-ethics of the face
-relationship driven
-concept of the other
-all about the relationships we have with others when we see them face-to-face
-when we see the good in others, we’re inclined to help them
-when you’re face-to-face, it’s harder to turn away
-when turning away from someone in need, can cause guilt
-people in need rely on you for help
-good is infinite
4 ethical experiences
1) the scream (experience of personal response):
-urges you not to think, but to act
-spontaneous/automatic response to help
2) the beggar (experience of the other):
-all face-to-face encounters are ethical because they remind us of our responsibility to one another
-the others face elicits a guilty response
3) “i have to…” (experience of obligation):
-feeling obligated to obey a rule/law
-the need to do what’s right simply because it’s right
-your ethical sense is turned on when somebody orders you to do something
4) this is intolerable (experience of contrast):
-our built in capacity for knowing how the world ought to be vs how it is
-feeling outrage when something unjust happens to you or another
what’s an agent? what is “human agency”
*Agent= the one who makes things happen; a person who acts knowingly, who chooses to do or not to do something (we are known by what we do) (we’re responsible for our actions/omissions)
*Human agency= the capacity/freedom to make choices (at the heart of ethics)
who is Ludwig Wittgenstein? what was his philosophical belief?
-an Austrian philosopher
-theory of action= gives us insight into the
human capacity to do something (explores what constitutes a meaningful action)
difference between freedom and free will
*freedom:
-external freedom
-freedom to act
*free will:
-internal freedom
-ability select a course of action in order to fulfill a desire
-freedom of choice
different types of Determinism. What does providence refer to?
*determinism= the theory that human choice/action is not the result of free will but determined by factors beyond one’s control; every event, including every human action, is governed by predictable laws
*naturalism:
-genetic determinism
-your predetermined DNA governs your behaviour
*religious determinism:
-belief that God predetermined the course of history and actions of each individual
→ providence= (opposite of religious determinism) the belief that while God has influence upon events and actions, human choice and freedom remains
*social determinism:
-your past experiences determine your future actions and choices
-you are a product of what others have done to you, therefore you are not free; human behaviour is determined by others’ influence upon you
who is Sigmund Freud? what’s his attitude toward human action
believed human actions are influenced by the unconscious mind
-repressed memories and desires drive our impulses
-until one reconnects with the repressed memory one’s actions are not free
who is St.Augustine?
-the first great theologian who wrote extensively about free will and its connection with grace, due to people denying free will but also giving it too much power
what is narcissism? how is it a dangerous concept in relation to the development of conscience
*narcissism= disorder marked by self-absorption to the exclusion of others
-lacks a healthy balance between self-love and love for others
-People become self-absorbed and begin to exclude others
who is charles taylor?
-professor of philosophy
-shows great concern over the images that Western people have developed of themselves
-he recognizes the need for a new spirituality
-says that The Western world emphasizes the concept of being “Self-Made”, but the reality is that we
all come from someone
what are the modes of communication? which mode takes up the biggest percentage of our communication?
-body language (takes up biggest percentage of communication)
-listening
-verbal
what are avenues and roadblocks?
The attitude and preconceived ideas that we bring into our interaction with others
*avenues:
-trust (do not demand evidence that the other person is trustworthy)
-hope (we hope a conversation will have a desirable outcome)
-acceptance (people are as they are)
-“I” message (take responsibility for one’s own responses)
*roadblocks:
-self-protection (seeking evidence that
communication will involve no risk; afraid of ho we’ll be seen)
-win-lose attitude (being right is most important)
-stereotyping and judging
-“you” message (implying negative judgements of the other person)
what is the STOP sign method? what are the helpers?
Method of Moral Decision-Making
-Search (the facts; WWWWWH)
-Think (about alternatives/consequences)
-Others (effect on others/listening to advice)
-Pray
*helpers:
-Jesus (is this a loving thing? a serving thing? golden rule?)
-Reason (power of thought to reach conclusions) & Revelation (helps us see spiritual dimension within ourselves) aid us in becoming more moral
-Imagination (changing POV + creating alternatives)
-Law:
→ Natural law= abt the way things are meant to be (naturally in us)
→ Civil law= made for smooth functioning of groups (application. of natural law)
→ Divine law= given to us by God
→ Church law= interpretation of divine law
-Church (Jesus handed his teaching authority to disciples & successors to become the church)
-Values (decide which values are more important to us)
-Instinct (precedes any other stop sign consideration) (gut feeling)
-Conscience (follow your conscience)
