unit 2 week 2 - deontology, consequentialism and virtue Flashcards
what are categorical imperatives
commands you must follow, regardless of your desires
what is a maxim
a rule of principle of action
what is a universal law
something that must always be done in similar situations
what is the universalisability principle
act only according to that maxim which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction
what are mere means
to use it only for your own benefit, with no though to the interests or benefit of the thing you are using
what is the formula of humanity
act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end, and never as a mere means
what is utilitarianism
moral theory that focuses on the results, or consequences, of our actions, and treats intentions as irrelevant
what is act/classical utilitarianism
in any given situation, you should choose the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number
what is rule utilitarianism
version of the theory that says we ought to live by rules that in general are likely to lead to the greatest good for the greatest number
what is virtue theory
ethical theory that emphasises an individuals character rather than following a set of rules
what is ‘courage’
finding the right way to act
what is ‘honesty’
means knowing how to deliver hard truths gracefully, how to break bad news gently, or to offer criticism in a way that is constructive, rather than soul crushing
what is ‘generosity’
means giving when you have it to those who need it
what is eudaimonia
doesnt have a simple english translation - a life well lived, human flourishing
