week 3 Flashcards
What is the fundamental ethical question discussed in the document?
The fundamental ethical question is: What makes an action right or wrong?
Why do discussions about ethical issues often seem to lack progress?
Because individuals often view the same issues from diverse and conflicting ethical perspectives.
What is moral intuitionism, and how does it approach ethical judgments?
Moral intuitionism is the belief that ethical judgments are based on direct intellectual perceptions of right or wrong, not through evidence or general rules.
What are the main critiques of intuitionism?
Intuitionism can lead to bias, inconsistency, and arbitrariness. Different individuals might have conflicting intuitions about the same issue, and it often relies on unexamined attitudes or truths.
What defines consequentialism, and what is the primary measure of morality in this theory?
Consequentialism evaluates morality based solely on the outcomes of actions. The primary measure is a cost-benefit analysis of the action’s consequences.
What are some critiques of consequentialism?
Reducing well-being to pleasure is implausible, desires may be harmful or misguided, and human goods may be incomparable or immeasurable.
What is the core principle of deontological ethics, and how does it differ from consequentialism?
Deontology is based on the principle of duty and obligation, where actions are judged as moral if performed out of duty, regardless of the consequences. Unlike consequentialism, it does not focus on outcomes but on adherence to moral rules.
What is the Categorical Imperative in Kantian ethics?
The Categorical Imperative is a universal principle of reason that dictates actions must be performed as if they were to become universal laws.
How does virtue ethics differ from consequentialism and deontologism?
Virtue ethics emphasizes character over actions. It suggests that moral actions stem from a virtuous character, while the other two focus more on rules or outcomes.
What is natural law theory, and what is its fundamental principle?
Natural law theory posits that laws are derived from rational understanding of human nature and eternal divine law. Its fundamental principle is: Good is to be done and pursued, and evil avoided.
In the pre-study case involving Ted Bundy, how might a moral relativist justify his actions, and how would an ethical objectivist respond?
A moral relativist might argue that morality is subjective and context-dependent, making it impossible to universally condemn his actions. An ethical objectivist would condemn the actions based on universal moral principles that regard harming others as inherently wrong.
For the case of bombing a terrorist hideout with potential civilian casualties, how would a consequentialist and a deontologist approach the decision?
A consequentialist might justify bombing if the greater good outweighs the harm caused. A deontologist might oppose the bombing if it violates a moral duty not to harm innocent lives.
In the case of the PAU exam hall policy, what would a virtue ethicist consider the primary reason to act morally?
A virtue ethicist would argue that one’s moral character, rather than adherence to rules, would guide the decision not to cheat.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of judging morality based solely on duty (deontologism)?
Advantages: Protects human dignity and autonomy; provides clear moral rules.
Disadvantages: Ignores the consequences of actions and can lead to rigid or impractical decisions.
How do natural law principles ensure universality across different cultures and societies?
Natural law principles are based on rational understanding of human nature, making them applicable to all humans regardless of cultural or societal differences.
