week1(moral relativism) Flashcards
what is ethics ?
it is a discipline that studies how to behave in order to ensure that our life is flourishing, worth living and fulfilling.
what is moral objectivism ?
it says that there are objective rights and wrongs.
•Abosolute negative norms
• Basic principle valid for all ( such as fairness, human good)
• no single valid way of life
what is moral relativism?
This says there is no absolute universal moral principle. To each is her own .
what are the causes of moral relativism
• conflict
• different moral standards
• false notion of morality
what are some of the arguments against moral relativism?
•spontaneous recognition of moral standards
• can’t criticize injustice
• near agreement to a number of moral norms
What is the meaning of ethics according to its Greek origin, and how does it apply to human conduct?
Ethics derives from the Greek word “ethikos,” meaning character or behavior. It applies to human conduct by providing guidelines for distinguishing between right and wrong, helping individuals align their actions with moral principles.
How do descriptive, normative, and meta-ethics differ in their approaches to understanding moral principles?
Descriptive ethics: Focuses on observing and describing how people behave morally in different societies.
Normative ethics: Examines what people ought to do, establishing moral standards for behavior.
Meta-ethics: Explores the nature, origin, and meaning of ethical principles themselves.
What foundational questions guide the ethical analysis of human actions?
What is good or bad?
What is right or wrong?
How should humans act in specific situations?
How does peace, as described in the course, connect to justice and the absence of violence?
Peace is described as more than just the absence of war or violence; it includes the presence of justice, equality, and harmonious relationships within society. Without justice, true peace cannot exist.
To what extent do anthropological and ethical issues contribute to the crises such as terrorism, clashes, and poverty in Nigeria?
Anthropological issues such as cultural conflicts, ethnic divisions, and historical grievances, combined with ethical issues like corruption, injustice, and leadership failures, are deeply rooted in Nigeria’s crises. These factors perpetuate inequality, violence, and social unrest.
What is the relationship between interior and exterior peace according to Plato’s chariot analogy?
Plato’s chariot analogy suggests that interior peace, achieved through self-control and harmony within the soul, is essential for achieving exterior peace in society. A lack of internal balance can lead to disorder externally.
Why is it important to promote both personal and societal fulfillment as stated in the weekly quote?
Promoting personal fulfillment ensures individual happiness and self-realization, while societal fulfillment fosters collective harmony and justice. Both are interdependent for achieving a sustainable and peaceful society.
“What is the difference between ‘human acts’ and ‘acts of man’ as discussed in the course?
Human acts: Actions performed with knowledge, free will, and moral responsibility (e.g., helping someone in need).
Acts of man: Actions done involuntarily or without moral consideration (e.g., sneezing or reflexes).
Although many global organizations advocate for peace, the world is still plagued by conflicts, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war, Middle Eastern unrest, and the climate-induced refugee crisis. To what extent do you think ethical principles are being neglected in global conflict resolutions?
Ethical principles are often sidelined in favor of political, economic, and strategic interests during conflict resolutions. The lack of impartiality, disregard for human rights, and failure to address root causes—such as inequality and historical grievances—indicate a neglect of ethical considerations. For sustainable peace, global actors must prioritize justice, fairness, and the welfare of affected populations
Despite the promotion of gender equality, women in various societies still face systemic barriers and violence, such as workplace discrimination, domestic abuse, and unequal political representation. How can philosophical anthropology inform ethical solutions to these issues?
Philosophical anthropology highlights the shared humanity and dignity of all individuals, emphasizing that systemic barriers against women contradict fundamental ethical principles. Ethical solutions can include empowering women through education, promoting inclusive policies, and addressing cultural norms that perpetuate inequality. Recognizing women’s roles as equal participants in societal development is crucial.
Corruption remains a significant issue in governance across many developing nations, undermining trust and accountability. To what extent do ethical lapses and anthropological misconceptions contribute to the persistence of corruption in leadership?
Ethical lapses, such as self-interest and a lack of moral accountability, are central to corruption. Anthropological misconceptions—such as nepotism, ethnic favoritism, and the prioritization of personal gain over communal welfare—further entrench corrupt practices. Combating corruption requires ethical leadership, transparency, and cultural shifts towards collective responsibility.
Technological advancements have brought convenience but also raised ethical concerns like data privacy, misinformation, and AI misuse. How do you evaluate the role of ethics in mitigating these challenges while fostering innovation?
Ethics plays a vital role in ensuring that technology benefits humanity without causing harm. Transparent data protection laws, accountability for misinformation, and frameworks for responsible AI development are essential. Ethical guidelines can foster trust, ensuring that innovation aligns with societal values and safeguards human rights.
Climate change poses existential risks, disproportionately affecting the world’s poorest regions. Considering anthropological and ethical perspectives, what principles should guide international climate policy to ensure justice and equity?
Climate policies must prioritize justice, equity, and sustainability. Ethical principles like fairness demand that wealthy nations, as major polluters, bear a greater responsibility for mitigation and adaptation. Anthropological insights can inform culturally sensitive approaches that empower vulnerable communities and promote shared stewardship of the environment.
Terrorism and extremism are frequently justified by radical ideologies rooted in cultural and historical contexts. How can an ethical and anthropological approach address the root causes of radicalization?
An ethical and anthropological approach requires understanding the cultural, economic, and social factors driving radicalization. Strategies should include addressing grievances such as poverty and marginalization, fostering inter-cultural dialogue, and promoting education that counters extremist ideologies with ethical principles of tolerance and respect.
The rise of social media has amplified both the dissemination of information and the spread of hate speech. What ethical norms should govern online platforms to balance freedom of expression and societal harmony?
Ethical norms for online platforms should include transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual dignity. Content moderation policies must balance free expression with the need to curb hate speech and misinformation. Platforms should also promote digital literacy and provide tools for users to report harmful content.
Ethnic and religious conflicts continue to destabilize regions in Africa, such as Sudan and Ethiopia. How can anthropological insights into community structures help foster ethical peace-building initiatives?
Anthropological insights can illuminate the cultural dynamics, traditions, and power structures within communities. Ethical peace-building initiatives should engage local leaders, respect cultural practices, and promote dialogue to address grievances. Building trust and fostering a sense of shared identity are crucial for lasting peace.
