Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Ethics
Different moral and ethical theories
19
Philosophy
Undergraduate 1
04/11/2011

Additional Philosophy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
• Moral Nihilism
Definition
nothing is either moral or immoral – Machiavelli, characters in Plato’s Republic – Does not account for things like slavery that are obviously wrong
Term
• Moral Skepticism
Definition
moral knowledge is impossible to know
Term
• Relativism
Definition
no absolute standard for ethics – Nozick - Protagoras
Term
• Rachels’s three arguments against ethical relativism
Definition
• Moral progress is impossible
• All cultures have some values in common
• Just bc people disagree does not mean that they are both right
Term
• Objectivism
Definition
Think Ayn Rand. Everything is objective
Term
• Subjectivism
Definition
everyone has their own claim to what is right and what is wrong
Term
• Consequentialism/teleological/outcome-based ethics
Definition
the consequences of one’s actions are what determine whether it is right or wrong
Term
• Deontological ethics
Definition
morality based on rules or duties
Term
• Ethical Egoism
Definition
moral agents OUGHT to do what is in their best self-interest – Ayn Rand
Term
• Psychological Egoism
Definition
people can ONLY do what is in their best self-interest – James Rachels
Term
• Divine Command Theory of Ethics
Definition
God made the rules, so they should be followed.
Term
• Natural Law Theory
Definition
framework is good is to be done and evil is to be avoided
Term
• Utilitarianism (hedonistic, eudaimonistic, agathistic, and rule utilitarianism)
Definition
maximize pleasure, minimize pain
Term
• Principle of utility criteria
Definition
the definition of utilitarianism. Maximize your pleasure, minimize your pain. Defined by Bentham.
Term
• Kantian ethics
Definition
based on the “Categorical Imperative” or the concept of duty. Deontological. If one is accomplishing its duty, it is good. Moral absolutes are grounded in reason. Hypothetical imperatives are conditional.
Term
• Categorical imperative (first two formulations)
Definition
o Maxims should be chosen as though they should hold the universal laws of nature
o Any rational being needs to act with reference to every rational being
Term
• Virtue ethics
Definition
virtues are supposed to be done, and vices are to be avoided, focuses on character – Aquinas – Aristotle – it’s not the outcome that matters
Term
• The concept of the mean
Definition
– Aristotle’s was of finding a good middle ground to define the virtues.
Term
• Social Contract Ethics
Definition
– Agreeing on a group of morals and giving up personal freedoms for the betterment of the group or organization
Supporting users have an ad free experience!