Ethics – Quiz 2 – Flashcards

Normative theory that we ought to concern ourselves with the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people

From the Greek word for pleasure; theory that holds that pleasure is the highest good; normative theory tells us we ought to pursue pleasure

Theory of Epicurus, which holds that pleasure and happiness are primary

The basic moral principle of utilitarianism; "actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness"--John Stuart Mill

Bentham believed we ought to consider only the quantity of pleasure or happiness brought about by various acts; Mill believed that the quality of pleasure should also count (some pleasures are better than other pleasures

The cost/benefit problem. "The end justifies the means." Utilitarianism, as a consequentialist moral theory, holds that it is the consequences or ends of our actions that determine whether particular means to them are justified.

Do you kill a few to save many? Is pushing a lever that causes death less morally offensive than pushing a person? Would you divert a train to kill one person rather than 5 people?

States that we out to consider the consequences of the act performed as a general practice; focus on the rules

States that we out to consider the consequences of each act separately; focus on the individual act

Consider the totality of consequences of a policy or action

hypothetical "oughts" relate to goals we each have as individuals. These "oughts" are avoidable, or as Kant would say, contingent. They are contingent or dependent on what I happen to want or the desires I happen to have, such as to please others, to harm someone, to gain power, or to be punctual. Kantian idea of a conditional rule that governs prudential behaviors and skilled activities aimed at procuring or producing some conditional good

Kant calls moral "oughts" categorical imperatives because they tell us what we ought to do no matter what, under all conditions, or categorically. It is from the very nature of categorical or moral imperatives, their being unconditional and universally binding, that Kant derives his views about morality. There are 2 forms. Kantian idea about the universal form of the moral law, which is not based on hypothetical or conditional interests

Absolute and necessary duties

More flexible duties. Kant calls these duties imperfect duties because (sometimes also called meritorious duties). We have an imperfect or meritorious duty, then, not to be egoists, but to help people for their own good and not just for ours.

Kant's theory of ethics is best described as a deontological theory. "theory of duty." focuses on duties, obligations, and rights. The term deontological was coined by the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who described it as "knowledge of what is right or proper"

is deontological in the sense that obedience to God's command is a duty that must be followed no matter what the consequences. The biblical story of Abraham and Isaac provides an example of duty: out of obedience to God's command, Abraham is willing to sacrifice his own son. In this story, religious duty must be done despite the consequences and the unhappiness that is produced.

another form of deontological theory. theory of ancient Stoic philosophers, which holds that obedience to natural law and duty is essential (despite pain)

Kantian ideal of rational, moral society in which persons are respected as ends in themselves; all persons are authors as well as subjects of the moral law

whatever reason tells us is the right thing to do

Rights or entitlements that we have by nature, which are not created by positive laws and which create a limit to legal intervention

Common core to the human experience--we are endowed with basic capacities, we share common purposes, and we value and enjoy a common set of intrinsic goods

A theory of ethics that holds that there are moral laws found in nature and discernible by the use of reason

Idea of applying Darwinian evolution to society as a way of improving the genetic stock of humanity (widely repudiated as immoral)

One of two main virtues of Confucianism; Virtue of humaneness or compassion

One of two main virtues of Confucianism; Virtue of propriety, manners or culture

Jen (or ren) and li

Nonviolence Truthfulness Honesty Chastity Freedom from greed

Moral virtues: right speech, right action, and right livelihood Intellectual virtues: understanding and mindfulness

Prudence (wisdom) Justice Temperance (moderation) Courage (fortitude)

Greek term for human flourishing and happiness that is more than simply pleasure; associated with Aristotle and virtue ethics--"the ultimate good of humans is happiness, blessedness, or prosperity"

Idea associated with virtue ethics that virtue is found in the middle, between excess and deficiency; it's up to you to determine your mean and we learn in relation to others