Ahearn Final Semester 2 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is Ethics?
The study of character, proper conduct, and how to live justly and rightly.
What is Secular Moral Philosophy?
Understanding right and wrong using reason, not religion. Religion may help, but reason gives a clear path to morality.
What are (bad) types of arguments?
Ad Hominem: Attacking the person, not the idea. Straw Man: Misrepresenting someone’s argument. Appeal to Emotion: Using feelings instead of logic.
What is Relativism?
The belief that we can’t judge others’ actions—”anything goes.”
What is Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)?
Golden Mean: Balance between extremes. Bent Stick Remedy: Opposite reaction to correct imbalance. Eudaimonia: A full, flourishing life.
What is Deontology (Kant)?
Do what’s right, no matter the outcome. Categorical Imperative: Act only if it’s okay for everyone to do it. Based on reason, not religion.
What is Utilitarianism?
Do what brings the greatest good for the greatest number. Focus on outcomes and happiness.
What are Human Rights and the Social Contract?
People agree to follow rules in exchange for safety and freedom. Human rights are natural and universal.
What is the UN Declaration of Human Rights?
All people have rights by nature or God—like dignity, freedom, and equality.
What is Natural Law Theory?
Founded by Thomas Aquinas. Moral rules found through reason. Everyone can understand right from wrong.
What difference does God make in moral reasoning?
Religion gives Theological virtues (faith, hope, love). Reason gives Natural virtues (honesty, courage).
What is the Biblical worldview?
Humans were created good (Original Justice), but sinned (Original Sin). We are called to live in the Kingdom of God.
What are the types of sin?
Original Sin: Inherited from Adam and Eve. Personal Sin: Your own actions. Social Sin: Sin built into society (e.g., racism).
What is Free Will and Determinism?
Free Will: We choose our actions. Determinism: Everything is already determined. Psychology says behavior is shaped but not fixed.
How is conscience formed?
Through experience, reading, and learning from others. A good conscience helps us make good moral choices.
What are the three parts of a moral act?
Intention – Why you do it. Act – What you do. Outcome – What happens.
What is morality about?
The choices we make—what we do and why we do it.
What are moral exemplars?
According to Aristotle, people who already possess virtues and are able to be emulated.
Who came up with the universal law?
Kant.
Eudaimonia is also called what?
Happiness.
True or False: A person cannot achieve moral character unless he or she is a Christian.
False.
What state are all human beings born into?
Original Sin.
Which theory suggests there are no universal truths?
Relativism.
What is the Magisterium?
Teaching authority of the Church.
