Ethical Theory

Question 0

Ethical Egoism

Answer 0

People SHOULD only act in ways that best serve their self interest

Question 1

Psycological Egoism

Answer 1

People ONLY act in ways that they believe best serve their self-interest

Question 2

Cultural Relativism

Answer 2

Different Cultures have different moral codes. Therefore there is no objective “truth” in morality. Right and wrong are only matters of opinion, and opinions vary from culture to culture.

Question 3

Objectivism

Answer 3

Universal moral principles applicable to all cultures.

Question 4

Virtue Ethics

Answer 4

The question of how we should be, rather than what we should do, is, the first question of ethics. We should strive to be good people, not just act rightly.

Question 5

Consequentialism

Answer 5

Ends justify the means.

What is right is what produces the beat overall consequences in the circumstances.

Question 6

Utilitarianism

Answer 6

The Principle of Utility
The Greatest Happiness Principle
Do whatever produces the greatest sum of happiness for all concerned in the circumstances.

Question 7

Deontology

Answer 7

Non-consequentialism.

What is right is determined by the intrinsic character of acts, not their consequences.

Question 8

The Categorical Imperative

Answer 8

Haven’t covered this yet.