ETHICS CHAPTER 4 Flashcards
(16 cards)
The attributes and traits that define a person’s ethical behavior and decision-making.
Moral Character
Derived from the Greek term for a “mark impressed upon a coin”, it refers to the mental and moral qualities that distinguish an individual.
Character
A Greek term meaning excellence, particularly in the context of moral virtue and character.
Arete
A framework that outlines the progression of moral reasoning through six stages, divided into three main levels: Pre-Conventional, Conventional, and Post-Conventional.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Focus on avoiding punishment and obeying rules.
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Emphasis on reciprocity and self-interest.
Stage 2: Pleasure Orientation
Seeking approval and maintaining relationships.
Stage 3: Peer and Group Acceptance Orientation
Awareness of societal rules and laws.
Stage 4: Social Structure Orientation
Emphasis on individual rights and mutual obligations.
Stage 5: Social-Contract Orientation
Adherence to personal moral principles, even against societal norms. The highest a person can be
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle
Psychologist known for his theory of moral development, which outlines how individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning.
Lawrence Kohlberg
Character is linked to ethics and morality, with excellence (arete) being essential for moral actions.
Aristotle’s View on Character
A moral dilemma presented by Kohlberg to assess moral reasoning, involving a husband who steals a drug to save his dying wife, raising questions about ethics, legality, and moral obligation.
Heinz Dilemma
Lack of personal moral code; influenced by adults.
Pre Conventional Stage
Internalization of societal norms.
Conventional Stage
Development of personal moral principles.
Post Conventional Stage
