Ethics Theories Definitions

Question 1

Ethical Relativism

Answer 1

the view that what is right or wrong depends on a person’s culture.

Question 2

Issues with Ethical Relativism

Answer 2

1. it is selectively applied
2. it makes moral disagreements impossible
3. ethical relativism is itself an absolute position
4. it confused ‘is’ with ‘ought’

Question 3

Consequentialism

Answer 3

the consequence or outcome of the choice is the most important consideration.

Question 4

Utility

Answer 4

the actions or behaviours are right as long as they promote happiness or pleasure or wrong if they tend to produce unhappiness or pain (prioritises ends over means).

Question 5

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 5

an action is morally right if it compared to alternatives is the one that produces the most pleasure and reduces pain.

Question 6

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 6

we should follow general rues that most increase pleasure and reduce pain.

Question 7

Ethical Calculus

Answer 7

moral decisions should be made by measuring the amount of pleasure created and pain prevented.

Question 8

Relativism

Answer 8

the belief that there are no universal moral rules and principles which apply to all personsm in all places, at all times.

Question 9

Absolutism

Answer 9

the belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong regardless of the context of the act.

Question 10

Kantianism

Answer 10

more intentions based good than consequences.

Question 11

Virtue Ethics

Answer 11

certain ideals like dedication to the common good. emphasises an individual’s character rather than following a set of rules.

Question 12

Universalism

Answer 12

everyone’s pleasure and pain is of equal moral value.

Question 13

Preference Utilitarianism

Answer 13

Preference Utilitarianism opposes act utilitarianism. There is more to life or the choices that one makes in life than whether the consequences or outcomes are good or bad. Instead, happiness is not something that can just be chosen but rather can be achieved by finding the meaning of life.

Question 14

Subjectivism

Answer 14

No absolutes, similar to relativism in that exterior factors do not affect it but they are not synonyms. The choices are more personal preference.

Question 15

Objectivism

Answer 15

Personal feelings do not affect choice. There are set moral laws.