Sem1 EXAM Definitions Flashcards
Relativism
The approach to an ethical problem stresses that culture, context and circumstances is influential when making a decision.
Ethics
A disciplined study of the evaluative and moral judgements people make about issues in our society.
Morality
Refers to the ‘codes’ we hold about right and good behaviour.
(Our thoughts, feelings etc.).
Natural law
Each individual has an innate knowledge of right and wrong.
Pluralism
A society where multiple religions, ideas and approaches exist and no single view or religion is dominant.
Principles
A rule or belief governing one’s behaviour.
Values
Used to guide one’s life, cannot be changed by authority.
Utilitarianism
Stresses the usefulness of an action in promoting the common good.
Subjectivism
The idea that all knowledge and truths are subject to the individual’s interpretation and experience.
Nihilism
Based on the perception that life has no meaning; no goal is any better than another, no action makes any difference etc.
Situation ethics
A person who always uses some general moral principles when confronted with an ethical issue - Acting in a loving way.
Beliefs
Confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof.
Sacred text
Various pieces of writing which are constructed for the worshipping of a deity - held dearly by a group or community of people.
Code of ethics
Ethical codes which are adopted by a group of people to assist members in understanding the difference between right and wrong.
Codes of conduct
Codes of conduct are sets of rules which members of a group of people (religious groups) adopt to have an outline of how they should act - their practices, beliefs, morals etc.
