Topic 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Derived from the Greek word ethos (custom, habit, character, or disposition).
A set of rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or group.
Concerned with what is morally good/bad and right/wrong.
Also referred to as moral philosophy.
Ethics
The human attempt to define what is right/wrong in actions and thoughts, and what is good/bad in our being.
Often synonymous with goodness or rightness.
Derived from cultural, religious, or philosophical standards.
Morality / Moral
Ethical standards based on religious teachings.
Defines “right action” according to religious dictates.
Religious Ethics
Morality depends on God’s commands.
An action is good because God commands it.
Divine Command Theory
Actions are judged based on the standards of one’s society.
Avoids judging other cultures by one’s own standards.
Cultural Relativism
Focuses on the character of the person rather than specific actions.
Encourages behaving as a virtuous person would.
Virtue Theory
The right action maximizes happiness for the greatest number.
Utilitarianism
Judges actions based on their outcomes.
Consequentialism
Focuses on duties, rules, and obligations.
Actions are judged by their adherence to these principles.
Deontological Ethics
Morality is based on agreements or contracts among individuals.
Applies to both political and moral theories.
Contractarianism
Emphasizes impartiality and universality.
Examples: Prioritizing urgent healthcare needs or providing benefits to the needy.
Ethics of Justice
Centers on interpersonal relationships and care as a virtue.
Proposed by Nel Noddings, focusing on caring for others.
Ethics of Caring
Encourages rational, respectful dialogue among well-intended individuals.
Guidelines:
No “winner” in ethical discussions.
Respect all participants as rational and well-intentioned.
Avoid rhetorical devices without substantive basis.
Deliberative Critical Discussion
Rely on evidence, disputed claims, and exceptions.
Context plays a significant role in ethical reasoning.
Ethical Arguments and Context
Determines right/wrong by applying general ethical principles to specific cases.
Example: To Tell or Not To Tell case involving classroom rules and ethical behavior.
Reasoning by Analogy: Casuistry
Give the 9 Moral Theories:
- Religous Ethics
- Divine Command Theory
- Cultural Relativism
- Virtue Theory
- Utilitarianism and Consequentialism
- Deontological Theory
- Contractarianism
- Ethics of Justice
- Ethics of Caring
Give the 3 Ethical Reasoning:
- Deliberative Critical Discussion
- Ethical Arguments and Importance of Context
- Reasoning by Analogy: Casuistry and Circumstantial Reasoning
Every person is treated
equally and no one is given preferential
treatment in the theory.
Impartiality
A decision reached by applying
the theory should be
correct for everyone
that has a similar decision to make
Universality
