Unit 4 Flashcards
Moral Theory – What's Right and Wrong? (19 cards)
Moral theory (ethics)
Examines morality and provides frameworks for determining right and wrong. Ethics is the philosophical study of morality.
Ethics
The philosophical study of morality, dealing with questions of right and wrong, good and evil, and moral obligation.
Different Approaches-Consequentialism
The morality of an action is judged by its consequences.
Consequentialism-Utilitarianism
The best action is the one that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering for the greatest number of people. Developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
Utilitarianism-Principle of Utility (Remix #1)
Actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the reverse of happiness. Happiness is identified with utility or usefulness.
Utilitarianism-Greatest Happiness Principle (Remix #2)
The moral action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This requires impartiality, putting personal interests aside.
Utilitarianism-Higher and Lower Pleasures (Remix #3)
Mill refined Bentham’s idea by distinguishing between qualities of pleasure. Higher pleasures are associated with our cognitive faculties (reason, imagination), while lower pleasures are basic sensory pleasures. Mill argued it’s better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied pig, meaning higher pleasures are more valuable.
Consequentialism-Trolley Problem
A classic ethical dilemma used to explore moral dilemmas and decision-making. You’re asked if you would pull a lever to divert a trolley, saving five lives but killing one. A utilitarian would likely say yes, as it saves more lives.
Different Approaches-Deontology
Morality is based on duties and rules, regardless of the consequences. Focus on duty and rules.
Deontology-Kant’s Ethics
Focus on acting according to moral laws that are universalizable (categorical imperative). Immanuel Kant believed morality comes from rules that any rational being should accept because they are norms of rational conduct or agency.
Kant’s Ethics-Categorical Imperatives
These are universal moral laws that we must obey, regardless of our desires. They are derived by reason, and we have a moral duty to follow them.
Categorical Imperatives-Universal Law Formulation (Remix #1)
Act only according to a rule (maxim) that you could simultaneously will to become a universal law for everyone. For example, if everyone lied, then lying wouldn’t work anymore. So, lying can’t be a universal moral law.
Categorical Imperatives-Humanity Formulation (Remix #2)
Treat humanity, in yourself and others, always as an end in itself, and never merely as a means. This means recognizing that all rational beings have inherent value and dignity. You can rely on others for help, but not just use them as tools.
Different Approaches-Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)
Morality is based on developing virtuous character traits, rather than following rules or focusing on consequences. Being a good person with good character is the key. This approach focuses on character rather than rules or consequences.
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)-Aristotle’s Ethics
Emphasis on developing virtues like courage, justice, and wisdom to achieve eudaimonia (flourishing). He believed virtuous development is central to human flourishing (“eudaimonia”).
Aristotle’s Ethics-Golden Mean
Virtue is the “mean” (middle ground) between two extremes (vices). For example, bravery is the mean between cowardice (deficiency) and rashness (excess).
Aristotle’s Ethics-Role of Habit
We become virtuous by practicing virtuous actions, just as we learn to build by building. Good upbringing and social relations help foster positive dispositions.
Aristotle’s Ethics-Friendship
Aristotle considered friendship essential to a flourishing life.
Friendship-Perfect Friendships
Based on appreciating each other’s character and wishing good for each other. These are stronger and foster virtuous development. A true friend is like “another self” because we are invested in their well-being.
