Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Definition: Process of determining what is right or wrong, evaluating actions, intentions, and consequences against ethical principles.
Purpose: To understand how individuals justify choices and how societies form ethical guidelines.
Key components:
- Moral Agents: Individuals capable of making ethical choices.
- Moral Actions: Behaviors determined as right or wrong.
- Moral Responsibility: Obligation to act in ethically justifiable ways.

Normative Ethics: Examines what actions are morally right or wrong (e.g., virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism).
Meta-Ethics: Investigates the nature and origin of moral truths.
Applied Ethics: Practical application of ethics to specific real-world issues (e.g., bioethics, environmental ethics).

Pioneered rational and naturalistic thinking in Western philosophy, moving away from mythological explanations.
Their focus on metaphysics also influenced moral philosophy.

Regarded as the first philosopher; sought natural explanations for the universe through the concept of a fundamental substance (archê).
Shifted focus from mythology to rationality, influencing ethical inquiry.

Proposed the concept of the "apeiron" or infinite as the fundamental substance of the world.
Suggested that balance and justice are inherent in nature.

Believed air was the fundamental element, with all things being forms of air in varying densities.
His ideas hinted at an underlying unity influencing morality.

Viewed himself as a "gadfly," challenging citizens to reflect on their lives and beliefs.
Believed philosophy serves as moral and intellectual therapy for society.

Accused of corrupting youth and impiety due to his philosophical views that challenged traditional beliefs.
Defended himself in court by claiming to pursue philosophical inquiry as a divine mission.
Maintained moral justification for his actions and accepted death by hemlock, emphasizing integrity and commitment to philosophical beliefs.

Socratic Paradoxes: Notable ideas like "No one does wrong willingly" sparked debate in moral philosophy.
Influenced Plato profoundly, whose writings shaped Western thought.
Socrates became a symbol of philosophical martyrdom, representing dedication to truth and morality.

Justice in the State: Achieved when each social class performs its function without interference.
Justice in the Individual: Mirrors state justice, leading to inner harmony through the governance of reason over the soul.

Criticized Athenian democracy due to its role in Socrates' execution, advocating for philosopher-kings as ideal rulers.
Argued that democratic decisions often stem from emotion rather than wisdom.

Presented in the dialogue "Phaedo," asserting the soul's eternal existence post-death.
Believed in the transmigration of souls based on one's virtues affecting life quality and afterlife.

His ideas greatly influenced Western philosophy, particularly in metaphysics and ethics, and laid groundwork for Christian theology.
Established the Academy, an early institution focused on philosophical study.

Ethical Framework: Advocated virtue ethics, emphasizing character and moral virtues as essential for achieving eudaimonia (flourishing).
Doctrine of the Mean: Virtue lies between extremes; emphasized balance and moderation in moral behavior.

Moral Virtues: Developed through habitual action (e.g., courage, justice).
Intellectual Virtues: Fostered through education (e.g., wisdom, understanding).
Unity of virtues indicates interconnection; possessing one virtue implies a degree of others.

Capability to apply moral understanding in real situations, guiding ethical judgments.
Developed through experience, recognizing moral growth involves learning from life difficulties.

Represented the highest human good achieved through virtuous living and fulfillment of potential.
Not a transient state of happiness but an enduring condition of well-being tied to moral and intellectual excellence.