5 Ethical Theories Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the 5 major ethical theories?

Feminist Ethics (correct)

Consequentialist (correct)

Deontological (correct)

Virtue (correct)

Ethics of Care (correct)

What is a Consequentialist theory?

Rightness of actions depends solely on the consequences or results of those actions.

What is Utilitarianism?

Most famous type of consequentialist; right action results in the most beneficial balance of good over bad for everyone involved.

What principle does Utilitarianism use?

The greatest happiness principle. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of Utilitarianism?

Act Signup and view all the answers

Define Act Utilitarianism.

An act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative. Signup and view all the answers

Define Rule Utilitarianism.

Focuses on rules governing categories of acts; an action is ethical if it follows the rule. Signup and view all the answers

What is Deontological theory?

Right actions are determined by their nature, not by the consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kantian Ethics?

Right actions are not dependent on consequence, utility, or happiness; they conform to moral rules. Signup and view all the answers

What are categorical imperatives?

Duties that are universally binding to everyone without exception. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two formulations of the categorical imperative?

Universality Signup and view all the answers

Describe Virtue Ethics.

Focuses on the development of virtuous character. Signup and view all the answers

What is a virtue?

Ingrained dispositions to act according to standards of excellence. Signup and view all the answers

How can one be virtuous?

By practicing moral habits and doing what virtuous people do. Signup and view all the answers

What is feminist ethics?

Advancing women's interests and correcting social injustices caused through societal oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different branches of feminism?

Liberal Signup and view all the answers

What does the ethics of care argue?

That caring and emotions are central to a mature ethical system. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Ethical Theories

Five major ethical theories: Consequentialist, Deontological, Virtue, Ethics of Care, and Feminist Ethics.

Consequentialist Theory

Rightness of actions is determined solely by their consequences.
Focuses on the amount of good produced by an action.

Utilitarianism

Renowned type of consequentialism.
Right action yields the most beneficial balance of good over bad for all involved.
Employs the greatest happiness principle, aiming to maximize overall happiness irrespective of distribution.

Types of Utilitarianism

Two types: Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism.

Act Utilitarianism

An act is deemed right if it produces as much good as any alternative option.
Evaluates the effects of each potential act.

Rule Utilitarianism

Centers on the established rules that govern types of actions.
An action is ethical if it follows the established rule, regardless of potential negative outcomes.

Examples of Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism: Ending the life of a terminally ill patient may be justified if it maximizes overall happiness without causing public outrage.
Rule Utilitarianism: A rule against active euthanasia could be upheld despite its possible negative consequences suggesting it promotes better overall outcomes.

Deontological Theory

Focuses on the nature of the acts rather than their consequences.
Examples include the moral standing of Robin Hood's actions deemed wrong despite good outcomes.

Kantian Ethics

Right actions depend on adherence to moral rules rather than consequences.
Actions taken from a sense of duty are ethical.

Categorical Imperatives

Moral duties are universally binding without exceptions.
Two essential characteristics of moral laws: Universality and Impartiality.

Formulations of Categorical Imperative

First formulation: Universality.
Second formulation: Respect for persons.

Kantian Moral Example

The rightness of actions regarding terminal illness cases can be challenging to assess in this framework.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory emphasizing the cultivation of virtuous character traits.
Virtues are ingrained habits that align with high standards of moral excellence.

Achieving Virtue

One becomes virtuous through the practice of moral habits and mimicking virtuous role models.
Character develops over time and is not fixed.

Concept of Virtue in Aristotle’s Perspective

Virtue is seen as a balance between extremes: cowardice (too little) and foolhardiness (too much).

Virtue Theory Moral Reasoning

The dilemma regarding the life of a terminally ill patient raises questions of virtue versus vice.

Feminist Ethics

Seeks to advance women's interests and rectify social injustices rooted in societal oppression.
Emphasizes the importance of social context in moral considerations.

Branches of Feminism in Ethics

Include liberal, radical, and ecofeminism.

Feminist Approaches to Ethics

Ethical perspectives view moral agents as interconnected within relationships, contrasting individualistic traditional theories.
Stress that moral reflection must consider social realities.

Ethics of Care

Emerges from feminist perspectives, prioritizing the unique demands of specific situations.
Highlights the significance of feelings and virtues in personal relationships, such as compassion and sympathy.

Arguments of Ethics of Care

Asserts that caring and emotions play a crucial role in a comprehensive ethical system.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the five major ethical theories with these flashcards. Understand the differences between consequentialist, deontological, virtue ethics, ethics of care, and feminist ethics. Perfect for students of philosophy or anyone interested in ethics.