Questions and Answers
What are the 5 major ethical theories?
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?
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What are the two types of Utilitarianism?
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Define Act Utilitarianism.
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Define Rule Utilitarianism.
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What is Deontological theory?
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What is Kantian Ethics?
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What are categorical imperatives?
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What are the two formulations of the categorical imperative?
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Describe Virtue Ethics.
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What is a virtue?
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How can one be virtuous?
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What is feminist ethics?
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What are the different branches of feminism?
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What does the ethics of care argue?
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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.