Podcast
Questions and Answers
What distinguishes the scientific or descriptive approach to the study of morality?
What distinguishes the scientific or descriptive approach to the study of morality?
Which ethical theory falls under the normative or prescriptive ethics part of the philosophical approach?
Which ethical theory falls under the normative or prescriptive ethics part of the philosophical approach?
Why can relying solely on internal norms like 'be true to yourself' be problematic?
Why can relying solely on internal norms like 'be true to yourself' be problematic?
What aspect does metaethics or analytic ethics focus on within the philosophical approach to morality?
What aspect does metaethics or analytic ethics focus on within the philosophical approach to morality?
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What does the text argue against when it comes to morality?
What does the text argue against when it comes to morality?
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Which approach does the text NOT support for making moral decisions?
Which approach does the text NOT support for making moral decisions?
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Why are actions like rape, murder, and adultery considered wrong?
Why are actions like rape, murder, and adultery considered wrong?
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What is the main focus of the scientific or descriptive approach to the study of morality?
What is the main focus of the scientific or descriptive approach to the study of morality?
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Which part of the philosophical approach to morality analyzes ethical language and rational foundations of ethical systems?
Which part of the philosophical approach to morality analyzes ethical language and rational foundations of ethical systems?
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Why can relying solely on internal norms like 'be true to yourself' be problematic according to the text?
Why can relying solely on internal norms like 'be true to yourself' be problematic according to the text?
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What question is often referred to as the question of an objective norm or standard of morality?
What question is often referred to as the question of an objective norm or standard of morality?
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What does the text argue about the majority opinion in society?
What does the text argue about the majority opinion in society?
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Which approach prioritizes what is useful or convenient over what is objectively right?
Which approach prioritizes what is useful or convenient over what is objectively right?
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Why does the text argue that actions like rape, murder, and adultery are wrong?
Why does the text argue that actions like rape, murder, and adultery are wrong?
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Study Notes
Approaches to Morality
- The scientific or descriptive approach focuses on studying morality as it is, describing what people believe and do, and identifying patterns and trends.
- The philosophical approach, on the other hand, is concerned with what morality should be, and is divided into two parts: normative or prescriptive ethics, and metaethics or analytic ethics.
Normative or Prescriptive Ethics
- This part of the philosophical approach deals with specific moral principles and values, and tries to determine what is right or wrong.
- Examples of ethical theories that fall under this category include virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism.
Problems with Internal Norms
- Relying solely on internal norms like 'be true to yourself' can be problematic because it ignores the possibility of moral objectivity and the need for universal moral standards.
- It can lead to moral relativism, where what is right or wrong is determined by individual preferences or cultural norms.
Metaethics or Analytic Ethics
- This part of the philosophical approach focuses on the nature of morality, analyzing ethical language and the rational foundations of ethical systems.
- It examines questions like "What is the nature of moral truth?" and "How can we know what is right or wrong?"
Moral Objectivity
- The text argues that morality is not solely based on individual opinions or cultural norms, but rather there is an objective norm or standard of morality.
- The question of what this objective standard is, is a central concern in the study of morality.
Problems with Moral Relativism
- The text argues that relying solely on majority opinion in society is not a reliable way to determine moral truth.
- It also argues against the approach that prioritizes what is useful or convenient over what is objectively right.
Moral Absolutes
- Actions like rape, murder, and adultery are considered wrong because they violate universal moral standards, not just because they are socially unacceptable.
- The text argues that these actions are objectively wrong, regardless of individual opinions or cultural norms.
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Description
Learn about the two major approaches to the study of morality: the scientific or descriptive approach and the philosophical approach. Understand how psychologists observe human behavior and how normative ethics go beyond observation to determine human behavior.
