Consequentialism and Ethics Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is considered a moral standard?

  • Not lying to friends (correct)
  • Always being punctual to appointments
  • Using appropriate language in professional settings
  • Wearing a specific uniform to work

What distinguishes moral standards from non-moral standards?

  • Moral standards are primarily focused on personal preferences, while non-moral standards are about societal expectations.
  • Moral standards are always enforced by law, while non-moral standards are not.
  • Moral standards concern serious harm or benefit, while non-moral standards focus on manners or preferences. (correct)
  • Moral standards are rooted in societal norms, while non-moral standards are based on individual beliefs.

Which of the following examples best illustrates a non-moral standard?

  • Donating to charity
  • Saying 'thank you' after receiving a gift (correct)
  • Protecting the environment
  • Respecting the privacy of others

What is the primary reason for understanding the distinction between moral and non-moral standards?

<p>To promote ethical conduct and respect for cultural diversity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of moral standards?

<p>They are determined by legal regulations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of consequentialism?

<p>It emphasizes the importance of following rules, regardless of the outcome. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples BEST illustrates the application of consequentialism?

<p>A doctor prioritizes saving the lives of the majority in a medical crisis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea behind utilitarianism, as a form of consequentialism?

<p>The greatest happiness for the greatest number of people is the ultimate goal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a KEY difference between consequentialism and non-consequentialism (deontology)?

<p>Consequentialism considers the consequences of actions, while non-consequentialism focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Kantianism, as a form of deontology?

<p>Finding a universal rule that everyone could rationally follow. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST exemplifies a moral standard?

<p>Not stealing from another person. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do moral standards differ from non-moral standards?

<p>Moral standards are universal and impartial, while non-moral standards are subjective and situational. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between moral and non-moral standards?

<p>To prevent the imposition of one culture's standards on another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Moral Standards

Rules about what’s right or wrong that protect people from harm.

Non-moral Standards

Rules about behavior related to manners or preferences without serious consequences.

Examples of Moral Standards

Principles like 'Do not harm innocent people' guiding fundamental ethics.

Examples of Non-moral Standards

Standards like a workplace dress code or saying 'please' that are more about behavior.

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Etiquette

A set of rules on how individuals should responsibly behave in society.

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Consequentialism

Judging morality based on the consequences of an action.

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Utilitarianism

A form of consequentialism that aims for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

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Hedonism

Evaluates actions based on pleasure and pain avoidance.

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Non-consequentialism

Moral theory that focuses on rules rather than outcomes.

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Cultural Influence on Morality

Moral beliefs vary across societies due to cultural context.

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Conflict of Standards

Imposing one culture's standards over another can lead to conflict.

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Study Notes

Consequentialism

  • Judges actions based on their consequences.
  • Predicting outcomes is difficult.
  • Positive outcomes are moral, negative outcomes immoral.
  • "The end justifies the means."
  • Lying to save a life might be acceptable.
  • Killing to save others might be acceptable.

Types of Consequentialism

  • Utilitarianism: Maximizes happiness for the greatest number of people. Producing more pain is deemed immoral.
  • Hedonism: Good actions produce pleasure or avoid pain.

Non-Consequentialism (Deontology)

  • Focuses on rules and duties.
  • Kantianism: Evaluates actions based on rules that can be universally applied.

Moral and Non-Moral Standards

  • Moral standards: Concern right and wrong actions that affect well-being. Universal, impartial and override other standards.
  • Examples: Not stealing, not harming.
  • Non-moral standards: Preferences or etiquette. Rules relate to things like dress codes, social graces.
  • Examples: Texting while driving, dress code

Cultural Differences

  • Moral beliefs vary between cultures and societies.
  • Actions like wearing a hijab can be considered either morally significant or merely preference.

Ethical Conflicts

  • Cultural imposition can lead to conflicts.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

  • Address human, animal, or environmental harm/benefit.
  • Independent of laws or authorities.
  • Overriding, impartial, associated with emotions/specific vocabulary.

Etiquette

  • Rules for responsible social behavior.
  • Moral vs. Non-Moral: Moral standards protect people from harm; Non-moral standards relate to manners.

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