11 Questions
What is a common theme in people's understanding of ethics?
It is about following your conscience.
Which of the following is NOT a common theme in people's understanding of ethics?
Ethics is about making a profit.
What might people commonly associate with the concept of ethics?
Religion and morality.
What do people often think ethics is about?
Doing what society says is right.
What is a common misconception about ethics?
It's about being a good person.
What is a limitation of relying solely on religion for ethics?
It only applies to religious people
Why do atrocities committed in the name of religion challenge the idea that ethics is confined to religion?
Because they show that religious people can also act unethically
What is a potential issue with relying on one's conscience to make ethical decisions?
It can be influenced by personal biases and experiences
What is a challenge posed by the subjectivity of conscience in ethical decision-making?
It raises questions about the meaning of right and wrong in a diverse society
What is an implication of ethics being entirely subjective?
It undermines the concept of right and wrong in a society
What is a key aspect of the development of conscience?
It is shaped by life experiences and values
Study Notes
Defining Ethics
- Researching the question "What is ethics?" yields multiple definitions with similarities.
- Friends' responses to the question can be categorized into five common themes:
- Ethics is equivalent to following one's conscience.
- Ethics is closely related to religion and morality.
- Ethics is about being a good person.
- Ethics involves adhering to the law.
- Ethics is about conforming to societal norms and expectations.
The Limitations of Religion in Ethics
- Religion seeks to provide a framework for identifying right and wrong, but ethics cannot be confined to religion.
- Ethics applies to both religious and non-religious people, as many non-religious individuals can and do act ethically.
The Inconsistencies of Conscience
- Conscience can be a confusing and unreliable guide for making ethical decisions.
- Internal conflicts arise from competing "goods" or choosing between the lesser of two evils.
- Conscience is shaped by the values we are taught and our life experiences.
The Subjectivity of Conscience
- Conscience is considered subjective due to its development from individual values and experiences.
- The question remains whether a subjective conscience can still have ethical relevance.
- If right and wrong are entirely subjective, how do they have real meaning in a world where we interact with others daily?
Explore the different perspectives on what ethics means, including following one's conscience, religion, being a good person, adhering to the law, and conforming to societal norms.
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