20 Questions
What is the main focus of defining morality according to the text?
Identifying the target of moral theorizing
Why might a single definition of morality not be applicable to all moral discussions?
Because morality is used in distinct descriptive and normative senses
In which two distinct senses can the term 'morality' be used?
Descriptive and normative
Why do psychologists, anthropologists, and biologists need to consider the definition of morality according to the text?
To design experiments or formulate hypotheses without bias
How does understanding the definition of morality benefit different theorists?
By enabling them to see various moral theories as capturing the same essence
How do anthropologists use the term 'morality' in its descriptive sense?
To describe the moral codes of specific societies.
What does the normative sense of 'morality' refer to?
A code of conduct universally accepted by moral agents.
Why does the text highlight the distinction between descriptions and norms in discussions of morality?
To emphasize the gap between is/ought statements.
In what way do small homogeneous societies differ from larger, more complex societies regarding codes of conduct?
They often blur the lines between etiquette and law.
What condition is almost always required for someone to be considered a moral agent?
Being rational in nature.
What is the main focus of the entry by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy?
Defining morality
Why might a single definition of morality not be universally applicable?
Due to the distinction between descriptive and normative uses of the term
In what sense can 'morality' be used to refer to certain codes of conduct?
As a descriptive reference to societal norms
Why is it important for empirically-oriented theorists to consider the definition of morality?
To design experiments and formulate hypotheses without bias
What is the distinction between the descriptive and normative uses of 'morality' highlighted in the text?
'Morality' represents societal codes descriptively and universal norms normatively
What distinguishes the descriptive sense of 'morality' from the normative sense in ethical theories?
The source of the codes of conduct being referred to
What is a key aspect of the descriptive sense of 'morality' according to the text?
It can be observed among non-human animals
How does the text argue against the idea that the 'distinction between descriptions and norms' is unbridgeable?
By showing that describing moralities doesn't inherently involve normative claims
What condition is typically used to determine if someone is a moral agent?
Meeting certain intellectual and volitional conditions
How does the text suggest that 'morality' in its normative sense is different from codes of prudence or rationality?
All rational people would accept codes of prudence or rationality
Test your knowledge on the definition of morality as explained by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Explore the various perspectives on moral theorizing and different theories attempting to capture the essence of morality.
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