Definition of Morality by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Quiz

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the main focus of defining morality according to the text?

Developing complex moral theories

Studying religious beliefs

Explaining ethical behavior in animals

Identifying the target of moral theorizing (correct)

Why might a single definition of morality not be applicable to all moral discussions?

Because morality is a simple concept with no complexities

Because morality is the same across all cultures

Because morality is used in distinct descriptive and normative senses (correct)

Because morality is solely based on religious teachings

In which two distinct senses can the term 'morality' be used?

Religious and cultural

Personal and societal

Philosophical and scientific

Descriptive and normative (correct)

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 Signup and view all the answers

How does understanding the definition of morality benefit different theorists?

By enabling them to see various moral theories as capturing the same essence Signup and view all the answers

How do anthropologists use the term 'morality' in its descriptive sense?

To describe the moral codes of specific societies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the normative sense of 'morality' refer to?

A code of conduct universally accepted by moral agents. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text highlight the distinction between descriptions and norms in discussions of morality?

To emphasize the gap between is/ought statements. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is almost always required for someone to be considered a moral agent?

Being rational in nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the entry by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy?

Defining morality Signup and view all the answers

Why might a single definition of morality not be universally applicable?

Due to the distinction between descriptive and normative uses of the term Signup and view all the answers

In what sense can 'morality' be used to refer to certain codes of conduct?

As a descriptive reference to societal norms Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for empirically-oriented theorists to consider the definition of morality?

To design experiments and formulate hypotheses without bias Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the descriptive sense of 'morality' from the normative sense in ethical theories?

The source of the codes of conduct being referred to Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the descriptive sense of 'morality' according to the text?

It can be observed among non-human animals Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What condition is typically used to determine if someone is a moral agent?

Meeting certain intellectual and volitional conditions Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers