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Questions and Answers
What are moral dilemmas characterized by?
What are moral dilemmas characterized by?
What is an essential element in the exercise of individual choices?
What is an essential element in the exercise of individual choices?
What aids an individual in making good choices?
What aids an individual in making good choices?
Why is it necessary to consider sacrifices when making choices?
Why is it necessary to consider sacrifices when making choices?
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What does exercising freedom responsibly require?
What does exercising freedom responsibly require?
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How does the concept of 'givens' relate to personal freedom?
How does the concept of 'givens' relate to personal freedom?
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What aspect of choice is emphasized in the context of ethical decision-making?
What aspect of choice is emphasized in the context of ethical decision-making?
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Which term best describes the virtue necessary for making sound choices?
Which term best describes the virtue necessary for making sound choices?
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What defines a moral agent?
What defines a moral agent?
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What is an intellectual choice primarily based on?
What is an intellectual choice primarily based on?
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What distinguishes a practical choice from an intellectual choice?
What distinguishes a practical choice from an intellectual choice?
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Which term describes a situation where a person must choose between conflicting options?
Which term describes a situation where a person must choose between conflicting options?
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How does ethical decision-making affect the well-being of others?
How does ethical decision-making affect the well-being of others?
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In what way can stress affect moral decision-making?
In what way can stress affect moral decision-making?
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Which of the following best describes the implications of a moral decision?
Which of the following best describes the implications of a moral decision?
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What is a potential consequence of overlooking ethical considerations in decision-making?
What is a potential consequence of overlooking ethical considerations in decision-making?
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What is the relationship between freedom and responsibility according to the content?
What is the relationship between freedom and responsibility according to the content?
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Which of the following best describes voluntariness in the context of freedom?
Which of the following best describes voluntariness in the context of freedom?
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How does a person's understanding of the consequences of their actions affect their freedom?
How does a person's understanding of the consequences of their actions affect their freedom?
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What is the result of impulsive behavior on freedom?
What is the result of impulsive behavior on freedom?
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Why is the act of making a choice described as involving evaluation of alternatives?
Why is the act of making a choice described as involving evaluation of alternatives?
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What characterizes a person acting with diminished freedom?
What characterizes a person acting with diminished freedom?
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What is suggested about the connection between freedom and personality development?
What is suggested about the connection between freedom and personality development?
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What does the concept of freedom imply about control?
What does the concept of freedom imply about control?
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Study Notes
Freedom of the Human Person (Ethics)
- Freedom involves choice and understanding that all actions have consequences
- Chance and choosing are separate concepts; if a person can choose, they are responsible for the outcome of their actions
- Freedom is the ability to create one's self and define one's personality through choices
- Freedom is rooted in self-determination, intellect, and free will; actions determine the kind of person one becomes
- Freedom entails responsibility and requires control over impulses and addictive behaviors; losing control diminishes freedom and dehumanizes a person
Elements Defining Freedom
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Voluntariness: The ability to act based on one's free will and self-determination; it also means a person can act even if not obligated
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Voluntary acts have moral value
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Actions have consequences
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Responsibility: Being accountable for one's actions and their consequences; a person unaware of their actions' effects may have diminished freedom
The Act of Making a Choice
- Prudent choices involve weighing reasons, evaluating alternatives, and considering the weight of each consideration
- The act of choosing includes weighing reasons for each alternative, leading to the choice of one option over another
Ethics
- Ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the principles of morality systematically
- Moral agents are responsible for their actions and must consider the well-being of others
- Moral decisions are based on ethics, character, behavior, and values; these affect individual and collective well-being
Intellectual vs. Practical Choice
- Intellectual Choice: A choice made based on moral principles and considering societal norms; it's a normative answer to hypothetical dilemmas, similar to abstract/theoretical decision-making
- Practical Choice: A choice driven by emotional and psychological factors, influenced by stress, lack of time, and emotional state in actual situations
Moral Dilemma
- A dilemma is a situation forcing a choice between conflicting options, none ideal
- If the choice involves human actions with moral implications, it's an ethical/moral dilemma
- Moral dilemmas require "moral agents" to act in a morally acceptable manner
Lindsay's Dilemma
- Lindsay, a devout religious person, is facing an ectopic pregnancy
- Conflicting options: abortion (to save her life) or not resorting to abortion (to abide by her religious beliefs)
Conditions of Moral Dilemmas
- The moral agent is obligated to choose the best course of action
- There are conflicting courses of action, none ideal
- Some moral principles are inevitably compromised, no matter the outcome
Military Doctor's Dilemma
- A military doctor must choose between two wounded soldiers who urgently need blood transfusion when only one is available
Prudence in Choice
- Prudence in making choices means being mindful of implications, considering the future, and utilizing past experience and values when making choices; the well-being of others also matters
- Choices aren't just about ourselves but also how they affect others
Choices: Consequences and Sacrifices
- Necessary sacrifices for growth occur in life choices
- Decisions have consequences (risks and sacrifice); human motivations in taking risks often come from experiences and values
- The outcome affects one's progress. The goal depends on bearing the consequences and sacrifices
Exercising Freedom Responsibly
- People ought to exercise freedom responsibly and beneficially
- Freedom, although essential, isn't absolute, and it requires limitations to self-interests
- Recognition and understanding of right and wrong guide us towards recognizing and acknowledging freedom's limits
- Freedom should be exercised with due regard for the welfare of others, as well as knowledge and truth; prudence is a virtue in making sound choices
The "Given" and the "Chosen"
- "Given" factors (predetermined circumstances) don't negate freedom but create opportunities to act
- Freedom is a means to improve ourselves as individuals and as a society; free will is how we choose to improve
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