Ethical and Moral Standards

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Questions and Answers

Explain how moral standards differ from non-moral standards, providing an example of each.

Moral standards are based on natural law, consequences, or a sense of duty, while non-moral standards originate from social rules and etiquette. An example of a moral standard is not stealing, and a non-moral standard is using proper table manners.

Summarize the theist perspective on the origin of moral standards.

Theists believe that the origin of moral standards is God, who has 'written his law in the heart of every person,' which is known as natural law.

How does the evolutionist explain the origin of moral standards, and how does this contrast with the theist view?

Evolutionists claim that the sense of moral standards evolved with humans, contrasting with the theist view that morality was instantly implanted at creation.

What is the role of 'natural law' in the context of moral standards, and how is it understood by theists?

<p>Natural law, for theists, is the law of God revealed through human reason or 'the law of God written in the hearts of men,' which forms the basis of moral standards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how moral standards can be based on consequences, and provide an example to illustrate this.

<p>Moral standards based on consequences suggest that what leads to a good outcome, like the greatest good for the greatest number, is moral. For example, donating to a charity that helps many people is moral because it has positive consequences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Immanuel Kant's philosophy contributes to the non-consequence-based understanding of moral standards.

<p>Immanuel Kant's philosophy suggests moral standards are based on a sense of duty that you wish everyone would follow. Respect for humanity comes from this sense of duty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What three aspects are considered within deontology to determine the rightness or wrongness of an action?

<p>According to the text, object, that the decision is moral, the purpose, and the circumstances of the moral action are considered within deontology to determine the rightness or wrongness of an action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between rules and freedom as discussed in the text. How do rules contribute to or restrict freedom?

<p>Rules, when justly applied, should enhance freedom by guiding individuals toward choices that benefit themselves and society. Rules become restrictive when they hinder the ability to do good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between personal freedom and ethical rules, according to the provided text. How do 'suffocating laws' relate to this?

<p>Ethical rules should enhance freedom, enabling individuals to choose and do good. 'Suffocating laws' restrict the ability to do good and should be abolished.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal regarding rules and laws in an ideal society, and how does this state come about?

<p>The ultimate goal is a state where people act morally without needing rules, because they have internalized moral standards and can discern right from wrong instinctively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the example of the Sabbath illustrate the purpose of laws, according to the text?

<p>The Sabbath example illustrates that laws are meant to serve humanity by providing opportunities for rest, reflection, and spiritual growth, ultimately making people whole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the ideal state envisioned by ancient Chinese sages regarding rules, laws, and governance?

<p>The ideal state involves people internalizing moral standards to the point where external rules, laws, and government become unnecessary because individuals inherently discern and do what is right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the statement 'No one is above the law' in the context of a democratic country. What does it imply about equality and accountability?

<p>It implies that everyone, regardless of their position or power, is subject to the same laws and held accountable for their actions, ensuring equality and preventing abuse of power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, differentiate between 'ethics' and 'moral' by referencing their etymological roots.

<p>Ethics comes from the Greek 'ethos' (custom), while moral comes from the Latin equivalent. Ethics deals with morality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a situation where a civil law might be seen as conflicting with natural law. How should such a conflict ideally be resolved, according to the principles discussed?

<p>A civil law permitting something that is considered morally wrong by natural law, such as a law permitting the exploitation of vulnerable people. Ideally, such laws should be repealed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the text define ethics or moral philosophy, and what kinds of topics does it explore?

<p>Ethics or moral philosophy is defined as a branch of philosophy that deals with moral standards, exploring topics such as moral norms, conscience, moral values, and virtues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ethics in examining human actions and moral agents?

<p>Ethics studies the morality of human acts and moral agents, determining what makes an act obligatory and what makes a person accountable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that laws which prevent people from doing good should be abolished. Give an example of such a law. What makes the law 'bad'?

<p>A law that prevents people from helping the poor or needy, even if unintentionally, is a bad law. What makes it bad is that it goes against the natural inclination to provide for others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between order and rules? Explain how the absence of rules can lead to chaos.

<p>Rules exist to establish order in society; their absence can lead to chaos as there are no guideposts to govern behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the text uses the term 'moral' as an adjective.

<p>The term 'moral' describes a human act as ethically right or wrong, or a person's character as ethically good or bad.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a law-abiding citizen not 'feel the restricting presence of a rule or law'?

<p>Because they naturally act in accordance with what the law or rule dictates, essentially aligning their behavior with the prescribed standards without feeling constrained.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text relate to the concept promoted by ancient Chinese sages (Confucius, Lao Tzu) of a state of no-more rules, no-more laws? What conditions would need to exist?

<p>The text relates it to individuals internalizing moral standards to the degree where external laws become unnecessary. The condition is a high level of moral development within society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'own the moral standard,' as opposed to just abiding by it, according to the text?

<p>To 'own the moral standard' means that one has internalized and fully embraced it, acting in accordance with it not out of obligation but out of genuine conviction and understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are Rules?

Agreements that bring order to society.

Absence of Rules?

Chaos and disorder.

Rules for Man?

Rules are meant to serve people and improve life.

Who is Subject to Rules?

Everyone, regardless of position, must follow the rules.

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Purpose of Rules?

Rules help people live better together.

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Suffocating Rules?

Rules that hinder goodness.

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State of No-More Rules?

When you act morally without needing rules.

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Owning the Moral Standard?

Personal alignment with moral principles.

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Good Laws

Rules should enhance the ability to do good, not restrict it. If a law restricts good actions, it's a bad law and should be abolished.

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Ethics

The study of moral standards and the rightness or wrongness of human behavior.

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Ethics Topics

Deals with moral standards, conscience, moral values, and virtues.

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Ethics Study

The study of the morality of human acts and moral agents; what makes an act obligatory and a person accountable.

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Moral (Adjective)

Describes a human act as ethically right or wrong, or a person as ethically good or bad.

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"Ethos"

The Greek root of "ethics," referring to customs or habits.

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Moral Standards

Principles that guide our behavior, helping us decide what is right or wrong.

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Deontology

A moral standard where right and wrong are based on considerations beyond just consequences, like duty or virtue.

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Non-Moral Standards

Guides of action dictated by society, not necessarily linked to morality (e.g., etiquette).

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Moral Standards (Natural Law)

Standards based on inherent moral principles discoverable through reason, and the concept of God's law written in people's hearts.

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Moral Standards (Consequentialism)

Standards based on the outcome of actions; aiming for 'the greatest good for the greatest number'.

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Moral Standards (Duty-Based)

Acting out of a sense of obligation that one wishes everyone would follow, demonstrating respect for humanity.

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Origin of Moral Standards

For theists, moral standards originate from God's law. For non-theists, they come from philosophical frameworks.

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Evolutionary View of Morality

The theory that moral sense developed over time as humans evolved.

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Theism and Morality

Belief in God can strengthen moral behavior, according to theists.

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Study Notes

  • Rules are important for social order and structure
  • Absence of rules leads to chaos
  • Rules, including the Constitution, aim to establish order and are designed for the benefit of people
  • "The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath" emphasizes the importance of rest and worship for personal well-being
  • In a democratic society, everyone is subject to the law, regardless of their position
  • Rules intend to promote growth in freedom and the ability to make good choices for oneself and others instead of restricting freedom
  • Laws that hinder the ability to do good are oppressive and should be abolished

Moral Maturity

  • A higher state of being is when one acts rightly out of understanding and wisdom, not just because of rules
  • Ancient Chinese sages like Confucius and Lao Tzu believed in a state where people govern themselves by discerning what is right
  • This ideal state involves owning the moral standard, not just abiding by it

Etymology of Ethics

  • "Ethics" comes from the Greek word "ethos," meaning "custom," used by Aristotle
  • "Moral" is the Latin equivalent of "ethics"
  • Ethics relates to morality
  • Cicero lamented the decline of morals with "O tempora o mores"

Ethics as Moral Philosophy

  • Ethics explores moral standards and the rightness or wrongness of human behavior, character, and traits
  • Ethics encompasses moral standards, conscience, values, and virtues
  • Ethics studies morality in human acts and the responsibility of moral agents

Defining Morality

  • "Moral" describes whether a human act is ethically right or wrong
  • It qualifies a person's character as ethically good or bad

Moral Standards

  • Moral standards are norms for determining what ought to be done and judging good or bad character
  • Examples include condemning stealing, lying, adultery and murder

Examples of Moral Standards

  • Do not Lie
  • Do not steal
  • Do not cheat others
  • Do not kill

Moral vs Non-Moral

  • Compliance with moral standards indicates whether something is moral or nonmoral.
  • Violating moral standards leads to guilt
  • Violating non-moral standards may cause shame or embarrassment

Theories of Moral Standards

  • Garner and Rosen (1967) categorized moral standards formulated by moral philosophers

Consequential Standard

  • A teleological standard determines right or wrong based on the consequences of an act
  • The "good" produced determines whether an act is moral

Non-consequence Standard

  • A deontological standard assesses actions based on duty, natural law, virtue, and circumstances
  • Natural law and virtue ethics are deontological because they rely on natural law and virtue, not consequences

Situation Ethics

  • Situation ethics is deontological, judging acts based on circumstances
  • Rosen and Garner favor deontology as a moral standard because it combines various theories of norms
  • The rightness or wrongness of an action relies on consequences, natural law, duty, and virtue
  • Deontology also considers the object, purpose, and circumstances

Guides of Action

  • Social rules, etiquette, and manners serve as guides for expected behavior
  • Moral standards are based on natural law, consequences, and a sense of duty
  • The law of God guides moral standards through human reason
  • Moral standards aligned with consequences lead to the greatest good

Non Consequential Standards

  • Moral standards should be based on non-consequence standards reflecting a sense of duty
  • Respect for humanity and treating others with dignity are acts that originate from a sense of universal duty to all

Theistic Perspective

  • For theists, God is the source of moral standards, with natural law written in the hearts of all

Non-Theistic Perspective

  • For non-theists, moral standards arise from philosophical frameworks developed by thinkers like Confucius, Kant, and Mill

Evolution of Ethics

  • Evolutionists propose that moral standards evolved with humans, rather than being divinely implanted
  • Creation may be a process that has taken place in billions of years
  • For theists, belief in God strengthens their moral compass

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