Ethical Dilemmas and Theoretical Approaches

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Questions and Answers

How would a deontologist primarily approach ethical dilemmas?

By seeking to promote the greatest happiness

By adhering strictly to moral rules (correct)

By focusing on personal relationships

By evaluating the potential outcomes of actions

What do consequentialist thinkers like Bentham and Singer emphasize when resolving ethical dilemmas?

Evaluating the outcomes of actions (correct)

Cultivating moral virtues

Immediate adherence to societal norms

Adherence to strict moral rules

What is a key component of personal integrity?

Conforming to societal expectations

Prioritizing external success over ethical beliefs

Always achieving the best possible outcome

Standing by one's ethical convictions (correct)

What does the 'Experience Machine' illustrate about value beyond pleasure?

People prefer authenticity and meaningful relationships (B) Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Singer make regarding moral responsibility and distance?

Physical distance has no impact on moral responsibility (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Peter Singer's view on moral obligation towards global suffering?

It extends beyond geographical boundaries (D) Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental belief is challenged by Singer regarding affluent individuals?

They have a duty to alleviate global suffering (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical perspective emphasizes the importance of moral virtues?

Virtue ethics (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does John Rawls’ Theory of Justice emphasize?

Fairness and equality in decision-making (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Jeremy Bentham's Utilitarianism, how should actions be judged?

By their capacity to create happiness or reduce suffering (B) Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Robert Nozick's 'Experience Machine' challenge?

The importance of utilitarian outcomes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental characteristic of deontological ethics?

Adherence to moral rules and duties (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does Bernard Williams critique consequentialism?

He believes ethics should consider personal integrity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What moral responsibility do well-off individuals have according to Peter Singer?

They have a duty to assist those suffering globally (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes moral values from ethical theories?

Moral values help in distinguishing right from wrong actions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory focuses on the inherent character of the person acting?

Virtue ethics (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential challenge of consequentialist ethics as discussed by Railton?

It can erode personal values and relationships. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Hooker suggest ethical principles should be handled in real-world scenarios?

They should be adapted to fit complex situations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Socrates's Socratic Method promote?

Constant reflection on one’s actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Plato, what is the Theory of Forms about?

Ideal concepts like justice and goodness exist in a pure form. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of ethics does Aristotle's virtue ethics emphasize?

The development of good character traits. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of ethical living according to Socratic philosophy?

Constant self-examination of one's beliefs and actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Zeno of Citium believe is essential to achieving happiness?

Accepting things we cannot control (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is credited with the phrase 'I think, therefore I am'?

René Descartes (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Plato's ideals and the physical world?

The physical world is a mere shadow of true ideals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of moral philosophy, what does the term 'alienation' refer to as discussed by Railton?

Disconnection from personal values due to moral demands. (D) Signup and view all the answers

John Locke's philosophy emphasizes the importance of which of the following concepts?

Natural rights (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative?

Act only on principles that can be universalized (A) Signup and view all the answers

Utilitarianism argues that the best action is one that:

Maximizes happiness for the greatest number (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory focuses on developing good character traits?

Virtue Ethics (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical theories, deontology primarily focuses on:

Duties and moral principles (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of consequentialism?

It emphasizes outcomes of actions (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher emphasizes fairness as an important ethical principle?

Rawls (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between moral sentiments and moral principles?

Moral sentiments are emotional responses, while moral principles are guiding rules. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does critical reasoning in ethics primarily involve?

Careful thought and consideration of various perspectives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a key moral and ethical value?

Wealth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do moral intuitions play in ethical decision-making?

They serve as gut feelings that prompt immediate reactions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the concept of compassion in ethical values?

Acting to help reduce the suffering of others. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ethical policies in the workplace is true?

They ensure equal access to opportunities and protections for all employees. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of moral and ethical values?

They are shaped by personal conduct and societal norms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Identifying Ethical Dilemmas and Theoretical Approaches

Consequentialism, promoted by thinkers like Bentham and Singer, focuses on outcomes; the morally correct action maximizes good or minimizes suffering.
Deontologists prioritize adherence to moral rules, such as honesty and fairness, regardless of outcomes.
Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of moral virtues, like courage and compassion, guiding ethical behavior.

Concept of Personal Integrity

Personal integrity involves upholding ethical beliefs despite external pressures.
An example includes a public relations professional facing pressure to distort a story for corporate gain.

Presenting and Critiquing Moral Judgment

Analyzing ethical situations through various theoretical frameworks helps in understanding moral judgments.
Nozick’s "Experience Machine" reveals that most people value authenticity and real relationships over merely pleasure-seeking.
Singer challenges the belief that physical distance diminishes moral responsibility, arguing for global accountability to prevent suffering.

Broadening Moral Perspective and Obligation

Singer advocates for a moral obligation that transcends geographical boundaries; affluent individuals should alleviate global suffering.
Railton’s analysis in "Alienation, Consequentialism, and the Demands of Morality" discusses how consequentialist ethics can alienate individuals from personal values.

Practicing Ethical Problem-Solving

Hooker’s "Ideal Code, Real World" emphasizes the necessity of adapting ethical principles to navigate complex real-life scenarios.

Overview of Ancient Philosophy

Ancient philosophy spans from 600 BCE to 500 CE, with key figures like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics exploring life, knowledge, and morality.
Socratic Method encourages self-reflection to ensure ethical living.
Plato’s Theory of Forms argues that ideals like justice exist in pure form, guiding moral aspirations.
Aristotle’s virtue ethics focuses on becoming a virtuous person through the development of good character traits.
Zeno of Citium claims happiness is achieved by accepting external conditions and managing personal responses.

Early Modern Philosophy Overview

Early Modern thinkers emphasized reason and evidence, laying foundations for contemporary science and politics.
Descartes introduced skepticism, advocating for obtaining proof as a basis for knowledge, encapsulated in "I think, therefore I am."
Locke emphasized experiential knowledge and natural rights as fundamental to human rights concepts.
Kant's categorical imperative demands actions respect others' autonomy and could be universalized.
Utilitarianism, promoted by Bentham and Mill, emphasizes actions that produce the greatest happiness for the majority.

Application of Ethical Theories

Ethical theories guide real-life decision-making:
- Utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their outcomes and happiness production.
- Deontology stresses duty and moral principles over consequences.
- Virtue ethics promotes the development of good character.
Rawls’ Theory of Justice advocates fairness and equality, suggesting decisions be made without bias from personal status.

Understanding Ethics

Ethics examines morality, seeking to establish principles that guide human conduct in various contexts.
Moral values are standards defining right and wrong.
Major ethical theories include deontological, consequentialist, and virtue ethics.

Philosophical Study of Ethics

Bentham’s utilitarianism assesses actions by their ability to create happiness, reflecting public policy implications.
Nozick posits that personal growth and authentic experiences are essential alongside happiness.
Rawls’ theory emphasizes societal fairness, especially for the disadvantaged.
Williams critiques consequentialism, advocating for personal integrity over merely beneficial outcomes.
Singer stresses a moral duty to assist those in poverty globally.

Moral and Ethical Values

Key moral values include:
- Honesty: Truthful and transparent actions.
- Justice: Fair treatment and equality.
- Compassion: Empathetic actions to alleviate suffering.
- Courage: Upholding moral principles against fear.
- Respect: Valuing the dignity and autonomy of others.

Moral Intuitions and Critical Reasoning

Moral intuitions serve as instinctive judgments of right or wrong without deep deliberation.
Critical reasoning involves careful thought and exploring all sides of ethical dilemmas.
Distinguishing between moral sentiments, such as empathy or guilt, and moral principles, which are guidelines for ethical decisions.

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Description

Explore the major ethical theories including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. This quiz will also examine the concept of personal integrity and the critique of moral judgments. Challenge your understanding of how these frameworks apply to real-world scenarios.