Ethical Formalism Chapter 7

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Teleological mean?

Nature of an act, not the act itself.

What does Deontological refer to?

Philosophies of moral obligation.

What is the central tenet of The Absolutist Schools?

Duty is central to adherence to the law, behavioral accountability, and human responsibility.

What do religious rules signify according to Ethical Formalism?

Duty comes from god-driven ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is Natural Law?

Principles of absolute duty come from the natural order of things. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cicero advocate?

Reverence for the gods, duty to country and family, forgiveness, respect for elders and leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What is St. Thomas Aquinas's belief about knowledge of good?

People know what is good. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jean-Jacques Rousseau's perspective on human nature?

Humans are good by nature, abnormal wickedness corrupts that nature. Signup and view all the answers

Who founded Ethical Formalism?

Immanuel Kant. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ethical Formalism's view on autonomy?

Think autonomously, free of the dictates of any external authority, including religion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with Ethical Formalism?

It does not look at the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is The Categorical Imperative?

Tests moral validity of actions as absolute, and applies to all situations. Signup and view all the answers

What are Kant's formulations?

<ol> <li>An act is right only if the motive can apply equally to everybody. 2. Don't blindly follow rules; universal application is key.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the strength of Kant's absolutism?

We value the rule of law and that too much discretion can lead to tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What is the critique of Kant and absolutism?

It's possible to be morally right even if it does not promote good over evil. Signup and view all the answers

What are the strengths of absolute rule application?

Equal treatment for all similar people, respect for the law, limits prejudice. Signup and view all the answers

What are the drawbacks of absolute rule application?

Allows majorities to rule minorities and does not allow law appliers to make exceptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Good Will?

Universal moral law freely given, treat every person as an end in himself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Formalism Overview

Teleological ethics focuses on the nature of an act rather than the act itself.
Deontological philosophies revolve around moral obligations, emphasizing duty.
Absolutist schools highlight the importance of duty in law adherence and human responsibility, applicable in professions like parenthood and police work.

Religious and Natural Law

Religious rules are deemed absolute commands from a supreme authority and cannot be altered.
Natural Law suggests that absolute duty emerges from the natural order and practical rationality.

Influential Philosophers

Cicero advocated for reverence towards gods, duty to the country and family, and respect for elders.
St. Thomas Aquinas believed that individuals inherently understand what is good.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau posited that humans are naturally good, with corruption stemming from societal influences.

Foundations of Ethical Formalism

Immanuel Kant is recognized as the founder of Ethical Formalism, which promotes autonomous thinking free from external authority, including religious dictates.
Ethical Formalism's primary flaw is its disregard for situational contexts, focusing solely on the morality of intentions rather than outcomes.

Categorical Imperative

The Categorical Imperative serves as a criterion to assess the moral validity of actions universally applicable in all circumstances.
Kant's formulations include:
- An action is deemed right if it can be universally applied.
- Ethical actions arise from duty, not mere adherence to rules.

Strengths and Critiques

Kant's Absolutism emphasizes the necessity of the rule of law to prevent arbitrary power and tyranny.
Critique against Kant indicates that moral righteousness may not align with promoting good over evil, and duties may conflict.

Applications of Absolute Rule

Strengths of absolute rule include equal treatment, respect for law, reduction of prejudice, and comprehension of law fairness.
Drawbacks highlight the risk of majority rule oppressing minorities and the inflexibility of law application.

Good Will Concept

Good Will represents the universal moral law, demanding that individuals treat others as ends in themselves rather than means to an end.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key concepts of Ethical Formalism in this flashcard quiz. Learn about various ethical theories such as Teleological and Deontological philosophies, and discover the role of Absolutist Schools in moral obligations. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of ethical frameworks.