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?
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What is Natural Law?
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What does Cicero advocate?
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What is St. Thomas Aquinas's belief about knowledge of good?
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What is Jean-Jacques Rousseau's perspective on human nature?
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Who founded Ethical Formalism?
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What is Ethical Formalism's view on autonomy?
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What is the problem with Ethical Formalism?
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What is The Categorical Imperative?
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What are Kant's formulations?
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What is the strength of Kant's absolutism?
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What is the critique of Kant and absolutism?
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What are the strengths of absolute rule application?
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What are the drawbacks of absolute rule application?
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What is Good Will?
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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.
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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.