Questions and Answers
Which ethical theory is associated with Immanuel Kant?
Hedonism prioritizes the pursuit of pain over pleasure.
False
What does utilitarianism aim to achieve?
The greatest good for the greatest number.
_________ is an ethical theory that judges actions by their consequences.
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Match the following ethical theories with their definitions:
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Which ethical theory can be considered a form of consequentialism?
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Virtue ethics was primarily developed by Immanuel Kant.
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What does social contract theory provide for society?
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The ethical principle that emphasizes moral standards enabling cooperative living is known as __________.
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Which of the following is NOT a form of hedonism?
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Study Notes
Ethics Overview
- Ethics investigates moral principles and dilemmas, establishing guidelines for right and wrong conduct.
- Morals reflect societal standards of acceptable behavior, enabling cooperative living in groups.
Importance of Studying Ethics
- Understanding ethical theories helps navigate complex moral dilemmas and decision-making contexts.
Ethical Theories
Deontology
- Focuses on adhering to rules to differentiate right from wrong.
- Associated with philosopher Immanuel Kant.
- Advocates following universal moral laws, e.g., prohibitions against lying, stealing, or cheating.
Consequentialism
- Assesses morality based on the outcomes of actions.
- Criticized for unpredictability of consequences, making it difficult to determine ethicality beforehand.
Utilitarianism
- A subset of consequentialism that judges actions based on their outcomes.
- Asserts that the most ethical choice produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Hedonism
- Centers on pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the core determinants of morality.
- A form of consequentialism with variations, including:
- Normative hedonism: focuses on ethical standards of pleasure.
- Motivational hedonism: emphasizes desire for pleasure.
- Egotistical hedonism: prioritizes self-interest in pleasure.
- Altruistic hedonism: values the pleasure of others equally.
Social Contract Theory
- Proposes that individuals coexist in societies based on an implicit agreement outlining moral and political rules.
- Aims to foster harmony and cooperation within societal structures.
Virtue Ethics
- Developed by Aristotle and early Greek philosophers, focusing on moral character.
- Emphasizes that virtue can be cultivated through practice and experience in ethical living.
Ethical Fading
- Describes a phenomenon where the ethical aspects of a decision become obscured or irrelevant in the decision-making process.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ethics and morals, examining how they shape individual and societal behavior. Discover the nuances of ethical principles and the moral standards that guide cooperative living. Test your understanding of these vital philosophical concepts.
