Ethics: Acts of Human vs. Human Acts

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What differentiates Human Acts from Acts of Man?

Acts of Man happen naturally in the body.

Acts of Man are always wrong.

Human Acts do not involve responsibility.

Human Acts require conscious choice. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT an example of an Act of Human?

Giving money to the poor

Returning a lost item

Breathing (correct)

Telling the truth

How can Human Acts be classified?

As moral or immoral actions only.

Only as ethical or unethical actions.

As acts of passion or acts of logic.

As good or bad actions. (correct)

What type of actions are considered Acts of Man?

Amoral or indifferent actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of ethics as a subject of study?

To determine grounds for values significant to human life. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of valuation is NOT part of ethics?

Philosophical Valuations Signup and view all the answers

Why might clothing choices be deemed immoral or unethical in certain cultures?

They are governed by community rules and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did women in Afghanistan face for not adhering to clothing norms under the Taliban?

They could be severely flogged. Signup and view all the answers

What does subjectivism claim about moral beliefs?

Every individual is entitled to their own moral opinion. Signup and view all the answers

According to psychological egoism, human actions are primarily motivated by what?

Self-interest in every situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle of ethical egoism?

The well-being of the individual should be the primary concern. Signup and view all the answers

In which stage of Kohlberg's moral development is morality based on avoiding punishment?

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'an eye for an eye' represent in terms of morality?

A retaliatory approach to justice. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage comes after the stage focused on 'Individualism and Exchange' in Kohlberg's framework?

Stage 3: Mutual and Interpersonal Conformity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of the post-conventional level in moral development?

Understanding universal ethical principles. Signup and view all the answers

Which moral philosophy emphasizes that actions should benefit individuals first?

Ethical egoism. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pre-conventional level of moral development emphasize?

Punishment and obedience Signup and view all the answers

In moral dilemmas, what is meant by the term 'lesser of two evils'?

Being forced to choose between two undesirable options Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the conventional level is characterized by law and order?

Stage 4: Law and order Signup and view all the answers

What is a moral judgment?

An opinion on someone else's behavior Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to gather facts in ethical decision-making?

To clarify the situation at hand Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the husband's duty to save his wife?

He has the right to break the law if needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a moral dilemma?

A conflict between two ethical principles Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the ethical consideration of stealing to save a life?

It is sometimes justified by the outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Stage 3 in Kohlberg's moral development model?

Maintaining interpersonal relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in Kohlberg's model emphasizes the concepts of societal agreements and individual rights?

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, what indicates moral maturity?

Using rationality to determine what is right, regardless of consequences Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Gilligan present regarding Kohlberg's theory?

It reflects a male-centric view of morality. Signup and view all the answers

What moral reasoning is demonstrated when someone obeys the law simply because it is the law?

Law and Order Signup and view all the answers

How does Stage 6 differ from lower stages in Kohlberg's moral development model?

It prioritizes universal ethical principles over societal laws. Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals defy laws during a crisis, such as during martial law in the 1970s?

They believe the laws are intrinsically unjust. Signup and view all the answers

Which example demonstrates the reasoning in Stage 1 of Kohlberg's model?

Choosing to act morally to avoid punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma is presented by the scenario of pushing the man onto the tracks?

It questions the morality of actively taking a life vs. passively letting someone die. Signup and view all the answers

How do people's reactions differ between the lever scenario and the footbridge scenario?

People find it easier to pull a lever than to push a man off a bridge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical consideration when a doctor must decide whether to kill a healthy patient for their organs?

The conflict between utilitarian principles and moral constraints against murder. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the act of pulling the lever from pushing the fat man into the tracks?

Pulling the lever is seen as a lesser evil since it does not require physical contact. Signup and view all the answers

What moral principle is primarily challenged in these dilemmas regarding saving lives?

The principle of individual rights and the sanctity of life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acts of Human vs. Human Acts

Acts of Human: Natural bodily functions occurring without conscious choice, neither right nor wrong.
Human Acts: Require conscious decision-making, moral responsibility, and can be classified as either right or wrong.

Examples of Acts of Human and Human Acts

Acts of Human: Breathing, heart beating, perspiration, hair and nail growth.
Human Acts: Telling the truth, giving money to the poor, returning lost items.

Moral Judgment and Classification of Actions

Human acts can be classified into Good Actions and Bad Actions.
Acts of Man: Considered amoral or indifferent actions.

Ethical Frameworks and Value Judgments

Aesthetic and technical valuations are important in human life but do not equate to moral values.
Cultural norms can impose moral beliefs; for example, dress codes can be subject to severe penalties in certain cultures.

Ethical Perspectives

Subjectivism: Individuals determine their own moral values based on personal beliefs.
Psychological Egoism: Actions are motivated by self-interest; everyone is inherently selfish.
Ethical Egoism: The rightness of actions is judged by self-interest.

Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Pre-Conventional Level:
- Stage 1: Morality based on punishment avoidance.
- Stage 2: Individual interests and reciprocal benefits.
Conventional Level:
- Stage 3: Social approval and relationships.
- Stage 4: Law adherence and social order maintenance.
Post-Conventional Level:
- Stage 5: Social contracts and individual rights considerations.
- Stage 6: Universal ethical principles guiding moral actions.

Moral Issues and Decision-Making

Moral Issues: Situations that cause significant debate (e.g., euthanasia, capital punishment).
Moral Decisions: Choices between conflicting actions in ethical situations.
Moral Judgment: Assessments of others' behavior.
Moral Dilemma: Choosing between competing ethical options, often involving lesser evils.

Ethical Decision-Making Model

Gather the Facts: Clarifying information often resolves ethical dilemmas.
Killing vs. Letting Die: Distinction between direct harm and passive involvement in outcomes is crucial.
Trolley Problem Variations: Scenarios illustrate moral quandaries in valuing lives and actions (e.g., choosing whether to actively kill one to save many).

These concepts create a foundation for understanding moral philosophy, ethical values, and the complexities of human decision-making.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the distinctions between Acts of Human and Human Acts, delving into moral responsibilities and ethical frameworks. This quiz will assess your understanding of moral classification of actions and the implications of cultural norms on ethical judgments.