Ethics and Moral Judgments

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes Human Acts from Acts of Man?

Acts of Man are always considered wrong.

Acts of Man are actions performed unconsciously.

Human Acts do not involve choice or responsibility.

Human Acts require a person to use choice and conscience. (correct)

Which of the following is an example of an Act of Man?

Giving money to the poor

Returning a lost item

Telling the truth

Breathing (correct)

Which classification of Human Acts represents morally positive actions?

Amoral Actions

Indifferent Actions

Good Actions (correct)

Bad Actions

What type of valuations are NOT part of ethics according to the content?

Technical Valuations Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates a culturally specific moral evaluation?

A woman being punished for wearing revealing clothing in a conservative community. Signup and view all the answers

How can Human Acts be categorized in terms of their ethical implications?

Good and Bad Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ethics is true?

Ethics determines grounds for values significant to human life. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an amoral action?

It does not carry a sense of right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences behavior under External Authority?

Societal norms and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines Internal Authority?

Based on personal values and morals Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of cultural relativism assert?

Ethical practices vary significantly across cultures and cannot be judged Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements illustrates the difference between legal and moral perspectives?

Certain moral actions may be illegal. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best demonstrates the concept of External Authority?

A person complying with the laws of their government. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical belief is reflected when considering multiplicity of religion?

Different religions offer diverse moral perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What action illustrates a conflict between law and morality?

Practicing a religion that contradicts local laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies cultural relativism as described by James Rachels?

Recognizing that different cultures have different moral codes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical dilemma presented in the scenario involving the large man on the footbridge?

The difference between direct harm and indirect harm in life decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might most people support pulling the lever in the trolley dilemma but not pushing the man off the footbridge?

People do not believe in causing harm even for a good outcome. Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario involving the doctor and the healthy patient, what is the central question concerning medical ethics?

Is it justifiable to kill one person to save multiple others? Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the 'trolley dilemma' from the 'footbridge scenario'?

The footbridge scenario entails direct physical action against an individual. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme is highlighted by the variations in the trolley and organ donation dilemmas?

The concept of utilitarianism in ethical decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the concerns about cultural relativism as highlighted by Rachels?

It may prevent challenging outdated moral norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies an absurd consequence of cultural relativism according to Rachels?

One's culture cannot be criticized. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rachels view the possibility of moral progress in society?

Moral progress can occur as societies revise their standards. Signup and view all the answers

What assertion about a hypothetical culture that promotes murder is made?

Its members would eventually die out. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of accepting cultural relativism?

Moral progress can be recognized. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rachels imply about the treatment of female babies and elderly family members in certain cultures?

They reflect outdated moral norms. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Rachels' view on cultural relativism?

He finds it limits the ability to critique any culture. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would cultural relativism lead to moral stagnation?

When harmful practices are continuously accepted. Signup and view all the answers

What does subjectivism emphasize in moral valuations?

Individual perspectives are central. Signup and view all the answers

According to psychological egoism, what motivates human actions?

Self-interest is the primary motivator. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ethical egoism from psychological egoism?

It suggests individuals should prioritize their own interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of Kohlberg's moral development is characterized by avoiding punishment?

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

What principle defines morality at Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange?

Reciprocal arrangements based on mutual benefit. Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's moral development theory, what features are present in the POST-CONVENTIONAL level?

Recognition of universal ethical principles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ethical egoism?

Making decisions based on others' interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the view of subjectivism regarding moral beliefs?

No external moral truth exists. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural vs. Human Acts

Acts of Man: Automatic physiological functions occurring without consciousness; neither right nor wrong (e.g., breathing, heart beating, perspiration).
Human Acts: Require choice and responsibility; can be morally right or wrong (e.g., telling the truth, returning lost items).

Classification of Actions

Good Action: Actions judged positively within ethical frameworks.
Bad Action: Actions deemed negative or harmful.
Acts of man are considered amoral and indifferent.

Ethics and Value Judgments

Ethics identifies values that significantly impact human life.
Types of Value Judgments:
- Aesthetic Valuations: Concerned with beauty or taste.
- Technical Valuations: Related to efficiency and functionality.
- Moral Valuations: Pertaining to right and wrong.

Cultural Perspectives on Morality

Cultural Norms: Ethical considerations vary between cultures, e.g., clothing standards can differ significantly.
Historical context illustrates harsh consequences for moral deviations, e.g., the Taliban's strict dress code in Afghanistan.

Authority in Ethics

External Authority: Guided by societal norms, laws, and cultural traditions (e.g., legal, religious moral differences).
Internal Authority: Guided by personal values and morals, emphasizing individual conscience.

Cultural Relativism

Defined by James Rachels as the belief that no objective moral truths exist across cultures, leading to challenges in critiquing harmful practices.
Rachels highlights absurd outcomes of cultural relativism, including:
- Inability to criticize immoral practices in other cultures (e.g., Nazi Germany).
- Failure to challenge injustices within one's own culture (e.g., apartheid).
- Rejecting the notion of moral progress.

Concepts of the Self in Ethics

Subjectivism: The belief that individuals determine their own moral values and judgments.
Psychological Egoism: The assertion that self-interest drives all human actions.
Ethical Egoism: Advocates actions in one’s self-interest as the ultimate ethical concern.

Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Pre-Conventional Level: Morality based on obedience and personal gain.
Conventional Level: Morality defined by societal norms and laws.
Post-Conventional Level: Morality grounded in abstract principles and individual rights.

Ethical Dilemmas

Killing vs. Letting Die: Distinction made between direct harm (pushing a person) and indirect responsibility (pulling a lever).
Moral Challenges: Scenarios questioning the ethics of sacrificing one life to save many, reflecting on different moral frameworks.

Summary of Key Ethical Considerations

Ethical inquiry involves balancing external societal influences against internal moral reasoning.
Acknowledge the complexities and nuances in navigating moral landscapes influenced by culture, situational context, and individual beliefs.

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Description

Explore the distinctions between acts of man and human acts in this ethics quiz. Delve into the classification of actions as good or bad, and understand how cultural perspectives influence moral values. Test your knowledge on ethical frameworks and value judgments.