Ethics and Moral Philosophy by William K.Frankena

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Questions and Answers

Match the following with their meanings:

Ethics = Study of moral principles Moral Philosophy = Branch of philosophy that explores concepts of right and wrong Character = Personal qualities or traits Custom = Tradition or practice followed by a group

Match the term with its origin language:

Ethics = Greek Moral = Latin Philosophy = Greek Character = Greek

Match the individuals involved in the scenario:

William K. Frankena = Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan You = A person trying to be a good person and facing unjust circumstances Jury of peers = Group that condemns the individual to death Friends = People who arrange an escape for the individual

Match the scenario elements with their implications:

Indicted, tried, and condemned to death = Facing unjust treatment Awaiting execution in prison = Impending death sentence Escape and go into exile with family = Possibility for a longer life Friends arranging the escape = Thinking about the individual's well-being Signup and view all the answers

Match the reasons given for escaping with their implications:

Afford necessary bribes and not endangered by escaping = Logistical support for escape plan Enjoy longer life if escaped = Potential for extended lifespan Family better off if escaped = Improving the well-being of loved ones People generally thinking you should escape = Public perception towards the escape Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions as presented in the passage:

Ethics and Moral Philosophy = Exploring the nature of right and wrong actions Good person and duty as seen by oneself = Striving to act morally according to personal beliefs Disliked by fellowmen and considered a danger to society = Facing social disapproval and misjudgment Indicted, tried, and condemned to death by peers unjustly = Experiencing unfair legal consequences Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical frameworks with their descriptions:

Consequentialism = Focuses on weighing the positive and negative consequences of actions Deontology = Emphasizes duty, rules, and respect for authority Virtue Ethics = Centers around personal character traits and virtues Utilitarianism = Seeks to maximize overall happiness and well-being Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their consequences in the dilemma presented:

Escape = Preserves life and improves family circumstances Not escaping = Respecting judicial decisions but risking personal survival Deception = Undermines trust and raises questions about commitment Following the law = Maintains respect for authority but may lead to unjust punishment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects with their role in ethical decision-making:

Analyzing conflicting principles = Required to navigate complex situations Considering different perspectives = Helps in understanding multiple viewpoints Acting according to deeply held convictions = Guides decision-making based on personal values Engaging with various ethical frameworks = Assists in evaluating moral dilemmas from different angles Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Ethics = Involves examining fundamental principles and making reasoned choices Moral philosophy = Continuous process of analyzing ethical concepts and decisions Consciousness = Awareness of one's actions and their ethical implications Reasoned choices = Decisions made after thoughtful consideration and evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following outcomes with their implications in the thought experiment:

Positive consequences of escape = Life-saving and improving family's well-being Negative consequences of escape = Deception, legal violation, potential trust issues Duty to uphold the law = Prioritizing respect for legal system over personal considerations Acting in alignment with cherished virtues = Ensuring actions reflect personal values like honesty and justice Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their roles in the philosophical context presented:

Socrates = Patron saint of moral philosophy who engages in critical thinking William K. Frankena = Philosopher challenging individuals with ethical dilemmas Plato = Author presenting Socrates' reasoning in moral philosophy Crito = Dialogue where Socrates provides his answer to ethical questions Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Ethics and Moral Philosophy

The terms "ethics" and "moral philosophy" are often used interchangeably, with "ethics" derived from the Greek word "ethos" meaning "character" and "moral" from the Latin "moralis" relating to "custom".
William K. Frankena, a philosopher, explores the nature of ethics and moral philosophy through a thought experiment.

The Thought Experiment

The experiment presents a dilemma: should you escape from prison if given the opportunity, despite being unjustly condemned to death?
The dilemma raises questions about ethical principles, such as:
- Consequentialism: weighing the positive and negative consequences of escape
- Deontology: upholding the law and respecting judicial decisions
- Virtue Ethics: aligning with personal virtues and principles

Ethical Considerations

Escape would preserve life and improve family circumstances, but would also involve breaking the law and deceiving others
Staying would uphold the law, but would result in an unjust punishment and potentially harm loved ones
The dilemma highlights the complexity of ethical decision-making, requiring analysis of conflicting principles and consideration of different perspectives

Reflection and Analysis

The thought experiment encourages critical thinking and engagement with various ethical frameworks
Reflection on the dilemma can provide valuable insights into the nature of ethics and moral philosophy
Questions to consider:
- What additional information would be needed to make a definitive decision?
- Would the choice differ under slightly different circumstances?
- How do personal values and beliefs influence the decision?

Connection to Plato's Crito

The thought experiment is reminiscent of the situation Socrates faces in Plato's dialogue, the Crito
The Crito provides Socrates' answer to the question and a full account of his reasoning, making it a useful starting point for studying ethics and moral philosophy