Ethics and Moral Standards Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which characteristic does NOT describe moral standards?

They are based on impartial considerations.

They are established by authoritative decisions. (correct)

They are associated with special emotions.

They are overriding and take precedence over other standards.

Moral standards can be changed by laws or authoritative decisions.

False

Name two examples of non-moral standards.

Etiquette and law

Moral standards are associated with feelings of _ and _ related to ethical judgments.

guilt, shame Signup and view all the answers

Match the following examples with their appropriate category:

Child abuse = Moral standard Legal rules = Non-moral standard Etiquette = Non-moral standard Murder = Moral standard Signup and view all the answers

What does the Greek word 'ethos' mean?

Habit or custom Signup and view all the answers

Moral philosophy includes the study of moral psychology.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the four ism concepts in ethics?

Moral Realism, Subjectivism, Emotivism, Prescriptivism Signup and view all the answers

_____ is interested in the moral judgments made and the standards used to determine what is right or wrong.

Normative ethics Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of ethics with their descriptions:

Meta Ethics = Examines the nature of moral judgment Normative Ethics = Interested in moral judgments and standards Applied Ethics = Examines contentious issues like animal rights Descriptive Ethics = Studies how people actually behave morally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of rules?

Creating social chaos Signup and view all the answers

Subjectivism asserts that moral truths are objective.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of ethics?

The best way for people to live Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Ethics

Derived from Latin "ethnikos" and Greek "ethos," meaning habit, custom, character, and temperament.
A branch of philosophy that explores "what is the best way for people to live?"

Moral Philosophy

Includes studies in:
- Moral psychology
- Descriptive ethics
- Value theory

Ethical Dilemmas

Address fundamental issues such as:
- The pursuit of a happy life
- Rights and obligations
- The concepts of right and wrong

Branches of Ethics

Meta-Ethics: Investigates the nature and significance of moral judgments and values.
Normative Ethics: Examines moral judgments and the standards that define right and wrong.
Applied Ethics: Looks into specific contentious issues like war, animal rights, and the death penalty.

Focus of Ethics

Concerned with the interests of:
- People
- Society
- God
- The ultimate good

Four Isms in Ethics

Moral Realism: Posits the existence of objective moral truths beyond personal preferences.
Subjectivism: Asserts that moral truths are relative to individual beliefs and feelings.
Emotivism: Bases morality on expressions of emotions and attitudes.
Prescriptivism: Recognizes the significance of individual perspectives but may accept objective moral truths.

Origins of Ethics

Arises from various sources such as:
- Religious beliefs and divine guidance
- Human intuition and conscience
- Cost-benefit analyses of moral decisions
- Examples set by virtuous individuals
- Political power dynamics

Importance of Rules

Protect social beings by regulating behavior.
Ensure certain rights and freedoms for individuals.
Foster a sense of justice within communities.
Essential for maintaining a healthy economic system.

Moral Standards

Define the norms regarding actions considered morally right or wrong.
Promote the welfare and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment.
Prescribe rights and obligations.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

Address matters with significant potential to benefit or harm individuals and society.
Are independent of authoritative decisions and backed by universal justification.
Have precedence over self-interest and other standards.
Are founded on principles of impartiality, ensuring fairness and justice.
Accompany emotions (e.g., guilt, shame) and specific vocabulary (e.g., right, wrong).

Non-Moral Standards

Refer to judgments of good or bad in a non-moral context, such as:
- Etiquette standards (manners)
- Legal standards (legal vs. illegal)
- Aesthetic standards (art evaluation)
Distinction is important; morality should not be conflated with etiquette, legality, aesthetics, or religion.

Description

Test your understanding of moral standards and their characteristics. This quiz explores the definitions of moral and non-moral standards, their emotional implications, and relevant philosophical terms like 'ethos'. Challenge yourself with matching examples to their categories.