Podcast
Questions and Answers
What ethical theory argues that moral principles are based on God's commands?
What ethical theory argues that moral principles are based on God's commands?
Cultural relativism posits that there are universal moral truths.
Cultural relativism posits that there are universal moral truths.
False (B)
What is the core principle of utilitarianism?
What is the core principle of utilitarianism?
Actions are right if they maximize overall happiness.
The ethical perspective that emphasizes acting in one's _____ is known as ethical egoism.
The ethical perspective that emphasizes acting in one's _____ is known as ethical egoism.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the ethical theories with their fundamental principles:
Match the ethical theories with their fundamental principles:
Signup and view all the answers
Which ethical theory critiques the idea that morality can be reduced to emotions?
Which ethical theory critiques the idea that morality can be reduced to emotions?
Signup and view all the answers
The concept of psychological egoism claims that humans always act altruistically.
The concept of psychological egoism claims that humans always act altruistically.
Signup and view all the answers
What is one critique of the Divine Command Theory?
What is one critique of the Divine Command Theory?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Kant's Categorical Imperative suggest about moral rules?
What does Kant's Categorical Imperative suggest about moral rules?
Signup and view all the answers
According to Kant, lying is always morally wrong, even in life-saving situations.
According to Kant, lying is always morally wrong, even in life-saving situations.
Signup and view all the answers
What principle suggests that humans have intrinsic worth?
What principle suggests that humans have intrinsic worth?
Signup and view all the answers
Retributivism argues that punishment is justified as deserved __________ for wrongdoing.
Retributivism argues that punishment is justified as deserved __________ for wrongdoing.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following ethical theories with their main advocates:
Match the following ethical theories with their main advocates:
Signup and view all the answers
Flashcards
Marijuana Advocacy
Marijuana Advocacy
Support for marijuana if it increases happiness without causing harm.
Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Act only according to maxims that can be universalized without contradiction.
Conflicts Between Moral Rules
Conflicts Between Moral Rules
Absolute moral rules may clash, indicating they aren’t truly absolute.
Kant’s Respect for Persons
Kant’s Respect for Persons
Signup and view all the flashcards
Retributivism vs. Utilitarianism
Retributivism vs. Utilitarianism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Morality
Morality
Signup and view all the flashcards
Cultural Relativism
Cultural Relativism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ethical Subjectivism
Ethical Subjectivism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Divine Command Theory
Divine Command Theory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ethical Egoism
Ethical Egoism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theory
Signup and view all the flashcards
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Psychological Egoism
Psychological Egoism
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Morality
- Morality involves how we should live, guided by reason and impartiality.
- Key cases like Baby Theresa, Jodie and Mary, and Tracy Latimer highlight ethical dilemmas regarding organ donation, conjoined twins, and mercy killing, respectively.
Cultural Relativism
- Cultural Relativism posits that morality is dependent on culture, lacking universal truths.
- Critiques include the flawed Cultural Differences Argument, as disagreement doesn't negate objective truth.
- It also impedes ethical progress and can justify harmful practices like excision.
Ethical Subjectivism
- Simple Subjectivism states that moral statements merely express personal opinions.
- Emotivism suggests moral language expresses emotions, with little room for rational judgment.
- Moral judgments necessitate logical reasoning beyond personal feelings.
Morality and Religion
- Divine Command Theory (DCT) argues morality is based on God's commands, facing issues of arbitrariness and lacking independent moral reasoning.
- Natural Law Theory proposes morality arises from natural order, accessible through reason, independent of religion.
- Religious texts sometimes lack clarity on modern ethical challenges.
Ethical Egoism
- Psychological Egoism (incorrect) claims people act solely for self-interest.
- Ethical Egoism (incorrect) suggests we ought to act in self-interest, facing criticisms of promoting unethical behaviour and logical flaws.
Social Contract Theory
- Social Contract Theory (Hobbes) argues morality arises from agreements for peace and cooperation.
- Advantages include explaining moral rules as rational compromises for mutual benefit, and justifying punishment.
- Critiques highlight its limitations in addressing obligations to non-contracting entities (animals, future generations).
Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism prioritizes maximizing overall happiness in actions.
- Applications include justifying euthanasia (reducing suffering), advocating for marijuana use (if it maximises happiness without significant harm), and advocating for animal welfare (challenging speciesism).
- Critiques include neglecting justice, rights, and backward-looking reasons. It can be excessively demanding, potentially undermining personal relationships.
Absolute Moral Rules
- Kant's Categorical Imperative proposes acting based on universal principles that avoid contradiction.
- The principle of lying being always wrong faces challenges from practical dilemmas (e.g., saving lives).
- Conflicts between absolute rules suggest their potential limitations.
Kant's Respect for Persons
- Kant emphasizes the inherent worth of human beings due to their rationality and autonomy.
- Treat others as ends, not merely as means, respecting their rights and choices.
Punishment (Retributivism vs. Utilitarianism)
- Retributivism (Kant) justifies punishment as deserved retribution for wrongdoing.
- Utilitarianism (Bentham) justifies punishment for maximizing societal happiness through deterrence and rehabilitation.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores key concepts in morality, including cultural relativism, ethical subjectivism, and the relationship between morality and religion. It examines significant ethical dilemmas and critiques various moral theories, providing a comprehensive understanding of these foundational ideas.
