Ethics Chapter 9: Right Actions and Virtue

Questions and Answers

What does the Golden Mean primarily emphasize in ethical decision-making?

Extreme behaviors

Maximizing overall happiness

Following strict rules

Moderation and balance (correct)

According to Kant's deontology, which of the following describes a moral action?

Any action that leads to the best consequences

An action that satisfies social expectations

An action performed purely out of personal desire

An action driven by duty to follow moral laws (correct)

Which of the following best represents a deficiency in virtue according to Aristotle?

Cowardice (correct)

Excessive bravery

Indecisiveness

Self-indulgence

In Kant's ethics, what distinguishes a categorical imperative from a hypothetical imperative?

Categorical imperatives seek value independently for themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical approach is primarily concerned with the outcomes of actions?

Consequentialism Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of Kant's deontology?

Discovering universal moral duties Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle's concept of the Golden Mean relate to virtues?

Virtues are least represented by extremes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be considered a vice according to the concept of temperance?

Constant self-denial Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of utility aim to achieve?

Promote the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people. Signup and view all the answers

According to John Stuart Mill, how are pleasures categorized?

Pleasures can be ranked according to their nature, with higher being intellectual and aesthetic. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises from the measurement of utility in utilitarianism?

The concept of what counts as a unit of pleasure is ambiguous. Signup and view all the answers

According to Epicurus, what is considered a higher pleasure?

Intellectual pursuits and the quest for knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental view does Kierkegaard express about morality?

It starts from the individual's subjective experience and respect for humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nietzsche mean by 'the will to power'?

The natural drive to exert influence and control over others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of utilitarianism in ethical theory?

It fails to consider individual rights and justice. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the idea that 'truth is subjectivity'?

Sartre Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between a priori and a posteriori knowledge?

A posteriori relies on experience, while a priori is independent of experience. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant's deontology, what makes an action moral?

The action's maxim must be universalizable as a moral law. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of consequentialism?

It judges the morality of an action based solely on its consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with Kant's view on moral actions?

Moral actions should be universalizable and respect human dignity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the formula 'Act only according to that maxim which you can will that it should become a universal law' imply?

Actions must be consistent and applicable to everyone to be moral. Signup and view all the answers

What moral philosophy does hedonism reflect?

The view that pleasure is the highest good. Signup and view all the answers

In Kant's view, which belief is considered illogical?

The belief that everyone should act based on their selfish interests. Signup and view all the answers

How might one apply Kant's categorical imperative to the action of lying?

If everyone lies to protect others, it leads to universal distrust. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Frameworks

Virtue Ethics: Focuses on building a virtuous character through moral exemplars and balance.
Deontology: Based on performing actions out of a duty to follow moral laws without considering outcomes.
Consequentialism: Evaluates actions based on their outcomes and effectiveness in promoting good.

Virtue Ethics and Aristotle’s Golden Mean

A virtuous life is achieving balance across behaviors and emotions, adhering to the Golden Mean.
Examples of the Golden Mean:
- Cowardice (deficiency) vs. Courage (virtue) vs. Foolhardiness (excess)
- Inhibition vs. Temperance vs. Overindulgence
- Stinginess vs. Generosity vs. Profligacy

Kant’s Deontology

Morality is derived from a priori moral laws that apply universally to all individuals.
Observing human behavior reveals actions but not moral obligations.
Emphasizes the necessity of pure reason for moral understanding.

Categorical and Hypothetical Imperatives

Hypothetical Imperatives: Conditional actions that are relative; example includes actions for rewards.
Categorical Imperatives: Unconditional actions that are universal and necessary; example involves acting for the sake of morality itself.

Logical Form of Moral Maxims

Focuses on the universality of moral laws rather than intentions or consequences.
A moral action is one that can be universally applied without contradiction; example of lying demonstrates this principle.

Selfishness is Irrational

Believing oneself as superior undermines the intrinsic worth shared among all rational beings.
Individuals must treat humanity as an end, not merely as a means to achieve personal ends.

Consequentialism: Hedonism

Epicurus and Aristippus: Advocated for maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.
Differentiation between higher (intellectual) and lower (sensual) pleasures.

Utilitarianism: Jeremy Bentham

Principle of utility aims for the greatest happiness for the greatest number, influenced by industrialization.
Requires democracy, social equality, and public education for effectiveness.
Pleasure and pain serve as the primary motivators for human actions.
Utilitarian challenges involve measuring pleasure and accounting for consequences without ethical content.

Utilitarianism: John Stuart Mill

Introduced the concept that not all pleasures are equal; emphasizes higher versus lower pleasures.
Advocates that it's better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied pig, highlighting the value of intellectual pursuits.

Authenticity: Existentialist Ethics

Sartre: Stresses the importance of starting from subjective experience in ethics.
Kierkegaard: Critiques conformity and inauthenticity; morality begins with recognizing human individuality.
Nietzsche: Emphasizes the "will to power" as a central aspect of life and morality.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of right actions through the lens of virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism. It emphasizes Aristotle's Golden Mean and how our actions align with virtue and moral imperatives. Test your understanding of these ethical frameworks and their applications.