Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to Immanuel Kant, what capability defines a human person?
According to Immanuel Kant, what capability defines a human person?
- The ability to make moral decisions independently. (correct)
- The potential to discover inner truth through reflection.
- The desire to achieve a good life through pleasure.
- The capacity to question the meaning of life.
Which philosopher believed that the human person's conscience guides them toward self-realization?
Which philosopher believed that the human person's conscience guides them toward self-realization?
- Viktor Frankl
- John Locke
- Erich Fromm (correct)
- Immanuel Kant
What is the main reason for the need to redefine ethics, according to the provided text?
What is the main reason for the need to redefine ethics, according to the provided text?
- The traditional definition of ethics is too broad and difficult to apply.
- The traditional view of ethics is outdated and no longer relevant to the modern world.
- The modern view of morality is too focused on the individual and not enough on the community.
- The modern view of morality is based on the measurement of pleasure and pain. (correct)
What change in the concept of goodness did technological advancements bring about, according to the text?
What change in the concept of goodness did technological advancements bring about, according to the text?
Why is ethics considered the supreme philosophy?
Why is ethics considered the supreme philosophy?
What is the main challenge to defining morality according to the text?
What is the main challenge to defining morality according to the text?
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what role does conscience play in the moral life of a person?
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what role does conscience play in the moral life of a person?
Which philosopher believed that human beings live and die for their ideals and values?
Which philosopher believed that human beings live and die for their ideals and values?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why humans need to study ethics?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why humans need to study ethics?
What is the main distinction that separates humans from other creatures?
What is the main distinction that separates humans from other creatures?
The text suggests that man's inclination towards earthly goods can lead to what two negative emotions?
The text suggests that man's inclination towards earthly goods can lead to what two negative emotions?
What is the key characteristic that sets humans apart and makes them capable of choosing good or evil?
What is the key characteristic that sets humans apart and makes them capable of choosing good or evil?
Which of the following philosophers saw the human person as a being capable of self-reflection?
Which of the following philosophers saw the human person as a being capable of self-reflection?
Why does the text claim that man is "by nature good"?
Why does the text claim that man is "by nature good"?
The inherent search for meaning amongst humans is often accompanied by what?
The inherent search for meaning amongst humans is often accompanied by what?
What is the main point of the text regarding the definition of ethics?
What is the main point of the text regarding the definition of ethics?
What is a key reason why understanding the concept of a good life became a problem?
What is a key reason why understanding the concept of a good life became a problem?
What was a primary focus of early Eastern people in their pursuit of a good life?
What was a primary focus of early Eastern people in their pursuit of a good life?
How does the concept of 'beauty' change when people from different regions and beliefs interact?
How does the concept of 'beauty' change when people from different regions and beliefs interact?
What does the author suggest about the relationship between civilization and a person's perception of goodness?
What does the author suggest about the relationship between civilization and a person's perception of goodness?
Why does the text suggest that human actions are always connected to 'cause and effect'?
Why does the text suggest that human actions are always connected to 'cause and effect'?
What is the implied relationship between 'goodness' and 'beauty' in the context of the text?
What is the implied relationship between 'goodness' and 'beauty' in the context of the text?
What is the author's main argument about the nature of 'goodness' in the context of civilization?
What is the author's main argument about the nature of 'goodness' in the context of civilization?
What is the significance of stating that a human is 'an animal and yet not an animal'?
What is the significance of stating that a human is 'an animal and yet not an animal'?
Flashcards
Ethics
Ethics
The study of what is right and wrong behavior.
Good Life
Good Life
The pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Eastern Ethics
Eastern Ethics
Focuses on self-perfection rather than material greatness.
Western Ethics
Western Ethics
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Civilization's Impact
Civilization's Impact
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Philosophical Views of Humanity
Philosophical Views of Humanity
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Cause and Effect in Ethics
Cause and Effect in Ethics
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Moral vs. Non-Moral
Moral vs. Non-Moral
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Human Search for Meaning
Human Search for Meaning
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John Locke's view
John Locke's view
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Autonomous Will (Kant)
Autonomous Will (Kant)
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Viktor Frankl's Ideals
Viktor Frankl's Ideals
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Erich Fromm's Conscience
Erich Fromm's Conscience
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Aquinas on Conscience
Aquinas on Conscience
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Evolution of Goodness
Evolution of Goodness
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Technology and Ethics
Technology and Ethics
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Redefine Ethics
Redefine Ethics
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Importance of Happiness
Importance of Happiness
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Philosopher-King
Philosopher-King
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Definition of Ethics
Definition of Ethics
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Practical Ethics
Practical Ethics
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Imago Dei
Imago Dei
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Human Inclination
Human Inclination
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Study of Ethics
Study of Ethics
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Study Notes
Chapter 1: Ethics Defined
- Learning Outcomes:
- Define ethics.
- Explain the importance of studying ethics.
- Analyze ethics' relation to other sciences.
- Relate the divisions of ethics.
- Assess standards of morality (moral vs. non-moral).
- Reflect on why people need to be ethical.
Introduction
- This chapter introduces ethics.
- A YouTube video link is provided (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMGHrKSUb8E)
The Concept of a Good Life
- People constantly seek a good life.
- The concept of a good life became problematic when people started to think critically.
- Early societies focused on harmony, truth, goodness, and beauty.
- Eastern cultures primarily focused on self-perfection instead of material or intellectual pursuits.
- Western peoples, in contrast, had more diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Ideas and knowledge were frequently exchanged.
The Implication of Civilization
- Civilization leads people to consider causes and effects in their actions.
- Goodness and beauty are connected to daily life.
- Goodness can be both causal and material.
Man as a Person of Goodness and Truth
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Various philosophers have differing views on human nature.
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Humans are both animals and more than animals.
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Humans have the ability to question the meaning of life.
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Philosophers:
- John Locke viewed humans as thinking and intelligent beings capable of reason and self-reflection.
- Immanuel Kant saw humans as self-regulating individuals capable of moral decision-making.
- Viktor Frankl believed humans seek meaning in life.
- Erich Fromm linked conscience with understanding one's own self, goals, and norms.
- St. Thomas Aquinas connected moral behavior to conscience, highlighting the importance of considering the welfare and dignity of others.
The Need to Redefine Ethics
- Science and technology have altered humanity's understanding of goodness.
- In the past, goodness was tied to moral norms, but technological advancements led to a focus on pleasure.
- Morality is now examined in terms of pleasure and pain.
- Philosophical traditions (Plato, Confucius, Aristotle) emphasize that the role of philosophers and ethics involves defining and understanding what constitutes the best life or "the good".
Definition of Ethics
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Ethics (moral philosophy) aims for a systematic understanding of morality.
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It seeks to define "how to live" and "why".
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There isn't a single, agreed-upon definition; competing theories exist.
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Ethics is a practical, normative science based on reason that studies human actions and determines their goodness or badness.
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Actus Humanus vs. Actus Hominis
Why Do We Study Ethics?
- Humans are inherently good, reflecting God's image.
- Ethical living leads to a meaningful life.
- Reasoning, alongside human passions, offers the possibility of choices that deviate from goodness.
- Ethics helps one understand true happiness.
- Ethical development elevates humans above mere animals.
- Education's role involves exploring the good life, not just technological advancements.
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