Ethics Defined - Chapter 1
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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  • The traditional view of ethics is outdated and no longer relevant to the modern world.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?

    <p>Goodness shifted from moral norms to physical pleasures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is ethics considered the supreme philosophy?

    <p>Ethics deals with the attainment of man's highest good—happiness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main challenge to defining morality according to the text?

    <p>The lack of agreement on the nature of morality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what role does conscience play in the moral life of a person?

    <p>It allows individuals to understand and apply the moral law. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher believed that human beings live and die for their ideals and values?

    <p>Viktor Frankl (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why humans need to study ethics?

    <p>To develop a strong sense of social justice. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main distinction that separates humans from other creatures?

    <p>A capacity for abstract thought and philosophical inquiry. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text suggests that man's inclination towards earthly goods can lead to what two negative emotions?

    <p>Envy and despair (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key characteristic that sets humans apart and makes them capable of choosing good or evil?

    <p>Reason (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following philosophers saw the human person as a being capable of self-reflection?

    <p>John Locke (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the text claim that man is "by nature good"?

    <p>Because humans are created in the image of God. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The inherent search for meaning amongst humans is often accompanied by what?

    <p>A desire for personal enlightenment and spiritual growth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main point of the text regarding the definition of ethics?

    <p>Ethics is a complex field with many competing theories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason why understanding the concept of a good life became a problem?

    <p>The desire for philosophical answers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary focus of early Eastern people in their pursuit of a good life?

    <p>Seeking perfection of the self. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of 'beauty' change when people from different regions and beliefs interact?

    <p>Beauty becomes subjective and culturally defined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author suggest about the relationship between civilization and a person's perception of goodness?

    <p>Civilization can make people less ethical and more focused on material gain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the text suggest that human actions are always connected to 'cause and effect'?

    <p>Because humans live in a spatio-temporal dimension. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implied relationship between 'goodness' and 'beauty' in the context of the text?

    <p>Beauty is a product of goodness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's main argument about the nature of 'goodness' in the context of civilization?

    <p>Civilization has made goodness more complex and challenging to achieve. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of stating that a human is 'an animal and yet not an animal'?

    <p>Humans are unique creatures that defy easy categorization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Ethics

    The study of what is right and wrong behavior.

    Good Life

    The pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

    Eastern Ethics

    Focuses on self-perfection rather than material greatness.

    Western Ethics

    Emphasizes the exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives.

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    Civilization's Impact

    Civilization complicates human existence with questions of goodness.

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    Philosophical Views of Humanity

    Different philosophies express varying beliefs about human nature.

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    Cause and Effect in Ethics

    Actions are often evaluated by their consequences.

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    Moral vs. Non-Moral

    Distinction between ethical standards and neutral actions.

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    Human Search for Meaning

    The innate human drive to understand life's purpose.

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    John Locke's view

    Describes humans as rational beings capable of self-reflection.

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    Autonomous Will (Kant)

    Kant's belief that individuals can make moral choices independently.

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    Viktor Frankl's Ideals

    Frankl argued people can live and die for their values and ideals.

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    Erich Fromm's Conscience

    Fromm believed conscience helps individuals understand ethical goals.

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    Aquinas on Conscience

    Aquinas stated conscience defines a person as a moral subject.

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    Evolution of Goodness

    The concept of goodness shifted from moral norms to physical pleasures.

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    Technology and Ethics

    Advancements have changed how humans perceive goodness and ethics.

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    Redefine Ethics

    The need to update ethics based on pleasure and pain measurements.

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    Importance of Happiness

    Plato views ethics as the path to achieving human happiness.

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    Philosopher-King

    Plato's idea that society should be ruled by philosophers.

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    Definition of Ethics

    A systematic study of morality and the principles of how we ought to live.

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    Practical Ethics

    Ethics is a practical and normative science that studies human acts.

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    Imago Dei

    The concept that humans are created in the image of God and are inherently good.

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    Human Inclination

    Humans naturally incline towards goodness but can choose otherwise.

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    Study of Ethics

    The pursuit of understanding real happiness through ethical guidance.

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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

    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

    • Various philosophers have differing views on human nature.

    • Humans are both animals and more than animals.

    • Humans have the ability to question the meaning of life.

    • 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

    • Ethics (moral philosophy) aims for a systematic understanding of morality.

    • It seeks to define "how to live" and "why".

    • There isn't a single, agreed-upon definition; competing theories exist.

    • Ethics is a practical, normative science based on reason that studies human actions and determines their goodness or badness.

    • 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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    Related Documents

    Week 2 - Ethics Defined PDF

    Description

    Explore the foundational concepts of ethics in this quiz based on Chapter 1. Understand the definitions, importance, and divisions of ethics while reflecting on the significance of moral standards and the quest for a good life across cultures. Dive deeper into how ethics interrelates with other sciences.

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