Ethics Frameworks Study Questions

Moral duties aren't inherent; they're created to promote cooperation and prevent conflict, stemming from self-interest.

Humans are naturally self-interested, seeking self-preservation, power, and comfort, using reason to achieve these goals.

Morality arises from fulfilling the human function—rational activity aligned with virtue—to achieve flourishing (eudaimonia).

Humans are social and rational beings, capable of virtues (like courage and justice) that lead to flourishing in communities.

Human flourishing, achieved through virtuous living and the cultivation of reason, balancing emotions and actions.

Happiness is defined as the presence of pleasure and the absence of pain. Higher pleasures (intellectual, moral) are superior to lower bodily pleasures.

Moral duties and principles should guide actions, regardless of outcomes.

An ethical theory that judges actions based on the overall happiness or benefit they produce.

The morality of an action depends on its outcome.

Intellectual and moral pleasures, valued more highly than bodily pleasures, according to Mill.

A complex understanding of happiness as living a virtuous life and achieving excellence.

The obligation to act in a certain way based on ethical principles.

The idea that moral actions aim to increase overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals.

Aristotle believes acting virtuously, like honesty and integrity, leads to eudaimonia (flourishing). Keeping a promise upholds these virtues, even if the other party is unaware.

Kant's ethical theory emphasizes universal moral duties. To act morally, an action must be universally applicable (and respect others). Breaking a promise is morally wrong.

Mill's approach suggests choosing the action that maximizes overall happiness. In a situation with conflicting values, the action that generates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people is preferred.

A universal moral principle in Kant's philosophy that guides your actions by considering whether the action can be applied universally.

Virtue ethics is a theory that emphasizes character and moral development. It focuses on cultivating virtuous traits, such as honesty and integrity.

Situations involving different moral values or duties that create a problem when deciding the best action.

Motivations like pleasure, social bonds, or self-interest.

Behavior that adheres to ethical principles or standards.

Natural inclinations are key to human motivation and happiness; acting to maximize happiness and minimize pain.

Self-interest drives moral actions, with a focus on survival and social contract.

Moral actions must be motivated by duty (not inclinations), emphasizing universal moral rules.

Balances inclinations with reason and virtue to guide moral actions.

Emotional response to violations of moral expectations or standards.

Happiness (eudaimonia) isn't just pleasure, but flourishing through virtue and reason.

Happiness is pleasure and the absence of pain, simple.

Different philosophies explain why lying or breaking a promise is perceived as unjust.

Pleasure is a natural consequence of living a virtuous life, not the goal itself.

Kant says moral worth isn't connected to happiness; Aristotle says happiness involves flourishing.

Pleasure is a natural outcome of virtuous living, not the ultimate goal.

Pleasure is the ultimate goal of ethics, maximum pleasure for everyone

Kant believes individuals have a duty to respect others' autonomy and dignity, never treating them as mere tools.

Lying or breaking promises is wrong because it violates universal moral laws, leading to trust breakdown, making promises meaningless.

A moral reaction reflecting the violation of a duty to be truthful and keep promises. Not just a social contract issue.

Injustice is harm to overall happiness. Actions like lying or breaking promises are wrong if they cause negative consequences by eroding trust.

Actions producing negative consequences and eroding trust, leading to social disruption and suffering, are unjust according to Mill.

A response to the harm caused by a violation of trust impacting happiness and social good.

Kant emphasizes duty, while Mill focuses on consequences when determining just or unjust actions.