Ethics Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the ultimate goal of human existence, according to Aristotle?

Acting on instinct and emotional responses

Developing human reason and intellectual virtues

Achieving happiness and fulfillment through living a virtuous life (correct)

Conforming to moral principles and values

What is the primary focus of ethics?

Describing human behavior

Developing moral principles and values

Studying human emotions and physiological responses

Evaluating and guiding human behavior (correct)

What type of actions are characterized by intentionality, freedom, and deliberation?

Human acts, such as voluntary actions (correct)

Moral principles, such as values and norms

Acts of man, such as reflexes and emotions

Intellectual virtues, such as wisdom and prudence

What is the nature of ethics, in terms of its focus on moral principles and values?

Universal and objective, applying to all humans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used in ethics to understand and evaluate human behavior?

Reason and logical principles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of ethics as a rational discipline?

To provide a systematic and coherent understanding of morality and human behavior Signup and view all the answers

According to naturalism, what is the ultimate goal of human development?

To become a fully developed human being Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle of ethical egoism?

To do what is best for oneself Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of virtue theory?

Humans can develop virtues through education Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Thomas Hobbes' statement 'Man is a wolf to another'?

Humans are naturally aggressive Signup and view all the answers

What is the core focus of contractualism theory?

Justice and equality for all Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of human nature according to Thomas Hobbes?

Humans are born with a natural inclination towards conflict Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between naturalism and virtue theory?

Naturalism focuses on human nature, while virtue theory focuses on moral education Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of contractualism theory?

It fails to account for human vulnerability and dependence Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Aristotle's view of human nature?

Humans are born with the potential for virtue development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of contractualism theory in relation to young people?

Their vulnerability and dependence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of Jean Jacques Rousseau's naturalism?

Humans are born with a natural inclination towards cooperation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethics

Study of human actions and their moral implications
Concerned with evaluating and guiding human behavior
Involves moral principles, values, and norms that guide human conduct

Man's Natural End

Refers to the ultimate goal or purpose of human existence
According to Aristotle, man's natural end is to achieve happiness and fulfillment through living a virtuous life
This end is achieved through the development of human reason, moral virtues, and intellectual virtues

Human Acts

Voluntary actions that are within human control
Characterized by intentionality, freedom, and deliberation
Can be evaluated as morally good or bad based on their conformity to moral principles and values

Acts of Man

Involuntary actions that are not within human control
Examples include reflexes, emotions, and physiological responses
Not subject to moral evaluation, as they are not voluntary or intentional

Ethics as a Rational Discipline

Ethics is a rational discipline that uses reason to understand and evaluate human behavior
Involves the use of logical principles, empirical evidence, and philosophical concepts to develop moral principles and values
Aims to provide a systematic and coherent understanding of morality and human behavior

Nature of Ethics

Ethics is a normative discipline that deals with what ought to be, rather than what is
Concerned with evaluating and guiding human behavior, rather than simply describing it
Involves a consideration of moral principles, values, and norms that are universal and objective, rather than relative or subjective

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Description

Test your understanding of ethics, including the study of human actions, moral implications, and the principles guiding human behavior. Explore the concepts of man's natural end, human acts, and ethics as a rational discipline.