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Questions and Answers
What defines a rational being according to the content?
What defines a rational being according to the content?
What is moral responsibility primarily concerned with?
What is moral responsibility primarily concerned with?
Which concept describes the freedom to act without external coercion?
Which concept describes the freedom to act without external coercion?
What role do moral principles play in ethical decision-making?
What role do moral principles play in ethical decision-making?
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In the context of the moral community, a person is defined as?
In the context of the moral community, a person is defined as?
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Which criterion for personhood considers whether a being has Human DNA?
Which criterion for personhood considers whether a being has Human DNA?
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Which cognitive trait is NOT a part of the Cognitive criterion for personhood?
Which cognitive trait is NOT a part of the Cognitive criterion for personhood?
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Which of the following is considered a factor that influences moral principles?
Which of the following is considered a factor that influences moral principles?
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According to the Social criterion, when is a being recognized as a person?
According to the Social criterion, when is a being recognized as a person?
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Which of the following is an example of a being NOT considered a person by the Cognitive criterion?
Which of the following is an example of a being NOT considered a person by the Cognitive criterion?
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Which type of factor is primarily concerned with compliance and order in society?
Which type of factor is primarily concerned with compliance and order in society?
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What characteristic is essential for a being to be classified under the Sentient criterion?
What characteristic is essential for a being to be classified under the Sentient criterion?
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Which group is not considered as persons under the Genetic criterion?
Which group is not considered as persons under the Genetic criterion?
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Study Notes
Moral Agency
- Moral agency is the capacity to discern right from wrong based on an individual's understanding of good and bad.
- Philosophers assert that only rational beings capable of reasoning and forming self-interested judgments qualify as moral agents.
Rational Being
- A person is deemed rational when their beliefs and actions align with moral principles or are guided by them.
- Principles are foundational truths or propositions that underpin belief systems and reasoning chains.
Moral Responsibility
- Moral responsibility encompasses frameworks to handle widespread harm and wrongdoing stemming from group actions.
Concept of Freedom
- Freedom involves the ability to act independently, without coercion or influence from others.
- Circumstantial freedom refers to the ability to act on desires, while metaphysical freedom (freewill) emphasizes genuine choice among options.
Person
- A person is considered part of the moral community capable of performing good or bad actions, and can receive corresponding actions.
- Reciprocal action indicates the response of one individual towards another based on initial actions.
Social Characteristics of a Person
- Include various aspects: economic, political, philosophical, digital self, and cultural self.
Moral Principles
- Moral principles serve as guidelines for ethical behavior, emphasizing values like honesty, fairness, and equality.
- Individual moral principles can vary, influenced by upbringing and personal values.
Criteria for Personhood
- Genetic Criterion: Being considered a person if composed of human DNA; recognized individuals include people and fetuses, while excluded are pets and inanimate objects.
- Cognitive Criterion: Personhood involves consciousness, reasoning abilities, self-motivation, communication skills, and self-awareness; includes individuals without cognitive disabilities and some animals, while excluding those with significant disabilities or coma patients.
- Social Criterion: Recognition by society or affection from others contributes to personhood; applies to people and fetuses but excludes those deemed isolated or disregarded.
- Sentient Criterion: The capacity to feel pleasure or pain determines personhood; applicable to many humans and animals, but not to coma patients or first-trimester fetuses.
Factors Influencing Personhood
- Cultural beliefs, legal frameworks, religious beliefs, individual motives, and education shape the understanding of personhood and moral agency.
Culture
- Encompasses both material and non-material components, including practices and beliefs.
Law
- Structured policies are enacted to maintain social order through expected adherence.
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Description
Dive into the complexities of moral agency in this quiz. Explore concepts such as moral responsibility, rational beings, and the theory on personhood. Test your understanding of how moral agents determine right from wrong and the notions of freedom related to moral choices.
