Ethics Overview and Branches

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'ethics' primarily refer to?

The empirical study of moral decisions (correct)

Religious teachings

Artistic expression

The study of laws

Normative ethics is concerned with interpreting moral statements.

False

What is the Greek word from which 'ethics' is derived?

ethos

Ethics is divided into normative ethics and _______.

meta-ethics Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical types with their focus:

Normative Ethics = Concerns what actions should be taken Meta-Ethics = Examines the meaning of moral statements Moral Philosophy = Deals with moral obligations Applied Ethics = Addresses real-world moral issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of applied ethics?

General moral philosophy Signup and view all the answers

To be ethical, one must always follow traditional practices.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of normative ethics?

To address questions about the essence of human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary aspect of ethics?

Statistical ethics Signup and view all the answers

The virtues of intelligence, bravery, patience, and injustice guide ethical decision-making.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of ethics in personal and societal decision-making?

To distinguish right from wrong and guide actions Signup and view all the answers

Ethics can provide true, specific guidance to our lives, particularly through principles such as __________.

fairness Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of ethics with their corresponding definitions:

Normative ethics = Concerned with what is right and wrong Meta-ethics = Explores the nature of moral reasoning Applied ethics = Practical application of ethical principles Moral philosophy = Study of general principles of morality Signup and view all the answers

What do Bazerman and Ann Tenbrunsel identify as blind spots in ethics?

The gap between who you want to be and who you are Signup and view all the answers

An ethical individual should prioritize their self-interest at all times.

False Signup and view all the answers

__________ are essential for coping with ethical dilemmas and making rational decisions.

Habits of character Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Ethics

Ethics is the empirical study of moral decisions, focusing on what is considered morally right or wrong.
Derived from the Greek word "ethos," meaning tradition, habit, character, or attitude.
Concerned with human actions’ moral correctness, intent, and circumstances.

Branches of Ethics

Divided into two main areas: normative ethics and meta-ethics.
Normative Ethics: Addresses questions about human behavior, moral obligations, and the essence of acts. It seeks to determine whether actions should be undertaken.
- Encompasses moral philosophy (theoretical aspects) and applied ethics (practical issues like abortion).
Meta-Ethics: Focuses on the meaning of moral statements and non-moral questions about morality, interpretation, and justification.

Importance of Ethics

Ethics provides guidelines for distinguishing right from wrong and good from bad.
Ethical principles such as fairness, trustworthiness, and responsibility help resolve dilemmas without compromising moral interests.
Influences decision-making by emphasizing responsibility and the consequences of actions.

Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical dilemmas arise in daily life, impacting personal and social quality of life.
Internal and external factors can create blind spots between desired and actual conduct.
Good character habits are vital for ethical behavior, which includes virtues like intelligence, bravery, patience, and justice.
Ethical considerations require prioritizing others' needs over self-interest due to social responsibilities.

Society and Ethics

Ethics determines personal and societal identity and requires adherence to moral principles by all individuals.
Recognizes that individuals may act contrary to their moral beliefs and engage in irresponsible behavior.
Emphasizes the need for civil society members to place communal interests ahead of individual desires.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ethics, including its definition and significance in moral decision-making. Understand the two main branches of ethics: normative ethics and meta-ethics, along with their implications in evaluating human behavior and moral correctness.