Ethics Test 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are the two main ethical theories?

Consequentalism and Deontology (correct)

Virtue Ethics and Social Contract Theory

Utilitarianism and Relativism

Kantanism and Non-Maleficence

What does Consequentalism consider when deciding what we ought to do?

the consequences or outcomes of actions

What is Deontology?

a duty-based ethical theory that evaluates actions as inherently right or wrong

What are the two Consequentalist principles?

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are Deontological Principles? (Select all that apply)

Avoidance of Killing Signup and view all the answers

What does Metaethics deal with?

what makes right action right and what gives moral claims their authority Signup and view all the answers

What are Normative Ethical Theories?

theories that provide principles of right/good actions Signup and view all the answers

What is Applied Ethics?

the application of ethical theories to specific topics such as the biomedical field Signup and view all the answers

Why do we need Bio Medical Ethics?

to provide a basis for judging ethical codes for medicine and to determine what they should say Signup and view all the answers

What are Evaluative Claims?

normative claims that make some sort of judgment (should or ought) Signup and view all the answers

What are Non-Evaluative Claims?

descriptive statements that state a fact Signup and view all the answers

What are Moral Evaluations?

evaluations that carry special authority and are generally taken to be ultimate Signup and view all the answers

What are the two bases of moral evaluations?

relativism and moral universalism Signup and view all the answers

What is Relativism?

the view that there is no objective right and wrong, only different perceptions Signup and view all the answers

What does Moral Universalism assume?

that there are better and worse answers about what is right and wrong accessible to anyone Signup and view all the answers

What is Beneficence?

the principle that actions are right insofar as they produce good consequences or benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is Non-Maleficence?

the principle that actions are wrong if they produce bad consequences or harm Signup and view all the answers

What is Kantanism?

a deontological ethical theory that evaluates actions in terms of duty Signup and view all the answers

Who are the founders of Utilitarianism?

Bentham and Mill Signup and view all the answers

What is considered intrinsically good in Utilitarianism?

pleasure or happiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the Principle of Utility?

the principle that we ought to do that which produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number Signup and view all the answers

Utilitarianism equals Egoism.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is Hedonistic Calculus?

a method to measure pleasure based on intensity, duration, certainty, remoteness, repeatability, purity, and extent Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill emphasize in Utilitarianism?

the quality of pleasure and the distinction between higher and lower pleasures Signup and view all the answers

What is Act Utilitarianism?

the principle of doing that which leads to the greatest good for the greatest number in each situation Signup and view all the answers

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

the principle of acting according to rules that lead to the greatest good when applied universally Signup and view all the answers

What are some issues with Utilitarianism?

justice and fairness can be secondary to happiness, and accurate calculations can be challenging Signup and view all the answers

What are the two essential aspects of Kantanism?

we must do our duty and must do our duty for the right reason Signup and view all the answers

What is our duty according to Kantanism?

to follow the categorical imperative and recognize our moral duty as the highest duty Signup and view all the answers

What are the three formulations of the Categorical Imperative?

Formula of Universal Law, Formula of Humanity, and others Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Two Main Ethical Theories

Consequentialism evaluates actions primarily by their outcomes, determining what ought to be done based on consequences.
Deontology focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, emphasizing moral duties over outcomes.

Consequentialism

Includes theories like Utilitarianism and Hippocratic Ethics.
Advocates for actions that result in the best overall consequences.

Deontology

Associated with Kantianism and Rights Theory.
Asserts that certain actions are categorically right or wrong, independent of their outcomes.

Consequentialist Principles

Beneficence: Actions should aim to benefit others.
Non-Maleficence: Actions should avoid causing harm.

Deontological Principles

Autonomy: Respect for individuals' rights and choices.
Veracity: Commitment to truthfulness.
Fidelity: Loyalty and keeping promises.
Justice: Fairness in treatment and distribution.
Avoidance of Killing: Duty to protect life.

Meta-Ethics

Explores foundational questions about moral claims, such as their origins (e.g., divine command, reason, intuition).

Normative Ethical Theories

Offer principles that define what constitutes right or good actions.

Applied Ethics

Applies ethical theories to specific fields, such as bioethics, informing practice and policy.

Importance of Biomedical Ethics

Provides a framework to assess medical ethics and guide ethical codes in healthcare.

Evaluative Claims

Normative claims that express judgments regarding what should or ought to be done.

Non-Evaluative Claims

Descriptive statements that report facts without moral judgment.

Moral Evaluations vs. Non-Moral Evaluations

Moral evaluations carry authoritative weight and apply universally, while non-moral evaluations relate to personal preferences or tastes.

Moral Evaluations

Considered ultimate, override other considerations, and are universally applicable to all individuals.

Bases of Moral Evaluations

Relativism posits no objective right or wrong, while moral universalism believes better or worse answers about right and wrong exist.

Relativism

Rejects the notion of objective morality, asserting only differing perceptions exist.

Moral Universalism

Advocates for the belief in objectively better moral answers that can be accessed by anyone.

Beneficence

Describes actions that are right if they generate positive outcomes or benefits.

Non-Maleficence

Defines actions as wrong if they lead to negative outcomes or harm.

Kantianism

A duty-based ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s moral obligations.

Founders of Utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are credited with developing this ethical theory.

Intrinsically Good in Utilitarianism

Pleasure or happiness is viewed as the ultimate intrinsic good.

The Principle of Utility

Asserts that actions should aim to create the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Utilitarianism vs. Egoism

Distinguishes that utilitarianism is not equivalent to egoism; it focuses on collective welfare.

Bentham's Approach

Advocates for the idea that all pleasures are equal, emphasizing quantity over quality through Hedonistic Calculus.

Hedonistic Calculus

A tool to measure pleasure based on factors like intensity, duration, and purity.

Mill's Approach

Emphasizes the quality of pleasure, introducing higher and lower pleasures, where higher pleasures are more valuable.

Act Utilitarianism

Proposes assessing each situation individually to maximize overall good.

Rule Utilitarianism

Suggests following rules that, when generally applied, lead to the greatest good.

Issues with Utilitarianism

Ethical principles like justice may be overlooked for happiness; calculations can be complex, and motives may affect ethical considerations.

Essential Aspects of Kantianism

Emphasizes duty and fulfilling duties for morally correct reasons.

Understanding Our Duty

Duties are defined by categorical imperatives, which serve as unconditional moral commands.

Formulations of the Categorical Imperative

Includes the Formula of Universal Law and the Formula of Humanity among others, guiding ethical decision-making.

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Description

Prepare for your Ethics Test 1 with these flashcards covering the two main ethical theories: Consequentialism and Deontology. Explore concepts such as Utilitarianism, Hippocratic Ethics, and Kantianism. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of ethical frameworks.