Questions and Answers
Which of the following are the two main ethical theories?
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?
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Which of the following are Deontological Principles? (Select all that apply)
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What does Metaethics deal with?
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What are Normative Ethical Theories?
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What is Applied Ethics?
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Why do we need Bio Medical Ethics?
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What are Evaluative Claims?
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What are Non-Evaluative Claims?
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What are Moral Evaluations?
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What are the two bases of moral evaluations?
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What is Relativism?
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What does Moral Universalism assume?
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What is Beneficence?
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What is Non-Maleficence?
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What is Kantanism?
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Who are the founders of Utilitarianism?
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What is considered intrinsically good in Utilitarianism?
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What is the Principle of Utility?
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Utilitarianism equals Egoism.
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What is Hedonistic Calculus?
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What does Mill emphasize in Utilitarianism?
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What is Act Utilitarianism?
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What is Rule Utilitarianism?
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What are some issues with Utilitarianism?
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What are the two essential aspects of Kantanism?
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What is our duty according to Kantanism?
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What are the three formulations of the Categorical Imperative?
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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.