ETIC 211 Introduction to Ethics Review

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of ethics as defined in the content?

To evaluate social norms

To study morality (correct)

To investigate human emotions

To analyze business practices

Which of the following examples represents a Human Act?

Telling the truth (correct)

Blinking of the Eyes

Breathing

Beating of the heart

What does Normative Ethics aim to accomplish?

Evaluating different cultures

Describing moral standards

Prescribing correct moral actions (correct)

Analyzing past philosophies

Which term refers to the nature of ethical terms and concepts?

Meta-ethics Signup and view all the answers

Which authority is derived from societal norms and legal systems?

External Authority Signup and view all the answers

Which option best aligns with the description of Morals?

Beliefs about acceptable conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an Act of Man?

Breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Applied Ethics?

Applying ethics in real life Signup and view all the answers

What does subjectivism postulate about morality?

It is based on individual perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

In Ethical Egoism, what is considered the highest moral principle?

The achievement of one's own happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development focuses on avoiding punishment?

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Signup and view all the answers

Which level of Moral Development is characterized by mutual interpersonal conformity?

Conventional Level Signup and view all the answers

Which stage represents the idea of respecting individual rights within a social contract?

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights Signup and view all the answers

What does Psychological Egoism claim about human actions?

They are motivated by self-interest. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is associated with Stage 6 of Moral Development?

Universal Ethical Principles Signup and view all the answers

Which stage is primarily concerned with law, authority, and social duty?

Stage 4: Law And Order Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Mutual and Interpersonal Conformity?

Gaining the approval of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial first step when faced with an ethical dilemma?

Clarifying the facts of the case. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ethical decision-making?

Identifying, evaluating, and choosing among alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What commonly creates ethical dilemmas?

Conflicting interests or goods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of lying according to ethical standards?

A bad reputation and distrust. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences behavior under external authority?

Fear of punishment or societal approval Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects James Rachels' view on cultural relativism?

Moral beliefs are determined by culture and are not universal. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following is considered moral in one religion but not in another?

Polygamy in Islam versus Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key tenet of cultural relativism?

No single moral code can be regarded as superior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statement is true regarding the relationship between legality and morality?

Some actions can be legal but still considered immoral. Signup and view all the answers

What does James Rachels believe about people's acceptance of cultural moral beliefs?

It hinders recognition and correction of harmful practices. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle does NOT align with cultural relativism?

There are universal truths in morality. Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals fail to recognize morally problematic aspects of their culture, according to the content?

They accept cultural moral beliefs without questioning. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics derives from the Greek word 'ethos', meaning 'customs', 'usage', or 'characteristic'.
It is a branch of philosophy that investigates the nature of human actions to support moral claims.
Ethics explores morality, contributing to understanding the moral life of individuals (Beauchamp and Childress, 1994).
Acts of Human: Actions that do not require decision-making; considered indifferent or amoral (e.g., blinking, breathing).
Human Acts: Actions requiring decision-making; classified as good or bad (e.g., telling the truth, giving money to the poor).
Moral Standards set guidelines for determining what is morally permissible or unacceptable.
Morals refer to specific beliefs or attitudes regarding actions performed by individuals.

Ethical Frameworks

Normative Ethics: Known as prescribed ethics, it offers frameworks to determine correct moral actions.
Applied Ethics: Focuses on implementing philosophical theories into practical, everyday ethics.
Meta-ethics: Examines the nature of ethical terms and concepts.

Categories of Standards

Culture: Encompasses aesthetic and etiquette standards.
Moral Standards: Define good behavior and proper conduct, often influenced by religion.
Standards of Etiquette: Comprise traditional and conventional practices.
Morality: Reflects personal character.
Etiquette: Refers specifically to table manners.

Authority in Ethics

External Authority: Rooted in societal norms, laws, religious doctrines, and cultural traditions.
Internal Authority: Based on personal values, conscience, and individual moral perspectives.
Laws serve to regulate behavior within society but may not align with moral standards (e.g., abortion in the U.S. vs. views of the Catholic Church).
Moral relativism suggests that legal standards do not necessarily equate to moral ones.

Cultural Relativism

James Rachels defines cultural relativism as an absence of objective truth in morality, positing diverse moral codes across cultures.
He believes moral progress is achievable and that societies can enhance their moral standards over time.
Rachels argues against accepting cultural moral beliefs without questioning, as this can hinder progress.
Cultural beliefs and practices can differ significantly, like the acceptance of polygamy in Islam versus Christianity.

Ethical Egoism and Human Rights

Psychological Egoism: Asserts human actions are inherently motivated by self-interest.
Ethical Egoism: Advocates that individuals should prioritize their own interests as the highest moral principle (e.g., Ayn Rand's views on happiness).
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasizes freedom, dignity, and individual rights.

Moral Development (Kohlberg)

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory consists of three levels and six stages of moral development:
- Pre-Conventional Level (0-9 years): Focus on punishment and individual exchange.
- Conventional Level (9-20 years): Emphasizes conformity and law.
- Post-Conventional Level (20 years+): Involves social contracts and universal ethical principles.
Good Boy/Girl Orientation: Desire for peer approval.
Law and Order: Respect for authority and duty.

Ethical Dilemmas

Moral dilemmas arise when confronted with conflicting interests or goods.
Understanding the facts is crucial for addressing ethical dilemmas, often requiring creative thinking to generate alternative actions.
Ethical decision-making involves evaluating options in line with ethical principles.
In business ethics, a tension often exists between profit motives and community obligations.

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Description

Prepare for your ETIC 211 prelim exam with this review focusing on the foundational concepts of ethics. Explore the roots of the term 'ethics,' its significance in philosophy, and its connection to morality. This quiz will help solidify your understanding of key ethical ideas and their implications on human actions.