Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary root of the word 'ethics'?
What is the primary root of the word 'ethics'?
Which of the following concepts are most closely aligned with ethics and morals?
Which of the following concepts are most closely aligned with ethics and morals?
What does the technical norm primarily focus on?
What does the technical norm primarily focus on?
Which of the following is an example of a technical norm?
Which of the following is an example of a technical norm?
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In the context of ethics, what does a 'good' worker refer to?
In the context of ethics, what does a 'good' worker refer to?
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What are mores in relation to ethics?
What are mores in relation to ethics?
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Which of the following statements best summarizes the relationship between ethics and community values?
Which of the following statements best summarizes the relationship between ethics and community values?
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How are members of a community categorized based on the technical norm?
How are members of a community categorized based on the technical norm?
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What does the societal norm primarily focus on?
What does the societal norm primarily focus on?
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Which of the following describes the aesthetic norm?
Which of the following describes the aesthetic norm?
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What is the role of moral norms within a community?
What is the role of moral norms within a community?
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Which concept refers to the 'nonnegotiables' valued by a community?
Which concept refers to the 'nonnegotiables' valued by a community?
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How can ethical or moral norms be differentiated from other norms?
How can ethical or moral norms be differentiated from other norms?
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What does the ideal vision of man demand from individuals according to moral norms?
What does the ideal vision of man demand from individuals according to moral norms?
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Which norm is primarily concerned with rituals and community behavior?
Which norm is primarily concerned with rituals and community behavior?
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What is the primary function of moral norms within a community?
What is the primary function of moral norms within a community?
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Study Notes
Etymology of Ethics and Morals
- The word "ethics" originates from the Greek word "ethos," which translates to customs, usage, and character.
- The Roman word "mores" represents the same concept, serving as the root of "morality," "moral," and "morals."
- "Ethics" and "morals" are often used interchangeably, encompassing the traditional manners, customs, habits, and character of a community or group.
- These concepts define the group's standards or norms, or what's known as the "system of values" – dictating what is deemed "good," "right," or the "proper" way of living, acting, and doing.
Types of Norms Within a Community
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Technical Norm: This norm relates to human needs arising from bodily limitations, focusing on survival, health, and well-being. It involves problem-solving, transforming the natural world, and coping with natural forces. This norm emphasizes techniques for relating means to ends, healing, work, production, and organization.
- Examples include "right" foods to eat, proper surgical procedures, accepted farming practices, construction techniques, and work division based on gender.
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Societal Norm: This norm centers on fostering group cohesion and strengthening bonds among community members. Certain manners of attire, communication styles, rituals, and ceremonies are considered "proper" or "appropriate" because they support these bonds.
- Actions contradicting the societal norm can be considered unlawful, proscribed, or frowned upon as they disrupt community relations.
- Aesthetic Norm: This norm focuses on perceptual standards regarding color, shape, space, movement, sound, feeling, touch, taste, scent, and odor in both natural and man-made environments. These elements are considered "ennobling," "beautiful," or "heightening man's existence" because they express joy and celebration of the human spirit.
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Ethical or Moral Norm: This norm combines with the religious norm to create the "ethico-religious" norm. It centers on an ideal vision of a perfect human being, serving as the ultimate goal and an ideal norm.
- Ethical and moral norms define actions as right or wrong, good or bad, based on this ideal vision. They highlight "nonnegotiables" – values cherished by the community that give ultimate meaning and direction to human life.
- All other norms (technical, societal, and aesthetic) are subordinate to moral norms.
Definition of Morality
- In a stricter sense, ethics or morality is the dimension of human existence where individuals confront an ideal vision of themselves – an ideal state or goal for their existence.
- This ideal vision sparks a demand for actions in accord with the ideal vision and goal.
- The ideal vision sets the fundamental norm for judging life and actions as either right or wrong, good or bad.
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Description
Explore the origins of the terms 'ethics' and 'morals', tracing their roots back to Greek and Roman languages. Understand how these concepts reflect the customs and values of a community, influencing what is considered right and proper behavior.
