External vs. Internal Authority in Ethics

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary belief of subjectivism in moral valuations?

The individual is central to determining morality. (correct)

Moral truths are universal and unchanging.

Cultural norms dictate moral beliefs.

The collective consensus defines right and wrong.

In ethical egoism, how are moral actions determined?

By what benefits the community the most.

By the individual's own best interests. (correct)

By traditional moral values upheld by society.

By external moral authorities like laws and religion.

Which statement best describes psychological egoism?

Morality should focus on community well-being over individual desires.

Individuals often act against their self-interest.

Human beings are altruistic and prioritize others' needs.

Self-interest is the primary motivator for all human actions. (correct)

What potential drawback arises from accepting cultural moral beliefs unquestioningly?

Individuals might overlook morally problematic aspects of their culture. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes internal authority from external authority in moral reasoning?

Internal authority is derived from individual judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives external authority?

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

What is a key distinction between legal and moral standards?

Not all legal actions are moral. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of external authority?

Adhering to religious doctrines Signup and view all the answers

Cultural relativism claims that:

No one cultural ethical practice can be judged universally. Signup and view all the answers

What influences internal authority?

Personal convictions and conscience Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates a conflict between external authority and personal morality?

Abortion being legal versus religious beliefs against it Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about external and internal authority is accurate?

External authority often guides behavior through rules. Signup and view all the answers

According to cultural relativism, which perspective is emphasized?

We are not in a position to judge another culture's practices. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rachels argue would be a consequence of accepting cultural relativism?

It prevents individuals from questioning moral norms. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which of the following could NOT be criticized under cultural relativism?

Acts of genocide justified by a culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is one absurd consequence of cultural relativism mentioned in the content?

Individuals in a culture cannot challenge unjust practices. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rachels view moral progress in the context of cultural relativism?

He thinks it can happen regardless of cultural beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

Which practice was specifically mentioned as being socially permissive regarding female babies?

Sex-selective infanticide. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen if a culture promoted murder, according to the critique?

Its members would start to kill each other. Signup and view all the answers

What stance does Rachels take regarding the assertion that moral beliefs are determined solely by culture?

He critiques it for leading to moral stagnation. Signup and view all the answers

What system of racial segregation was referenced as an example in the content?

Apartheid in South Africa. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

External Authority

Originates from societal norms, legal systems, religious doctrines, and cultural traditions.
Influences behavior through established external rules and regulations that often rely on fear of punishment or desire for societal approval.

Law

Defined as a system of rules established by governing authorities to regulate behavior within society.
Important distinction: Not all legal actions are moral, nor are all moral actions legal.
Example: Abortion's legality in the U.S. contrasts with its moral condemnation by the Catholic Church.

Religion

Diverse moral standards across religions; polygamy is accepted in Islam but not in Christianity.
Different religious views on specific practices, such as certain dishes being prohibited by some religions but accepted by others.

Culture

Embraces cultural relativism, asserting that ethical judgments are subjective to specific cultural contexts.
Challenges the idea of objectively right or wrong in ethics, emphasizing that cultures have distinct moral codes without a universal standard.

Internal Authority

Emerges from individual values, conscience, and personal sense of morality.
Influences behavior through internal convictions and ethical beliefs, driven by a personal moral compass.

Subjectivism

Centers on the belief that individual perspectives define moral valuations.
Each person is seen as the sole determinant of what is morally good or bad; subjectivity is paramount in ethical considerations.

Psychological Egoism

Asserts that human actions are always motivated by self-interest.
Suggests that individuals are inherently self-centered in all decision-making.

Ethical Egoism

Advocates that individuals should prioritize their own interests when determining right actions.
An act is deemed morally right if it serves the actor’s best interests, though it may also have benefits for others, but only if it ultimately aids oneself.

Cultural Relativism Critique

James Rachels critiques cultural relativism, arguing it leads to moral stagnation and hinders ethical progress.
Two central points of critique:
- It prevents individuals from criticizing other cultures' moral practices, even those deeply harmful.
- It obstructs internal critique of one’s culture and denies the potential for moral advancement, such as recognizing rights for women and children.
Rachels posits that all cultures inherently reject murder, as a culture condoning it would not sustain itself.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of external and internal authority in ethical decision-making. It covers their origins, influences, and the roles they play in guiding behavior. Test your understanding of how societal norms and personal values shape moral frameworks.