External vs. Internal Authority in Ethics
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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?

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

    What distinguishes internal authority from external authority in moral reasoning?

    <p>Internal authority is derived from individual judgment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily drives external authority?

    <p>Fear of punishment or societal approval</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key distinction between legal and moral standards?

    <p>Not all legal actions are moral.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of external authority?

    <p>Adhering to religious doctrines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cultural relativism claims that:

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

    What influences internal authority?

    <p>Personal convictions and conscience</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Abortion being legal versus religious beliefs against it</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about external and internal authority is accurate?

    <p>External authority often guides behavior through rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to cultural relativism, which perspective is emphasized?

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

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

    <p>It prevents individuals from questioning moral norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Acts of genocide justified by a culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Individuals in a culture cannot challenge unjust practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Sex-selective infanticide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Its members would start to kill each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>He critiques it for leading to moral stagnation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Apartheid in South Africa.</p> 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.

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    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.

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