Introduction to Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Ethics as a branch of Philosophy?

  • Understanding human emotions
  • Exploring appropriate human behavior (correct)
  • Analyzing the human psyche
  • Studying historical moral dilemmas

Why is ethical thinking considered increasingly necessary in contemporary society?

  • It is crucial for addressing complex challenges. (correct)
  • It ensures that laws are followed without question.
  • It simplifies all moral questions into binary choices.
  • It helps in making quick, impulsive decisions.

Which question reflects an ethical consideration according to the provided content?

  • How can I stay relevant in a fast-paced world?
  • What is the most profitable career option?
  • What kind of life do I truly admire? (correct)
  • What should I do to avoid conflict?

Which of the following areas is NOT mentioned as a context requiring ethical thinking?

<p>Sports and recreation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic best describes ethical thinking as implied in the content?

<p>Dynamic and evolving (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when making a difficult decision according to the provided guidelines?

<p>Whether you would be comfortable with it being publicized (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle involves ensuring that all parties benefit in a PACE context?

<p>Reciprocity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of sharing university material without permission?

<p>Legal and disciplinary actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical consideration when evaluating your actions?

<p>How it could impact your organization’s reputation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not represent a question you should ask when facing a difficult decision?

<p>How can I benefit financially from this decision? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does normative ethics primarily focus on?

<p>Theorizing how we ought to behave (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what role does understanding your organization's value play in ethical decision-making?

<p>It ensures adherence to the organization's values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory is associated with the principle of 'the greatest good for the greatest number'?

<p>Consequentialism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT considered a focus of applied ethics?

<p>Descriptive ethics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider community-serving aspects in ethical decision-making?

<p>To affirm the community's values and contribute positively (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a guiding principle for ethical behavior mentioned in the content?

<p>Mutual benefit among stakeholders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critique of consequentialism mentioned in the content?

<p>It can lead to unintended consequences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is NOT mentioned in relation to utilitarianism?

<p>Immanuel Kant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does descriptive ethics primarily investigate?

<p>Moral beliefs and motivations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a core theory of normative ethics?

<p>Utilitarianism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the sharing of material from Macquarie University is correct?

<p>Legal actions may be taken for unauthorized sharing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What moral conflict is illustrated by Simon's decision to spend the day with his mother?

<p>The conflict between altruism and familial duty. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle does Kantian ethics primarily emphasize?

<p>The integrity and dignity of the individual. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant critique of deontological ethics as mentioned in the content?

<p>It can lead to contradictory duties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term does Kant use to describe actions that can be applied universally?

<p>Categorical imperatives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the illustration of Simon’s choice, what ethical approach might justify his decision?

<p>Deontological ethics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does deontological ethics primarily ignore, according to the critique mentioned?

<p>Emotions and feelings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key concept is essential to Kant's view of morality?

<p>Universalisability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might a proponent of deontological ethics argue about Simon's choice?

<p>His duty to his family is significant and should be prioritized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Peter's main ethical dilemma in the provided scenario?

<p>Choosing between loyalty to his client and his duty to report dishonest behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Virtue Ethics, what is essential for ethical behavior?

<p>Developing good character through the cultivation of virtues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critique is mentioned regarding the application of virtues in ethical behavior?

<p>Conflicting virtues may not result in virtuous actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying issue does Peter's decision highlight about duty and personal relationships?

<p>Personal relationships can complicate ethical responsibilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aristotle's perspective on ethical behavior involves the development of which of the following?

<p>Good character through virtue development (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might valuing certain virtues lead to ethical conflicts?

<p>Different situations may require different virtues, leading to clashes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the consequences of Peter's decision not to report the dishonest behavior?

<p>It may perpetuate a cycle of dishonesty within the system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In discussing ethical behavior, what is a significant challenge mentioned concerning virtues?

<p>Conflicting virtues can lead to uncertain outcomes in actions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may occur if material is shared without the University's written permission?

<p>Legal and/or disciplinary actions may be taken (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern surrounding the use of provided material for Macquarie University students?

<p>Using it solely for individual research and study (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical theories, what does the Ethics of Care emphasize?

<p>The duty of care towards others (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical approach focuses on the impact of actions rather than the actions themselves?

<p>Utilitarianism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rudi's decision not to shoot during a protest reflects which ethical dilemma?

<p>An example of virtue ethics emphasizing character (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Macquarie University protect its intellectual property?

<p>Through strict regulations against unauthorized distribution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is an example of a non-anthropocentric ethical consideration?

<p>Examining the impact of actions on non-human entities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory is primarily concerned with the moral quality of actions rather than the outcomes?

<p>Deontology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics

The branch of philosophy studying what's morally right for humans.

Normative Ethics

Studies how we should behave and what is right/wrong.

Descriptive Ethics

Studies people's ethical beliefs.

Applied Ethics

Using ethical theories in real-world problems (like bioethics).

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Consequentialism

Ethical theory judging actions by their outcome.

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Utilitarianism

Consequentialist theory seeking the greatest good for most people.

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Deontological Ethics

Ethical theory focusing on duty and rules.

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Virtue Ethics

Ethical theory focusing on developing good character.

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Ethics of Care

Places personal values and care as ethical foundations.

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Reciprocity

Mutual exchange of benefits.

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Mutual Benefit

Positive outcome for everyone involved.

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Categorical Imperative

Moral rule a person must always follow.

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Non-Anthropocentric Ethics

Ethics considering things beyond humans.

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Cybersecurity

Protecting computer systems from threats.

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Data Privacy

Protecting personal information.

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Gender Equity

Fair treatment of all genders.

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Environmental Protection

Protecting the environment.

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Humanitarian Crises

Large-scale suffering and need.

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PACE

Programme for Advancement of Critical and Engaged Scholarship

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Study Notes

Ethics

  • Ethics is a branch of philosophy analyzing what constitutes morally acceptable human behavior.
  • It explores questions like: What kind of life is admirable? What kind of life would we want to have lived?
  • Ethical thinking is increasingly critical as we confront complex issues like cybersecurity, data privacy, gender equity, environmental protection, and humanitarian crises.

Ethical Principles in PACE

  • Reciprocity means that there is a mutual exchange of benefits between the student, organisation, and university.
  • Mutual benefit ensures a positive outcome for all involved parties.

How to Ensure Ethical Conduct

  • Understand the value and contribution of your activities.
  • Understand the value and ethics of your organisation.
  • Understand the community your organisation serves.

Normative Ethics

  • Studies ethical action.
  • Considers how we should behave, and what actions are right and wrong.

Descriptive Ethics

  • Studies ethical beliefs.
  • Investigates moral beliefs and the motivation behind ethical behaviour.

Applied Ethics

  • Studies the practical application of ethics in different fields.
  • Applies ethical theories and principles to specific domains like bioethics, environmental ethics, and research ethics.

Normative Ethics: Three Core Theories

  • Consequentialism
  • Deontological Ethics
  • Virtue Ethics

Consequentialism - Utilitarianism

  • Developed by Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Focuses on the consequences of actions.
  • Key concepts include the utility of actions, good intentions, and the greatest good for the greatest number.
  • Critiques consider unintended consequences that could lead to bad outcomes, and the potential exclusion of certain individuals.

Deontological Ethics

  • Developed by Immanuel Kant in the 18th century.
  • Emphasizes duty to act in accordance with rationality, leading to universalizable and humanist actions based on dignity and integrity.
  • Key Concepts include categorical imperatives and duty.
  • Critiques point towards the potential removal of personal agency, disregard for emotions and feelings, and conflicting duties.

Virtue Ethics

  • Developed by Aristotle around 380 BC.
  • Ethical behavior results from developing good character through the cultivation of virtues such as courage, benevolence, compassion, and loyalty.
  • Critiques include the subjectivity of virtues and the potential disconnect between virtuous character and good actions.

Other Ethical Theories

Ethics of Care

  • Emphasizes duty of care, and ethical behavior based on personal values and principles.

Non-Anthropocentric Ethical Theories

  • Ethics extending beyond human impact.

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