Introduction to Ethics
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of morality according to Immanuel Kant?

  • Empirical evidence
  • Tradition and customs
  • Divine command
  • Reason (correct)
  • What does Kant's Categorical Imperative emphasize as significant?

  • The intentions behind actions (correct)
  • The consequences of actions
  • The laws established by authority
  • The societal norms of the time
  • Which concept does John Stuart Mill's philosophy primarily defend?

  • Individual liberty (correct)
  • Absolute monarchy
  • Religious authority
  • Collectivist state control
  • According to Kant’s duty ethics, every individual has a duty to prevent which of the following?

    <p>Human life harm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key principle is associated with Kant’s ethical theory?

    <p>Duty Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of ethics does Kant’s approach primarily focus on?

    <p>Intentions of the individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher is referred to as the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century?

    <p>John Stuart Mill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key point of Kant’s theory in ethical practice?

    <p>Honesty and fairness are fundamental</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does ethics primarily study?

    <p>The nature of good and evil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of philosophy is NOT one of the four main branches along with ethics?

    <p>Rhetoric</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher is NOT one of the four prominent figures credited with influencing the principles of ethics?

    <p>Friedrich Nietzsche</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of the Principles of Ethics?

    <p>To guide human behavior by differentiating between good and bad</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of knowledge does epistemology specifically study?

    <p>How we acquire knowledge from evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of ethics deals with the foundation of morality?

    <p>Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary functions of ethical principles?

    <p>To resolve moral problems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher’s theories focus on utilitarianism, a principle associated with the greatest good for the greatest number?

    <p>John Stuart Mill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered a key principle of Aristotle's ethical theory?

    <p>Virtue Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Aristotle, how is the quality of an individual's character measured?

    <p>By the virtues inherent in that individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes John Locke's notion of rights?

    <p>Rights arise from individual existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of governance has Locke's theory contributed to forming?

    <p>Constitutional governance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Aristotle perceive virtues?

    <p>As a compromise between two vices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major influence of John Locke's philosophies?

    <p>The American Declaration of Independence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Aristotle's view, what should individuals strive to achieve?

    <p>The perfect balance between extremes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is associated with Locke's theory emphasizing individual rights?

    <p>Rights Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of Mill's utilitarianism in ethical decision-making?

    <p>Producing the maximum benefit for the greatest number of people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors are considered when determining the 'maximum benefit' in utilitarianism?

    <p>Intensity, duration, and number of people affected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does utilitarianism suggest about the importance of the benefits to oneself compared to others?

    <p>Self-benefits must not hold greater value than anyone else's</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does utilitarianism relate to the concept of democracy?

    <p>It supports decision-making based on majority rule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best reflects the outcome of applying utilitarian principles in professional associations?

    <p>They establish Codes of Ethics based on ethical theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of classic ethical theories in modern laws?

    <p>They provide a foundation for formal legal codes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do utilitarian principles influence civil rights ideas?

    <p>They emphasize equal calculation of benefits regardless of identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect is emphasized by utilitarianism when making ethical decisions?

    <p>The intention behind actions over their outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Ethics

    • Ethics is the study of right and wrong, good and evil, obligations and rights, justice, and social and political ideals.
    • Ethics is a set of moral principles that guide our actions, behaviors, decisions, and practices.

    Branches of Philosophy

    • Logic is the attempt to codify the rules of rational thought.
    • Epistemology is the study of knowledge itself, focusing on how we know things.
    • Metaphysics explores the nature of things, such as free will and the existence of abstract objects.
    • Ethics is the study of right and wrong and good and evil, forming the foundation of morality and practical moral conduct.

    Principles of Ethics

    • Principles of ethics help define, analyze, evaluate, and resolve moral problems.
    • They develop moral criteria to differentiate between good and bad or right and wrong.
    • Four prominent philosophers, Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill, have contributed to the foundation of ethical principles.

    Aristotle's Virtue Ethics

    • Aristotle, considered the “Father of Western Philosophy”, explored various fields including physics, biology, logic, ethics, poetry, and politics.
    • Virtue Ethics: The goodness of an act, object, or individual depends on their function or goal.
    • Character quality is measured by inherent virtues.
    • Every virtue is a compromise between two extremes or vices.
    • Finding a balance between excess and deficiency is the goal.
    • The lesson is to seek a compromise or happy medium to resolve ethical dilemmas.

    John Locke's Rights Ethics

    • John Locke was an English philosopher who greatly influenced the Enlightenment and is known as the "Father of Liberalism".
    • Rights Ethics: Everyone has rights arising from their existence as human beings.
    • Individual rights must be recognized, and individuals have a duty not to infringe on each other's rights.
    • Locke's ideas have formed the foundation of political thought in many countries and inform constitutional governance.

    Immanuel Kant's Duty Ethics

    • Immanuel Kant, a prominent German philosopher, believed reason is the source of morality.
    • Duty Ethics (Formalism): Individuals have a fundamental duty to act ethically.
    • The categorical imperative: Individuals have an absolute obligation to follow the right course of action, regardless of consequences.
    • The intention to do one's duty is significant, not the actual results.
    • Examples of duties include being honest, fair, not harming others, keeping promises, and obeying the law.

    John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism

    • John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher and political economist known for his contributions to classical liberalism and social theory.
    • Utilitarianism: The best ethical choice maximizes benefit for the greatest number of people.
    • The maximum benefit is determined by considering the intensity, duration, and number of people affected.
    • Self-benefit should not be prioritized over the benefit to others.
    • This theory aligns with democracy and informs contemporary ideas about civil rights.

    Principles of Ethics in Action Today

    • Ancient philosophers remain relevant through their influence on modern customs and laws.
    • Criminal and civil laws are codifications of ethical theories.
    • Professional associations use ethical theories to develop Codes of Ethics for various professions.
    • These Codes of Ethics outline acceptable conduct for professionals.

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    Related Documents

    LAWS 6048-24F Lecture 1 PDF

    Description

    This quiz delves into the fundamental concepts of ethics, exploring its definitions, branches, and principles. Understand how different philosophers have shaped the study of morality and ethical decision-making. Test your knowledge on the foundations of right and wrong.

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