Key Ethical Systems Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the central idea of Socrates' ethical system?

  • Virtue as knowledge (correct)
  • Duty-based ethics and categorical imperatives
  • Utilitarianism and maximizing happiness
  • Virtue as harmony in the soul

According to Plato, which part of the soul is responsible for rational thought?

  • Emotional
  • Appetitive
  • Spirited
  • Rational (correct)

What does Aristotle's concept of the Golden Mean represent?

  • The maximization of overall happiness
  • The balance of rational and appetitive desires (correct)
  • A compromise between virtue and vice
  • A rigid adherence to duty

Which ethical theory posits that the ends justify the means?

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

What does the Ring of Gyges illustrate in ethical discussions?

<p>The corrupting power of unchecked freedom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kant's ethical framework, what principle is central to determining moral actions?

<p>The categorical imperative (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of agape in Christian ethics?

<p>Central to love and forgiveness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Plato's Theory of Forms relate to moral virtues?

<p>Moral virtues exist as perfect abstractions distinct from our experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest expression of love in Christian ethics?

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

Which principle emphasizes that actions should follow universal moral rules in Kantian ethics?

<p>The Categorical Imperative (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the foundation of Jeremy Bentham's utilitarianism?

<p>Actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Christian ethics, what is the 'Golden Rule' stated in Matthew 7:12?

<p>Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of Kant's deontological ethics?

<p>It does not address conflicting moral duties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is central to determining moral worth in Bentham's utilitarian framework?

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

According to Kantian ethics, how should individuals be treated?

<p>As ends in themselves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea of Christian ethics?

<p>Teachings of Jesus Christ and Christian doctrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of the Ring of Gyges primarily illustrate about human behavior?

<p>Power can reveal underlying moral corruption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the ultimate goal of human life?

<p>Eudaimonia or flourishing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle define virtue?

<p>A habit developed through practice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Doctrine of the Mean entail?

<p>Virtue lies halfway between two vices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of ethical virtues according to Aristotle?

<p>They govern emotions and actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle propose individuals can learn virtues?

<p>By imitating virtuous role models. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Aristotle's philosophy, what role does context play in determining virtue?

<p>It plays a crucial role in identifying the mean. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a virtue according to Aristotle's Golden Mean?

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

What distinguishes Mill's utilitarianism from Bentham's?

<p>Inclusion of higher and lower pleasures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which critique highlights the impracticality of measuring happiness in utilitarianism?

<p>The 'Calculus Problem' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to critics of utilitarianism, what issue arises with sacrificing an innocent person for the greater good?

<p>It violates individual rights and justice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of utilitarianism concerning the comparison of pleasures?

<p>It assumes all pleasures are equal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the essence of the 'Demandingness Problem' in utilitarianism?

<p>It requires individuals to always act to maximize happiness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Mill’s utilitarianism, what is considered necessary for a more fulfilling life?

<p>Pursuing higher pleasures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which problem associated with utilitarianism relates to the subjective nature of happiness?

<p>The 'Calculus Problem' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill’s view of utilitarianism differ in application compared to earlier forms?

<p>It encompasses social and political institutions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue does the 'Tyranny of the Majority' highlight in utilitarianism?

<p>It can lead to the oppression of minorities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Moral Integrity' critique suggest about utilitarianism?

<p>It undermines moral integrity by requiring actions against personal ethics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern related to the 'Uncertainty Problem' in utilitarianism?

<p>It demands precise calculations that are often impossible. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'No Rest Problem' critique affect personal well-being?

<p>It results in exhaustion from continuous moral demands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Problem of False Happiness' indicate about actions deemed acceptable by utilitarianism?

<p>They may create temporary happiness at the cost of integrity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption does utilitarianism make about human motivation?

<p>People are always striving to maximize happiness or pleasure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key critique regarding the consequences in utilitarianism?

<p>Consequences are uncertain and can lead to unforeseen negative outcomes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can constant moral demands of utilitarianism affect a person's lifestyle?

<p>They can lead to moral burnout and prevent personal aspirations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical theories with their primary focuses:

<p>Socrates = Virtue as knowledge Plato = Theory of Forms Kant = Duty-based ethics Mill = Maximizing happiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosophers with their contributions to ethics:

<p>Aristotle = Golden Mean and eudaimonia Bentham = Felicific calculus Machiavelli = Political realism Christian Ethics = Agape and the Golden Rule</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their corresponding ethical thinker:

<p>The Tripartite Soul = Plato The Socratic Method = Socrates Utilitarianism = Bentham &amp; Mill Categorial Imperatives = Kant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Virtue as knowledge = Socrates' view on ethics Moral virtues as Forms = Plato's perspective Utilitarianism's focus = Maximizing overall happiness Political realism = Machiavelli's principle of ends justifying means</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical ideas with their significance:

<p>Ring of Gyges = Corrupting power of unchecked freedom Agape = Unconditional love in Christian ethics Golden Mean = Balance between extremes in Aristotle's ethics Universalizability = Kant's moral principle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the moral principles with their respective thinkers:

<p>Forgiveness = Christian Ethics Duty = Kant Maximized Happiness = Mill Virtue = Aristotle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical thinkers with their core beliefs:

<p>Socrates = Moral ignorance leads to wrongdoing Plato = Justice achieved through proper function Bentham = Pleasure and pain as metrics Kant = Moral actions based on duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the allegories or concepts with their ethical significance:

<p>Charioteer = Tripartite Soul governance Forms = Ideal representations of virtues Virtuous Person = Aligns life with moral truths Ends Justify the Means = Machiavelli's pragmatic ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosopher with their respective core ideas:

<p>Plato = The corrupting influence of power Aristotle = Virtue is learned by imitation of role models</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the virtue with its corresponding extreme:

<p>Courage = Recklessness Generosity = Stinginess Wisdom = Ignorance Temperance = Overindulgence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosopher with their work:

<p>Plato = Ring of Gyges Aristotle = Golden Mean</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical principle with its significance:

<p>Golden Mean = Represents virtue between two vices Moral Integrity = Concerns on utilitarianism Corrupting influence = Explores power's effect on justice Ethical Virtue = Regulates emotions and actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ethical theories with their key ideas:

<p>Virtue Ethics = Emphasis on character and virtue development Plato's Ethics = Justice influenced by fear of punishment Aristotle's Ethics = Habits are central to developing virtue Social Contract Theory = Ethics based on societal agreements</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their correct definitions:

<p>Eudaimonia = Well-being or flourishing Virtue = A habit developed through practice Injustice = Acting without fear of consequence Role Models = Examples to emulate for virtue learning</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the concept with its relevant example:

<p>Courage = Mean between cowardice and recklessness Generosity = Mean between prodigality and stinginess Intellectual Virtues = Guiding reason and understanding Ethical Virtues = Regulating emotions like courage and generosity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their respective ethical theories:

<p>Grace and Salvation = Christian Ethics Categorical Imperative = Kantian Ethics Felicific Calculus = Utilitarianism The Golden Rule = Christian Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical principles with their descriptions:

<p>Principle of Utility = Greatest happiness for the greatest number Universalizability = Morality depends on consistent application of rules Agape = Selfless love expressed in Christian ethics Respect for Persons = Individuals treated as ends in themselves</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following philosophers with their main ethical focus:

<p>Immanuel Kant = Deontological Ethics Jeremy Bentham = Consequentialism Jesus Christ = Love for God and others Aristotle = Virtue Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their ethical significance:

<p>Sermon on the Mount = Teachings on forgiveness and love Moral Duties Conflict = Challenges in Kantian ethics Golden Rule = Ethical guideline of reciprocity Charity (agape) = Highest expression of love</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical theories with their key characteristics:

<p>Kantian Ethics = Focus on duty and moral rules Christian Ethics = Grounded in Jesus' teachings Utilitarianism = Focus on outcomes of actions Deontology = Emphasis on intrinsic worth of individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of Bentham's utilitarianism with their explanations:

<p>Pleasure and Pain Measurement = Quantifying consequences of actions Greatest Happiness = Moral actions produce widespread benefit Felicific Calculus = Method for analyzing happiness Utility Maximization = Focus on achieving the best outcomes for most</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical concepts with their associated thinkers:

<p>The Formula of Humanity = Immanuel Kant Love and Charity = Christian Ethics Act only on maxims = Kantian Ethics Consequences determine rightness = Jeremy Bentham</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following key points with their corresponding ethical theories:

<p>Humans rely on God's grace = Christian Ethics Actions judged on universality = Kantian Ethics Outcome-based morality = Utilitarianism Charitable love as foundation = Christian Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the critiques of utilitarianism with their descriptions:

<p>The 'Calculus Problem' = Impractical to measure exact consequences of actions across individuals. Justice and Rights Concerns = Outcomes can justify violations of individual rights. The 'Demandingness Problem' = Requires individuals to constantly maximize happiness. The 'Problem of Incommensurability' = Different types of pleasures cannot be compared on a single scale.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the key figures with their contributions to consequentialism:

<p>Jeremy Bentham = Proposed the 'felicific calculus' for measuring happiness. John Stuart Mill = Introduced qualitative differences in pleasures. Utilitarianism = Judges actions solely by their consequences. John Stuart Mill's Greatest Happiness Principle = Advocated for the best outcomes for society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of pleasures with their descriptions according to Mill:

<p>Higher Pleasures = Intellectual and moral satisfactions. Lower Pleasures = Bodily and physical enjoyments. Fulfillment = Achieved through the pursuit of higher pleasures. Moral Value = Associated with the quality of experiences rather than the quantity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the issues related to utilitarianism with their corresponding critiques:

<p>The 'Trolley Problem' = Illustrates conflicts between individual rights and the greater good. 'False Happiness' = Challenges the authenticity of happiness derived from certain actions. 'No Rest Problem' = Critiques the perpetual moral demands placed on individuals. 'Uncertainty Problem' = Identifies concerns about unpredictable outcomes in decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following critiques of utilitarianism with their respective problems:

<p>Tyranny of the Majority = Can lead to the oppression of minorities for the majority's benefit Moral Integrity = Undermines moral integrity by prioritizing collective good over personal ethics No Rest Problem = Requires constant action, preventing personal fulfillment Problem of False Happiness = Justifies actions that create temporary happiness without true well-being</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the principles of utilitarianism with their proponents:

<p>Greatest Happiness Principle = Promoted by John Stuart Mill. Felicific Calculus = Introduced by Jeremy Bentham. Qualitative Differences in Pleasures = Proposed by John Stuart Mill. Consequentialism = Foundation of utilitarian ethics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their explanations in utilitarianism:

<p>Consequentialism = Ethical theory evaluating actions based on outcomes. Utilitarianism = Form of consequentialism focused on maximizing happiness. Felicific Calculus = Method to quantify happiness for ethical decision-making. Social Ethics = Application of utilitarianism to societal policies and institutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following critiques of utilitarianism with their implications:

<p>Tyranny of the Majority = Potential for discrimination and exclusion in society Uncertainty Problem = Reliance on unpredictable consequences can lead to flawed decisions No Rest Problem = Continuous demands can lead to moral burnout Problem of False Happiness = Short-term happiness may be prioritized over long-term well-being</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following critiques with their concerns regarding human motivation:

<p>Over-Simplification of Human Motivation = Assumes all actions aim to maximize happiness Moral Integrity = Challenges the essence of individual ethical principles Tyranny of the Majority = Overlooks the needs and rights of minorities No Rest Problem = Neglects individual desires for personal and leisure time</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the ideas with their relevance in Mill's philosophy:

<p>Pursuit of Higher Pleasures = Leads to a more fulfilling life. Quality of Pleasures = Integral to Mill's version of utilitarianism. Social Institutions = Should promote the greatest good. Intellectual Expansion = Valued over mere physical satisfaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the critiques of utilitarianism with their specific concerns:

<p>Demandingness = Excessively burdensome moral obligations. Incommensurability = Assumption that all pleasures can be measured equally. Justice Concerns = Potential to sacrifice rights for happiness. Calculus Problem = Challenges in assessing happiness systematically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following problems of utilitarianism to their critiques:

<p>Prediction of Consequences = Uncertainty about future outcomes undermines utilitarian calculations Continuous Demands = Exhausting moral obligations that deter personal growth False Happiness = Mistakes temporary happiness for meaningful fulfillment Minority Oppression = Utilitarianism may justify harmful actions against certain groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following critiques with their descriptions:

<p>Tyranny of the Majority = Majority happiness may lead to severe minority neglect Moral Integrity = Individuals may be forced to act against their own ethical beliefs Uncertainty Problem = Difficulty in predicting all possible outcomes of an action No Rest Problem = Moral expectations can leave individuals feeling drained</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the critiques of utilitarianism with their effects on individuals:

<p>Moral Integrity = Encourages actions that may contradict personal morals False Happiness = Leads to deceptive practices in pursuit of immediate satisfaction Uncertainty Problem = Creates anxiety over the unpredictability of outcomes No Rest Problem = Ends up consuming all available personal time and space</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the critiques of utilitarianism to their broader societal implications:

<p>Tyranny of the Majority = Fosters societal divisions and discrimination Moral Integrity = Demoralizes individuals by ignoring personal ethical beliefs Continual Demand = Neglects community and family responsibilities in favor of broader happiness False Happiness = Promotes superficial relationships and interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the problems associated with utilitarianism to their critiques:

<p>Over-Simplification of Human Motivation = Fails to capture the complexity of human desires Prediction of Consequences = Creates uncertainty in moral choices Continuous Demands = Limits opportunities for personal enjoyment and downtime False Happiness = Blurred lines between genuine happiness and manipulative tactics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Socratic Virtue

Virtue is knowing what is good and doing what is good; ignorance leads to wrongdoing.

Socratic Method

Dialectical questioning used to explore moral concepts, helping others understand their ignorance and achieve virtue.

Plato's Forms

Perfect, abstract ideals (like justice and goodness) that exist outside our physical world, representing the ultimate reality.

Tripartite Soul

Plato's idea that the soul has three parts: reason, emotions/will, and desires.

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Plato's Justice

Social order where each part of society (e.g., rulers, soldiers, producers) fulfills its role.

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Aristotle's Eudaimonia

Happiness or flourishing through virtuous actions (the Golden Mean).

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Golden Mean

Finding the middle ground between two extremes in ethical behaviour.

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Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that emphasizes maximizing happiness and well-being for the greatest number.

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Christian Ethics Core Idea

Christian ethics is based on Jesus' teachings and Christian beliefs.

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Love and Charity (Christian Ethics)

The most essential moral principle in Christianity, loving God and others.

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Kantian Deontology

Kant's ethics based on doing your moral duty following rules, regardless of outcome.

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Categorical Imperative (Kant)

A moral rule in Kantian ethics, you should base your actions only on principles true for everyone.

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Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)

The rightness of an action depends on its results, maximizing happiness for the most people.

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Principle of Utility (Utilitarianism)

The best action produces the most good for the most people as measured by pleasure and pain consequences.

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Felicific Calculus

A method to measure happiness and suffering in Utilitarianism to determine an action's morality.

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Universalizability (Kant)

An action is moral if the rule behind it can apply to anyone in similar situations without conflict.

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Virtue

A morally good quality or characteristic.

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Eudaimonia

Human flourishing or well-being, the ultimate goal of a good life.

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Doctrine of the Mean

Finding the middle ground between two extremes in ethical situations.

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Ring of Gyges

A story in Plato's Republic exploring the corrupting nature of power, if unchecked.

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Ethical virtue

Virtues that regulate emotions and actions.

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Intellectual virtue

Virtues that guide reason, such as wisdom and understanding.

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Imitation of Virtue

Learning virtue by observing and emulating virtuous role models.

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Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges actions based solely on their consequences, not rules or intentions.

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Higher Pleasures

Intellectual and moral pleasures, considered more valuable than bodily pleasures.

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Greatest Happiness Principle

The principle of utilitarianism, advocating for actions maximizing happiness for the most people.

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Calculus Problem

The practical difficulty of quantifying and comparing happiness across individuals and situations in utilitarianism.

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Justice Concerns

A critique of utilitarianism, pointing out that prioritizing overall happiness can sometimes violate individual rights or justice.

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Incommensurability Problem

The difficulty in comparing different types of pleasures (intellectual vs. physical), as they are not easily reduced to a single metric.

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Demandingness Problem

The criticism of utilitarianism that always prioritizing maximizing happiness can be excessively burdensome on individuals.

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Moral Burnout

The feeling of emotional exhaustion and cynicism that can result from constantly trying to maximize utility, leading to neglecting personal well-being and aspirations.

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Tyranny of the Majority

The potential for utilitarianism to justify policies that harm minorities if their suffering is outweighed by the majority's happiness.

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Moral Integrity?

Utilitarianism's focus on consequences over the moral integrity of the decision-maker. This critique suggests that utilitarianism can require actions against one's own ethical principles.

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Predicting Consequences

The uncertainty problem in utilitarianism stems from the difficulty of accurately predicting future consequences of actions, making utilitarian calculations unreliable and prone to errors.

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Continuous Demands

Utilitarianism's emphasis on maximizing happiness requires constant action, leaving no room for rest or personal fulfillment.

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False Happiness

Utilitarianism might justify actions that create temporary or superficial happiness, which may not lead to true well-being.

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Oversimplified Motivation?

Utilitarianism assumes that people are always motivated to maximize happiness or pleasure, potentially overlooking other complex human motivations.

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True vs. Temporary Happiness

Utilitarianism faces criticism that it might confuse temporary pleasure with true happiness, leading to actions that don't promote long-term well-being.

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Justice and Rights Concerns

Another criticism of utilitarianism: prioritizing overall happiness might lead to violating individual rights or justice in some cases.

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Christian Ethics

A system of moral values grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and Christian beliefs.

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Principle of Utility

The central principle of Utilitarianism stating that the best action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

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Gyges' Ring

A magical ring in Plato's Republic that grants the wearer invisibility, allowing them to act unjustly without consequences.

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Virtue as a Habit

Aristotle believed virtue is not innate but developed through repeated actions and practice, becoming a habit.

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Ethical Virtue vs. Intellectual Virtue

Ethical virtues (like courage and generosity) relate to our actions and emotions, while intellectual virtues (like wisdom and understanding) guide reason and thought.

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Doctrine of the Mean (Example)

For example, Generosity is the mean between prodigality (excessive giving) and stinginess (lack of giving).

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Context-Dependent Mean

The Golden Mean is not a fixed point, but varies depending on the situation and the individual.

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Socrates' Central Idea

Virtue, or moral excellence, is fundamentally about knowing what is good and acting accordingly. Ignorance, or lack of knowledge, leads to wrongdoing.

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The Socratic Method

A process of questioning and critical thinking used to examine moral concepts. By asking pointed questions, Socrates helped people recognize their own ignorance and guide them toward understanding what is truly good.

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Plato's Tripartite Soul

Plato believed the human soul is composed of three parts: reason (seeking truth), spirit (emotions and will), and appetite (desires). Virtue is achieved when reason governs the other two.

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The Just State (Plato)

An ideal society where each class (rulers, soldiers, producers) performs its proper role. Justice arises when everyone functions harmoniously, contributing their unique skills to the common good.

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The Golden Mean

The concept that virtue lies in finding the balance between two extremes. Avoiding excess and deficiency in behavior and emotions, achieving a 'just right' state.

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Aristotle's Moral Development

Virtue is not something you are born with but developed through practice and habit. By repeatedly acting virtuously, we strengthen our good qualities.

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Study Notes

Summary of Key Ethical Systems

  • Socrates: Virtue is knowledge; moral development through dialectical questioning.
  • Plato: Virtue is harmony in the soul, modeled after the Forms; the Ring of Gyges examines the corrupting power of unchecked freedom.
  • Aristotle: Ethics based on eudaimonia (flourishing); virtue as the Golden Mean; moral development through practice.
  • Christian Ethics: Love (agape), forgiveness, and the Golden Rule as central moral principles.
  • Kant: Duty-based ethics, categorical imperatives, universalizability.
  • Bentham & Mill: Utilitarianism, maximizing happiness; felicific calculus; higher and lower pleasures.
  • Machiavelli: Political realism; the ends justify the means; maintaining power at any cost.

Socrates and Virtue Ethics

  • Virtue is knowledge: Socrates believed that knowing what is truly good leads to doing what is good; ignorance results in wrongdoing.

Plato and Ethics and Virtue

  • Theory of Forms: Plato believed that moral virtues (like justice and goodness) exist as perfect, abstract Forms. Our experiences are imperfect copies.
  • The Tripartite Soul: The soul has rational (reason), spirited (will/emotions), and appetitive (desires) parts. Virtue is achieved when reason governs the other two parts.

The Ring of Gyges (Plato)

  • Explores the corrupting influence of power.
  • The story of Gyges, a shepherd who discovers a ring granting invisibility, then uses the power to commit injustice.
  • This poses the question if people are just because of fear of punishment, or because they are truly virtuous.

Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics

  • Eudaimonia (flourishing): The ultimate goal of human life is eudaimonia, achieved through rational activity in accordance with virtue.
  • Virtue as a Habit: Virtue is not innate; it is developed through practice.
  • The Golden Mean: Virtue is the balance between deficiency and excess (e.g., courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness).

The Golden Mean (Aristotle)

  • Moral virtue lies between extremes.
  • Doctrine of the Mean: Each virtue is the balanced middle ground between two vices. The "mean" isn't always a precise midpoint; it depends on the specifics.

Imitation of Virtue (Aristotle)

  • Learning virtue through imitating virtuous role models.
  • The importance of observing others who embody virtuous behavior, and through practice.
  • Moral development occurs over time through imitation and practice.

Christian Ethics

  • Grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and Christian doctrine.
  • Central moral imperative: love for God and love for others (agape).
  • The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus' teachings about loving enemies, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek.
  • Grace and Salvation: Emphasis on God's grace and the inability of humans to achieve salvation through works alone.
  • Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Kant: Deontology

  • Ethical theory based on duty and the intrinsic worth of human beings.
  • Deontological Ethics: Morality of actions based on rules, not consequences.
  • Categorical Imperative: Act only on maxims that you can consistently will to be universal laws.
  • Universalizability: Actions are morally right if the corresponding rule can be consistently applied to all.

Bentham: Utilitarianism and Consequentialism

  • Moral theory concerning the consequences of actions.
  • The Principle of Utility: The rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its ability to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
  • Felicific Calculus: A method for quantifying happiness and pleasure to determine the moral worth of an action.

Mill: Utilitarianism and Consequentialism

  • Expanded on Bentham's utilitarianism.
  • Qualitative Differences in Pleasures: Higher (intellectual and moral) pleasures vs. lower (bodily) pleasures.
  • Greatest Happiness Principle: Actions maximizing happiness, emphasizing quality of pleasures.

Critique of Utilitarianism

  • Criticisms of utilitarianism include its demanding nature, the difficulty in applying consequentialism, justice and rights problems, the problem of incommensurability (comparing different types of happiness), the problem of false happiness, and the problem of oversimplified human motivation.

Machiavelli

  • Political realism (ends justify the means).
  • Virtù: The qualities a ruler needs to maintain power, involving ability to be decisive, cunning, and strong.
  • The ethics of power; moral norms can be disregarded for maintaining control in political life.

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Ethical Systems PDF

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of key ethical systems from Socrates to Kant. This quiz will cover various philosophies including virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and Christian ethics, providing insights into moral reasoning and development. Test your understanding of these crucial ideas in ethics.

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