Moral and Non-Moral Standards Quiz

Study Notes

Rules are guides for conduct aimed at maintaining order and facilitating coexistence.
Etiquette involves standards for evaluating manners as good or bad.
Legal standards assess right and wrong within a democratic framework established by representatives.
Language standards focus on grammatical correctness, evolving through common usage.
Aesthetic standards are used to judge the quality of art, often dictated by a select group of connoisseurs.
Athletic standards evaluate performance in games or sports.

Different societies have unique moral beliefs, influenced by cultural context.
What is morally indifferent in one culture may hold significant moral weight in another.
Cultural imposition can lead to conflicts in values and beliefs.
Understanding the distinction between moral and non-moral standards is essential for navigating ethical dilemmas.

Moral standards represent norms and values regarding morally right and wrong actions.
They prioritize well-being for humans, animals, and the environment.
The equation for moral standards is Norms + Values.
Norms are general rules about behavior (e.g., killing innocent people is wrong).
Values are enduring beliefs about what is desirable (e.g., helping the poor is good).

Address issues that can significantly impact well-being (e.g., child abuse, murder).
Depend on the adequacy of reasons supporting them.
Take precedence over other standards, especially self-interest.
Are based on impartial and fair considerations.
Elicit strong emotions (e.g., guilt, shame) and specialized vocabulary (e.g., moral right, moral wrong).

Non-moral standards evaluate good and bad in a non-ethical context, often influenced by personal taste.
Examples include standards of etiquette, laws, and aesthetics.
Violating non-moral standards does not threaten human well-being.
Non-moral guidelines focus on behavior without ethical implications (e.g., “Don’t text while driving”).

Utilitarian Approach: Focuses on actions that promote the most good or minimize harm.
Rights Approach: Emphasizes protecting and respecting moral rights of those involved.
Fairness or Justice Approach: Advocates for equal treatment for all individuals.
Common Good Approach: Values contributions to community life as a fundamental ethical standard.
Virtue Approach: Aligns ethical actions with ideal virtues that support human development.