Moral Philosophy and Ethical Theories
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Questions and Answers

Which moral framework focuses on the relationship between duty and morality?

  • Virtue Ethics
  • Consequentialism
  • Justice and Fairness
  • Deontology (correct)

Consequentialism places emphasis on the consequences of actions rather than the actions themselves.

True (A)

What is the significance of the term 'Deon' in moral philosophy?

Duty

An act is considered right in Divine Command Theory if it aligns with _______ will.

<p>God's</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical theories to their descriptions:

<p>Deontology = Emphasizes duty and moral rules Consequentialism = Focuses on the outcomes of actions Virtue Ethics = Centers on character and virtues Justice and Fairness = Promises impartiality and equality in moral considerations</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you choose to pull the lever in the trolley scenario?

<p>One person is killed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Virtue Ethics evaluates the moral worth of actions based solely on their consequences.

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

Identify one ethical theory mentioned that is based on religious beliefs.

<p>Divine Command Theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which version of Divine Command Theory states that morality originates with God?

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

In the Weak version of Divine Command Theory, actions are considered right solely because they are commanded by God.

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

What is the fundamental precept of Natural Law according to Thomas Aquinas?

<p>Good is to be done, and evil avoided.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Principle of Forfeiture, a person who threatens the life of an innocent person forfeits his or her own right to ___ .

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

What is one criticism of the Divine Command Theory?

<p>How can we come to know God's will? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Natural Law is derived from societal rules rather than from nature.

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

In Divine Command Theory, moral rightness is synonymous with ___ by God.

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

Match the following elements with their corresponding descriptions:

<p>Strong version = Morality dictated by God's will Weak version = Actions are right for independent reasons Natural Law = Justice derived from nature Principle of Forfeiture = Loss of rights due to threatening life</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition states that the act must be good or at least morally permissible?

<p>Nature-of-the-Act Condition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Principle of Double Effect allows for the intentional bad act if it results in a good consequence.

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

What must the good effect be in relation to the bad effect according to the Proportionality Condition?

<p>At least equivalent in importance</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, a rule of conduct that is unconditional for all agents is called a _______.

<p>Categorical Imperative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conditions of the Principle of Double Effect with their descriptions.

<p>Nature-of-the-Act Condition = The act must be good or permissible Means-End Condition = The bad effect cannot be the means to the good effect Right-Intention Condition = Intention should be to achieve the good effect only Proportionality Condition = Good effect must be equivalent to bad effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required by the Right-Intention Condition in the Principle of Double Effect?

<p>The intention must be solely the good effect. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kant's Hypothetical Imperative only applies if an individual desires a certain outcome.

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

What is the first principle of Kant's Categorical Imperative?

<p>Principle of Universal Law</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as fairness in allocating benefits and burdens?

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

Justice as a virtue is related only to individual performance.

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

What Greek word represents the concept of virtue?

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

The process of restoring justice after an injustice is known as __________ justice.

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

Which of the following is NOT a type of justice mentioned?

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

Match the types of justice with their descriptions:

<p>Distributive Justice = Fairness in allocating benefits and burdens Retributive Justice = Fairness in retaliation or punishment Compensatory Justice = Fairness in compensating for losses or injuries Corrective Justice = Fairness in restoring justice after an injustice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Retributive justice focuses on compensating the victims of injustices.

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

Name one specific type of justice that aims to correct injustices.

<p>Corrective Justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Bentham’s Hedonistic Calculus?

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

The higher the intensity of pleasure, the lesser its overall value in Bentham's utilitarianism.

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

What does Bentham’s concept of 'Duration' refer to in the context of pleasure?

<p>The longer the experience of pleasure, the greater the value of the pleasure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bentham, the closer the temporal distance between an act and the pleasure produced, the greater the value of the pleasure is based on ______.

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

Match the following components of Bentham's Hedonistic Calculus with their descriptions:

<p>Intensity = The amount of pleasure gained Duration = The time span of the pleasure Fecundity = Potential for future pleasures Purity = Possibility of avoiding pain after pleasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of Bentham's Hedonistic Calculus assesses the likelihood of pleasure occurring?

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

Fecundity in Bentham's Hedonistic Calculus measures the intensity of pleasure.

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

What is the main focus of Bentham’s hedonistic utilitarianism?

<p>Maximizing overall pleasure and minimizing pain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle of Capitalist Justice?

<p>Distribution based on contribution to group goals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Egalitarian Justice states that distribution should vary depending on individual needs.

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

What type of justice focuses on maximizing the aggregate good for all involved?

<p>Utilitarian Justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ________ Justice, members receive their share in proportion to their effort in achieving group goals.

<p>Fair Opportunity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which justice theory argues that distribution should occur based on each member's needs?

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

Justice as Fair Opportunity assumes that all efforts exerted by members must be equal for fair distribution.

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

Under ________ Justice, fair distribution is aimed at achieving equality among all group members.

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

Flashcards

Ethical Framework

A perspective used to reason about the most moral course of action.

Deontology

Ethical theory focusing on duty and the morality of actions, not consequences.

Divine Command Theory

Moral duties are based on religious beliefs and God's will.

Consequentialism

Ethical theory where the morality of actions is judged by their consequences.

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Virtue Ethics

Ethical theory emphasizing the character of the individual and their virtues.

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Justice and Fairness

Ethical concepts focusing on equity and treating everyone equally.

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State and Citizens

Ethical responsibilities between the governing body and the people.

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Runaway Trolley Dilemma

A thought experiment illustrating ethical choices in a crisis.

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Divine Command Theory (Strong)

Morality is determined by God's commands. What God commands is right simply because God commands it.

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Divine Command Theory (Weak)

Actions are right/good independently of God's commands. God commands actions that are already right or good.

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Criticism - Knowing God's Will

A challenge to Divine Command Theory: How can we be sure we know what God wants?

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Criticism - Arbitrariness

A problem with Divine Command Theory: If morality is merely based on God's will, it could seem arbitrary.

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Natural Law (Thomas Aquinas)

A system of right or justice based on nature, not society's rules.

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Natural Law - Law

An ordinance of reason for the common good, declared by the rightful authority.

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Natural Law - Principle of Forfeiture

A person who threatens another's life gives up their own right to live.

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Religion's Role in Morality

Religion may not define morality, but can motivate people to be moral.

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Principle of Double Effect

It's permissible to perform an action with a good effect even if it has a bad side effect, as long as the bad effect isn't intended.

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Nature-of-the-Act Condition

The action itself must be morally good (or neutral) even if it causes some harm.

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Means-End Condition

The bad effect can't be the means to achieve the good effect.

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Right-Intention Condition

The intention must be only to achieve the good effect, with the bad effect a foreseen but unintended outcome.

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Proportionality Condition

The good effect must outweigh the bad effect.

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Categorical Imperative

An unconditional moral rule, valid for all agents, regardless of desires or outcomes.

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Principle of Universal Law

Act only according to rules that you can rationally want everyone to follow.

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Hypothetical Imperative

Conditional rule; If you want X, then do Y.

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Hedonistic Utilitarianism

A theory of utilitarianism that argues that actions are right insofar as they maximize pleasure, and wrong insofar as they produce pain.

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Calculus of Felicity

A way to measure pleasure and pain to guide ethical decision-making in utilitarianism.

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Intensity (Calculus of Felicity)

Strength of the pleasure or pain experienced.

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Duration (Calculus of Felicity)

Length of time the pleasure or pain lasts.

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Certainty (Calculus of Felicity)

Probability of achieving the pleasure or avoiding the pain.

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Propinquity (Calculus of Felicity)

Closeness in time between the action and the pleasure or pain it produces.

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Fecundity (Calculus of Felicity)

Likelihood that the pleasure will lead to further pleasures.

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Purity (Calculus of Felicity)

Chance that the pleasure will not be followed by pain.

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Egalitarian Justice

Everyone gets an equal share of resources.

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Capitalist Justice

Rewards are based on individual contributions.

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Socialist Justice

Resources are distributed based on individual needs.

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Fair Opportunity Justice

Rewards are based on effort and hard work.

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Utilitarian Justice

The best outcome for the greatest number of people.

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Political Egalitarianism

Everyone has equal political rights and power.

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Economic Egalitarianism

Everyone has equal access to resources and wealth.

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What is the main difference between Capitalist and Socialist justice?

Capitalist justice rewards based on contribution, while socialist justice prioritizes meeting individual needs.

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What is 'Arete'?

'Arete' is the Greek word for excellence, representing the highest quality or virtue of a thing, and its ability to effectively fulfill its intended purpose.

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Individual Virtue

Individual Virtue is achieved when a person or thing excels at its specific function or role, performing it exceptionally well.

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System Virtue

System Virtue exists when all components of a system function excellently and harmoniously, working together effectively.

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Distributive Justice

Distributive Justice aims to ensure fairness in the allocation or distribution of benefits (desirable things) and burdens (undesirable things) among individuals.

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Corrective Justice

Corrective Justice focuses on rectifying injustices or restoring fairness after an injustice has occurred.

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Retributive Justice

Retributive Justice, also called retaliatory justice, aims to punish wrongdoing and restore the balance of justice.

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Compensatory Justice

Compensatory Justice seeks to compensate individuals for wrongful harm or injustice.

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What are the 3 types of Justice?

The three types of Justice are Distributive, Retributive (or retaliatory) and Compensatory Justice.

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Study Notes

Mariano Marcos State University Rankings

  • Ranked 601-800 in the world by THE Impact Rankings 2023
  • Ranked 3rd among Philippine SUCs
  • QS 3-Star Rating

Unit 4: Frameworks and Principles Behind our Moral Dispositions

  • Objectives:
    • Define Moral Frameworks
    • Identify Theories of Moral Framework
    • Describe how to solve problems ethically
    • Examine approaches to Moral Framework
    • Assess the role of Moral Frameworks in Society
  • Topics:
    • Introduction to Ethical Theories
    • Deontology
    • Consequentialism
    • Virtue Ethics
    • Justice and Fairness
    • State and Citizens

Quick Question (Trolley Problem)

  • A runaway trolley is barreling down tracks. There are five people tied to the tracks. You are standing some distance away, next to a lever.
  • Pulling the lever will switch the trolley onto a different set of tracks. However, there is one person on that sidetrack.
  • What should you do?

Deontology

  • 1. Divine Command Theory

    • Religion is the basis of moral duties.

    • An act is right if it aligns with God's will.

    • Religious beliefs take precedence over secular morality.

    • Strong Version

      • There is no conflict between God's commands and genuine morality.

    • Weak Version

      • Morality isn't derived from God's commands but is independent of them, and God recognizes and validates it.

    • Criticisms

      • Difficulty in knowing God's will
      • Arbitrariness of God's commands
      • Implication for human autonomy
  • 2. Natural Law (Thomas Aquinas)
    • Law is an ordinance of reason for the common good.
    • The fundamental precept is that good is to be done, and evil is to be avoided.
    • Principle of Forfeiture
      • A person who threatens the life of an innocent person forfeits his or her own right to life.
    • Principle of Double Effect
      • It is wrong to intentionally do a bad act to bring about good consequences.
      • It may be permissible to do a good act that has foreseen bad consequences as a side effect.
      • Conditions for permissibility:
        • The nature-of-the-act condition: The act itself is good or at least morally permissible.
        • The means-end condition: The bad effect must not be the means by which one achieves the good effect.
        • The right-intention condition: The intention must be the achieving of only the good effect.
        • The proportionality condition: The good effect must be at least equivalent to the importance of the bad effect.
  • 3. Categorical Imperatives (Immanuel Kant)
    • A rule of conduct that is unconditional or absolute, regardless of desires or goals
    • 1. Principle of Universal Law: Act only according to that maxim by which you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law
    • 2. Principle of Respect for Persons: Treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.
    • 3. Principle of Autonomy: Act as if you were always through your maxim a law-making member of the kingdom of ends.

Consequentialism

  • The consequences of an action determine its morality, not the rules or character traits of the person.

  • 1. Intrinsic and Instrumental Goods:

    • Intrinsic Goods: Desired for their own sake.
    • Instrumental Goods: Desired for the sake of something else.

  • Greatest Happiness Principle: The morally best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or minimizes overall suffering for the greatest number of people.

  • Versions of Consequentialism:

    • Hedonistic Consequentialism
    • Non-hedonistic Consequentialism
    • Agent-relative Consequentialism
    • Agent-neutral Consequentialism
    • Utilitarianism
      • Consequentialism
      • Welfarism
      • Aggregationism

Virtue Ethics

  • Ergon: Function, task, work/action.
  • Arete: Excellence/virtue
  • Golden Mean: Virtue is the mean between two extremes.
  • Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

Justice and Fairness: Promoting the Common Good

  • Distributive Justice:
    • Cultivates virtue among humans, and individuals and social instructions act as agents of a distributive act.
    • Kinds of Justice:
      • Distributive: Fairness in allocating benefits and burdens.
      • Corrective: Fairness in correcting injustices or restoring justice.
      • Retributive: Punishment for violations of justice
      • Compensatory: Compensation for harms.
      • Procedural: Fairness in procedures.
  • Theories of Distributive Justice:
    • Egalitarian
    • Capitalist
    • Socialist
    • Fair Opportunity
    • Utilitarian
    • Justice as Fairness (John Rawls)
      • Principle of Equality
      • Principle of Fair Inequality

States and Citizens

  • Rights: Anything owed or due, with a moral power to be respected by others.
  • Kinds of Rights
    • Natural Rights
    • Human Rights
    • Alienable Rights
    • Inalienable Rights
    • Judicial Rights
    • Non-judicial Rights
    • Right of Jurisdiction
  • Duty: Anything we are bound to do or omit (a moral obligation).
    • Affirmative Duty
    • Negative Duty
  • Conflict of Duty:
    • Duties toward God have priority
    • Duties ensuring the public good are prioritized above individual protections
    • Duties toward family and relatives are prioritized over duties towards strangers
    • Duties of greater importance should precedence over duties of lesser importance
    • Higher law overrides lower law
  • Correlation of Rights and Duty: One who has a right to something has a duty to act consistently with that right.
  • Reciprocity of Rights and Duty: The right of one person implies a duty in another person to respect that right.
  • Ethics of Care: Relational and context-bound approach.
  • Taxation: Practice of collecting taxes.
  • Tax Evasion: Failure to declare true tax liability.
  • Legal and Moral Principles Violated by Tax Evasion: Obeying the law, fairness/transparency, integrity, responsibility, leadership.

Additional Information (From Presented Slides)

  • Case study scenarios and discussion questions.

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Unit 4: Frameworks and Principles Behind Our Moral Dispositions (MMSU)

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Test your knowledge on various moral frameworks, including Deontological ethics, Consequentialism, and Divine Command Theory. This quiz explores key concepts and principles that guide ethical decision-making, inviting you to understand the nuances of moral philosophy.

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