Moral Systems and Ethical Theories Chapter 2.1

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic describes a moral system as accessible to everyone?

  • Informality
  • Rationality
  • Publicness (correct)
  • Impartiality

Which principle is NOT associated with deriving and justifying rules within a moral system?

  • Historical precedents (correct)
  • Philosophical ethics
  • Religious tenets
  • Core values

What is the main purpose of morality according to the content?

  • To prevent harm and promote human flourishing (correct)
  • To establish a formal legal system
  • To enforce strict adherence to religious beliefs
  • To create guidelines for economic policies

What does the principle of beneficence guide a decision maker to do?

<p>Do what is right and good (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are rules of conduct in the context of a moral system primarily intended to do?

<p>Guide individual actions in a community (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of a moral system ensures that rules apply fairly to all participants?

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

What is a fundamental characteristic of a moral system according to Gert?

<p>It has no formal authoritative judges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the components of a moral system?

<p>Rules of conduct and principles of evaluation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a goal shared by ethical theories?

<p>To contribute to the well-being of humanity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is NOT part of the moral foundations mentioned in the content?

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

What does the principle of 'Last Harm' focus on when no beneficial choices are apparent?

<p>Choosing to do the least harm possible (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature of a moral system indicates that the rules are accessible to all members?

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

Under which ethical principle are individuals allowed to make decisions that pertain to their own lives?

<p>Respect for Autonomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which source of moral rules is associated with guiding actions based on beliefs?

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

Why do we engage in philosophical/ethical analysis?

<p>To support a position or claim (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a rational moral system from others?

<p>Based on principles and logic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory posits that there are no universal moral norms?

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

How are principles of evaluation utilized in a moral system?

<p>To justify rules of conduct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Subjective Relativism imply about moral disagreements between individuals?

<p>They cannot genuinely occur (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Ethical Relativism Theory?

<p>Morality is defined by societal or individual beliefs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a directive in a moral system?

<p>Do not steal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethical theories, what distinguishes Consequence-based (Utilitarian) ethics?

<p>Emphasis on outcome and overall benefit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant contrast between Subjective Relativism and Moral Objectivism?

<p>Subjective Relativism allows for varied moral approvals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of ethical theories is characterized by duties and obligations?

<p>Duty-based (Deontology) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of subjective relativism?

<p>It blurs the distinction between right and wrong actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cultural relativism asserts that an action is morally right if:

<p>It is approved by one's culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of cultural relativism?

<p>It fosters cooperation and respect among diverse cultures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the disadvantages of cultural relativism?

<p>It can lead to chaos when moral codes vary widely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does cultural relativism suggest about moral principles?

<p>Moral judgments are relative to different cultures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is cultural relativism deemed not a workable ethical theory?

<p>It relies heavily on the assumption of human perfection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of individuals defining their own moral codes under cultural relativism?

<p>Reduction in cultural diversity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of moral judgments, cultural relativism emphasizes that:

<p>Different cultures can have conflicting moral practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underpins the ethical view of Divine Command Theory?

<p>The existence of God. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Divine Command Theory, what characterizes good actions?

<p>Actions aligned with God's will. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary advantages of Divine Command Theory?

<p>It provides clear guidance through holy texts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical disadvantage of Divine Command Theory in a multicultural society?

<p>It presumes all religions have the same moral code. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might God's commands in Divine Command Theory be problematic?

<p>They require personal interpretation which can vary. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a misconception about Divine Command Theory?

<p>Divine Command Theory promotes reasoning in ethical decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Divine Command Theory, how are moral rules characterized?

<p>They are universal and apply at all times. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue does Divine Command Theory face regarding divine commands?

<p>They can be easily misconstrued by individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Morality

Rules of conduct in society designed to prevent harm and promote well-being.

Ethics

The philosophical study of morality, examining moral beliefs and actions.

Moral System

A set of rules and principles to evaluate actions, socially and individually.

Rules of Conduct

Directives for individual actions and social policies.

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Principles of Evaluation

Standards to justify rules, like justice and fairness.

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Core Values

Fundamental beliefs that distinguish good and bad actions.

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Ethical Relativism

No universal moral standards; opinions vary by person or culture.

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Subjective Relativism

Each person makes their own morality; all views are equally valid.

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Cultural Relativism

Morality is defined by cultural norms; what is right varies by culture.

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Beneficence

Doing good and addressing ethical challenges.

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Last Harm

Minimizing harm when facing difficult choices.

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Respect for Autonomy

Allowing individuals to make their own choices.

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Justice

Ensuring fairness for all involved in a situation.

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Divine Command Theory

Moral judgments based on God's commands; actions aligned with God's will are good.

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Public (Moral System)

Moral rules are known and understood by members of the society.

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Informal (Moral System)

No formal authorities decide or enforce moral rules.

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Rational (Moral System)

Moral systems based on logical principles understood by all.

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Impartial (Moral System)

Moral rules aim to be equally applied to all participants.

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Moral Foundations

Basic principles of morality, including care, fairness, and loyalty.

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Study Notes

Moral Systems and Ethical Theories

  • Morality comprises rules of conduct that guide behavior in society, aiming to prevent harm and promote human flourishing.
  • Ethics is the philosophical study of morality, examining individuals' moral beliefs and actions.
  • A moral system includes:
    • Rules of Conduct: Directives for individual actions (micro-level) and policies for society (macro-level).
    • Principles of Evaluation: Standards to justify rules, such as justice and fairness.

Basic Components of a Moral System

  • Rules of Conduct: Examples include directives like "Do not steal" and "Do not harm others."
  • Principles of Evaluation: Justification of social policies (e.g., respecting privacy).

Principles for Morality

  • Moral foundations include care for the vulnerable, fairness, loyalty to social groups, authority within hierarchies, and sanctity.

Four Features of a Moral System

  • Public: Rules are widely known among members.
  • Informal: No formal authoritative judges exist.
  • Rational: Based on logical principles accessible to all.
  • Impartial: Designed to apply equitably to all participants.

Deriving and Justifying Rules

  • Core Values: Fundamental beliefs that dictate behavior and distinguish right from wrong.
  • Rules are evaluated based on religion, law, and philosophical ethics.

Goals of Ethical Analysis

  • To critically evaluate arguments, support claims, provide logical reasoning, and encourage meaningful dialogue.

Ethical Principles

  • Beneficence: Focus on doing good and addressing ethical dilemmas.
  • Last Harm: Choose options that minimize harm when no beneficial choice exists.
  • Respect for Autonomy: Allow individuals to make their own decisions reflecting their lifestyles.
  • Justice: Ensure fair actions for all involved.

Types of Ethical Theories

  • Ethical Relativism: No universal moral norms; opinions on right and wrong vary by individual or culture.
  • Subjective Relativism: Each person defines their own moral framework, leading to opposing views being equally valid.
  • Cultural Relativism: Moral rightness is determined by societal approval, varying across cultures and times.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethical Theories

  • Cultural Relativism Advantages:

    • Promotes cooperation and respect.
    • Fosters societal equality and preserves diverse human cultures.
  • Cultural Relativism Disadvantages:

    • Can lead to personal bias in moral definitions.
    • Risks creating chaos due to the absence of universal moral standards.

Divine Command Theory

  • Based on theism, where moral judgments stem from God's commandments.
  • Actions aligned with God's will are considered good; those against it are bad.
  • Holy texts serve as guides for moral actions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Divine Command Theory

  • Advantages:

    • Obligation to obey a creator; commands set universal moral rules applicable to all.
    • Provides objective moral standards independent of societal opinions.
  • Disadvantages:

    • Assumes uniformity among diverse cultures, which is unrealistic.
    • Relies heavily on obedience rather than rational evaluation.
    • Interpretation of scriptures can lead to varied understandings of morality.

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