Moral Theories and Justice

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Questions and Answers

Moral theories provide frameworks for understanding what is right and ______.

wrong

Consequentialism focuses on the ______ of actions.

outcomes

Utilitarianism is a type of ______, where the right action brings the most happiness to the most people.

consequentialism

Act consequentialism considers each individual ______ and its consequences.

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

Rule consequentialism examines whether following specific ______ leads to the best outcomes.

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

Deontology emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of ______, regardless of outcomes.

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

Deontologists believe we have moral ______ like telling the truth.

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

The categorical imperative, a concept by Immanuel Kant, suggests that we should act in ways that we believe everyone should ______.

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

The most influential ______ is Immanuel Kant.

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

Kant believed in the importance of ______ and moral law.

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

Virtue ethics focuses on the ______ of the moral agent.

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

Virtue ethics argues that ethical behavior comes from being a good ______.

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

Aristotle proposed the concept of the "______ mean."

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

Each ______ provides a unique perspective on morality, focusing on different aspects of ethical decision-making.

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

Aristotle emphasized the importance of developing good character traits to achieve ______.

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

By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, you can become more proficient in understanding what it means to act ______.

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

Consequentialism focuses on ______ and consequences.

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

Deontology focuses on ______ and rules.

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

Justice is a fundamental concept in ______ and moral philosophy.

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

It refers to the principle of fairness and the notion that individuals should be treated equally and with ______.

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

Throughout history, various philosophers and thinkers have debated the meaning of justice, its significance, and how it applies to social ______.

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

Justice is essential to maintain social order and ensure that individuals have their rights recognized and ______.

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

It promotes ______, discourages wrongdoing, and promotes trust among members of society.

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

______ Justice – It deals with punishment for wrongdoing.

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

Social justice emphasizes the need for ______ and fair treatment for all individuals.

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

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every ______ in the world.

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

Understanding human rights is essential for everyone, as they form the foundation for a ______ and peaceful society.

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

The right to ______ and security includes freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention.

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

Access to ______ is a basic right for all individuals.

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

The right to gain employment and receive fair ______ for one's labor is a fundamental human right.

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

The right to gather peacefully and form ______ is essential for a democratic society.

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

The right to a public hearing, a fair and impartial ______, and legal representation is a cornerstone of a just legal system.

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

Flashcards

Moral Theories

Frameworks that guide decisions about right and wrong.

Consequentialism

The morality of actions depends on their consequences.

Utilitarianism

A type of consequentialism maximizing happiness for most people.

Act Consequentialism

Judges each action based on its happiness outcome.

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Rule Consequentialism

Evaluates rules based on their overall benefits.

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Deontology

Belief that actions are right or wrong regardless of consequences.

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Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle to act as one thinks everyone should.

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Duty-Based Ethics

Moral duties should be followed no matter the results.

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Immanuel Kant

Influential deontologist who stressed reason and moral law.

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Virtue Ethics

Ethical theory that emphasizes good character traits over rules.

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Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept suggesting virtue is the mean between extremes.

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Aristotle

Father of virtue ethics, emphasized character for eudaimonia.

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Key Question of Deontology

What are my moral duties?

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Example of Virtue Ethics

Acting bravely in a challenging situation exemplifies courage.

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Ethical Theories

Frameworks that guide moral decision-making, each with unique perspectives.

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Justice

The principle of fairness, promoting equal treatment and respect for individuals.

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Importance of Justice

Essential for social order, accountability, and protection of individual rights.

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Distributive Justice

Focuses on the fair allocation of resources and benefits within society.

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Retributive Justice

Involves punishment for wrongdoing, ensuring consequences fit the crime.

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Restorative Justice

Focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships after a crime occurs.

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Social Order

The structured and organized way a society functions, reliant on justice.

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Accountability

The obligation to explain, justify, and take responsibility for actions within society.

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Well-being

The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy, vital for individuals.

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Dignity

The state of being worthy of honor or respect, essential for individuals.

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Social Justice

The pursuit of equality and fair treatment for all, especially marginalized groups.

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Human Rights

Basic rights and freedoms entitled to every person from birth to death, ensuring dignity and equality.

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Right to Life

The inherent right to live and not be deprived of life arbitrarily.

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Right to Liberty and Security

The right to personal freedom and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention.

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Right to Equality Before the Law

The principle that all individuals should be treated equally and protected under the law.

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Freedom of Expression

The right to voice opinions freely without fear of retaliation.

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Right to Education

The fundamental right for all individuals to access education.

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Right to a Fair Trial

The right to a public hearing, impartial trial, and legal representation when accused.

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Study Notes

Moral Theories and Justice

  • Moral theories provide frameworks for understanding right and wrong, guiding ethical decision-making.
  • Three major theories are consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

Consequentialism

  • Consequentialism evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences.
  • A right action leads to good results.
  • Utilitarianism is a type of consequentialism. It argues the best action maximizes happiness for the most people.

Act Consequentialism

  • Evaluates each individual action based on its happiness outcome.
  • Example: Lying is acceptable if it benefits more people.

Rule Consequentialism

  • Evaluates actions based on rules leading to the best outcomes across many instances.
  • Example: "Don't lie" is a good rule if it fosters trust and happiness in society.

Key Thinkers (Consequentialism)

  • Jeremy Bentham: Founder of utilitarianism; actions are right when they promote happiness, wrong when causing pain.
  • John Stuart Mill: Follower of Bentham; some pleasures (intellectual) are more valuable than others (physical).

Deontology

  • Deontology asserts that actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.
  • Focuses on duties and rules that must be followed.
  • Key aspect is duty-based ethics.

Key Feature (Deontology)

  • Categorical imperative (Immanuel Kant): Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. Only do what you would want everyone else to do.
  • Example: Lying is always wrong; even if lying could prevent harm.

Virtue Ethics

  • Focuses on the character of the moral agent, emphasizing virtues (good character traits).
  • Ethical behavior arises from developing good character traits, enabling individuals to live ethically.
  • Aristotle: proposed virtue lies between two extremes; excess and deficiency (golden mean).
    • Courage is the mean between recklessness and cowardice.

Comparing the Theories

Feature Consequentialism Deontology Virtue Ethics
Focus Outcomes/Consequences Duties/Rules Character/Virtues
Key Question What will result in the greatest happiness? What are my moral duties? What kind of person should I be?
Main Proponents Bentham, Mill Kant Aristotle
Example of Action Lying to produce a better outcome Lying is inherently wrong Acting bravely in a challenging situation

The Concept of Justice and Human Rights

  • Justice: Fairness and treating individuals with respect, important for social order.
  • Key components: distributive, retributive, restorative, and social justice.

Distributive Justice

  • Fair distribution of resources and benefits.

Retributive Justice

  • Punishment for wrongdoing.

Restorative Justice

  • Repairing harm caused by criminal actions, with input from victims and the community.

Social Justice

  • Equality and fair treatment for all individuals, particularly marginalized groups.

Human Rights

  • Basic rights and freedoms belonging to every person.
  • Foundational for a just and peaceful society.
  • Examples include: right to life, liberty, security, equality, expression, privacy, education, fair wages, participation in government, and fair trial.

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