Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a key case discussed in the context of understanding morality?
Which of the following is NOT a key case discussed in the context of understanding morality?
- Baby Theresa
- The Trolley Problem (correct)
- Jodie and Mary
- Tracy Latimer
Cultural Relativism argues that there are universal moral truths that apply to all cultures.
Cultural Relativism argues that there are universal moral truths that apply to all cultures.
False (B)
What is the main criticism of Simple Subjectivism in the context of ethical theory?
What is the main criticism of Simple Subjectivism in the context of ethical theory?
Simple Subjectivism fails to explain moral disagreements and errors.
The ______ theory argues that morality is based on the commands of God.
The ______ theory argues that morality is based on the commands of God.
Match the ethical theories with their core principles:
Match the ethical theories with their core principles:
Which of the following is NOT a critique of Ethical Egoism?
Which of the following is NOT a critique of Ethical Egoism?
Psychological Egoism claims that people always act in their self-interest.
Psychological Egoism claims that people always act in their self-interest.
What is a main advantage of the Social Contract Theory?
What is a main advantage of the Social Contract Theory?
Utilitarianism advocates actions that maximize ______ for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism advocates actions that maximize ______ for the greatest number of people.
According to Utilitarianism, euthanasia is always morally wrong.
According to Utilitarianism, euthanasia is always morally wrong.
According to the content, advocating for marijuana use is justified if it increases happiness without substantial harm.
According to the content, advocating for marijuana use is justified if it increases happiness without substantial harm.
Which of the following critiques is NOT levied against the advocacy of marijuana use based on the provided text?
Which of the following critiques is NOT levied against the advocacy of marijuana use based on the provided text?
The principle of ______ suggests treating others not just as means to an end, but as ends in themselves, respecting their rationality and autonomy.
The principle of ______ suggests treating others not just as means to an end, but as ends in themselves, respecting their rationality and autonomy.
In the context of punishment, what does Retributivism argue?
In the context of punishment, what does Retributivism argue?
Match the ethical viewpoints with their respective arguments regarding punishment.
Match the ethical viewpoints with their respective arguments regarding punishment.
Why can conflicts arise between absolute moral rules?
Why can conflicts arise between absolute moral rules?
The Categorical Imperative dictates that actions should only be considered morally permissible if they can potentially lead to positive consequences for everyone involved.
The Categorical Imperative dictates that actions should only be considered morally permissible if they can potentially lead to positive consequences for everyone involved.
Give one example of a real-life dilemma that challenges the idea of lying being always wrong, as per Kant's Categorical Imperative.
Give one example of a real-life dilemma that challenges the idea of lying being always wrong, as per Kant's Categorical Imperative.
The advocacy for marijuana use, despite being based on increasing happiness, is criticized for neglecting ______, ______, and ______.
The advocacy for marijuana use, despite being based on increasing happiness, is criticized for neglecting ______, ______, and ______.
According to the provided content, which of these is a key factor in the argument for animal welfare?
According to the provided content, which of these is a key factor in the argument for animal welfare?
Flashcards
Definition of Morality
Definition of Morality
Morality is about how we ought to live, guided by reason and impartiality.
Baby Theresa Case
Baby Theresa Case
Ethical arguments concerning organ donation from anencephalic infants raising issues of means vs. ends.
Cultural Relativism
Cultural Relativism
Morality is culturally dependent; universal moral truths do not exist.
Critique of Cultural Relativism
Critique of Cultural Relativism
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Ethical Subjectivism
Ethical Subjectivism
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Divine Command Theory
Divine Command Theory
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Natural Law Theory
Natural Law Theory
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Psychological Egoism
Psychological Egoism
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theory
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Marijuana Use
Marijuana Use
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Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare
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Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Kant’s Categorical Imperative
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Lying and Moral Dilemmas
Lying and Moral Dilemmas
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Conflicts Between Rules
Conflicts Between Rules
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Kant’s Respect for Persons
Kant’s Respect for Persons
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Treating Others as Ends
Treating Others as Ends
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Retributivism
Retributivism
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Deterrence and Rehabilitation
Deterrence and Rehabilitation
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Study Notes
Morality
- Morality is defined as how we should live, guided by reason and impartiality.
- Key ethical dilemmas include Baby Theresa (organ donation), Jodie and Mary (conjoined twins), and Tracy Latimer (mercy killing). These cases highlight complex issues like benefits v. using people as means, sanctity of life, and discrimination.
Cultural Relativism
- Cultural relativism suggests morality is culturally dependent, with no universal moral truths.
- This view is criticized for its flawed "cultural differences argument" – simply disagreeing does not prove no objective truth.
- Cultural relativism can hinder moral progress and may justify harmful practices.
- Crucially, cultural relativism cautions against assuming cultural superiority and fosters open-mindedness.
Ethical Subjectivism
- Simple subjectivism argues moral statements reflect personal approval or disapproval but fail to explain disagreements or errors.
- Emotivism views moral language as expressing emotions, influencing behavior, but lacking a strong role for reason.
- Ethical judgments require reason, beyond simply feeling.
Morality and Religion
- Divine Command Theory (DCT) bases morality on God's commands, but faces challenges regarding arbitrariness and lacking independent reasoning.
- Natural Law Theory argues morality stems from the rational order of nature, accessible through reason.
- Religious texts can be unclear on contemporary ethical concerns.
Ethical Egoism
- Psychological egoism suggests humans always act in self-interest, which is refuted by altruistic acts.
- Ethical egoism promotes acting in self-interest but is criticized for potential wickedness, inconsistencies, and arbitrariness.
Social Contract Theory
- Social contract theory posits morality arises from agreements fostering peace and cooperation.
- Advantages include explaining moral rules as rational agreements for mutual benefit, and justifying punishment.
- Critique centers on overlooking obligations to those outside the agreed-upon contract (animals, future generations).
Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism posits actions are right if they maximize overall happiness.
- Applications extend to euthanasia (justified if reducing suffering), marijuana use (advocated if increasing happiness), and animal welfare (challenging speciesism).
- Criticisms include neglecting justice, rights, past reasons (like promises), and being overly demanding, potentially harmful to personal relationships.
Absolute Moral Rules
- Kant’s categorical imperative suggests acting on principles universalizable without contradiction. A key example is that lying is always wrong, though challenging real-world dilemmas.
- Conflicting rules demonstrate potential limitations of absolute moral rules.
Kant's Respect for Persons
- Kant emphasizes intrinsic worth in humans due to rationality and autonomy.
- Treating others as ends, not merely means (respecting rights and choices) is fundamental.
Punishment (Retributivism vs. Utilitarianism)
- Retributivism (Kant) argues punishment is deserved payback for wrongdoing.
- Utilitarianism (Bentham) argues punishment's justification is in promoting societal happiness (deterrence, rehabilitation).
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