Philo 23: Introduction to Aquinas

Fundamental moral principles inherent in human nature, applicable universally.

Fundamental, self-evident moral rules derived from natural law.

Rules deduced from natural law, applicable in specific circumstances.

Rules created by governments or societal groups to apply natural law's principles.

Moral laws revealed through divine revelation.

The study of purpose or aim.

A moral rule addressing situations with both good and bad effects.

The internal intent behind an action influencing its moral worthiness.

A moral theory that argues morality is based on human nature and God's design.

A philosophical challenge to the idea that morality comes from God's commands.

The view that something is morally good because God commands it.

A moral philosophy that says actions are right if they produce happiness for the greatest number of people.

The belief that pleasure is the ultimate goal in life.

A form of utilitarianism that focuses on quantifying happiness using the hedonic calculus.

A method for calculating the overall pleasure or pain of an action.

A form of utilitarianism that distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, emphasizing quality of happiness.

A moral theory that views pleasure as the only intrinsic good and pain as the only intrinsic evil. Actions are judged based on their ability to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Actions are morally right if they tend to promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong if they tend to produce the opposite.

A type of Utilitarianism where morality is judged solely on the consequences of actions, rather than the intentions or rules.

A type of Utilitarianism that focuses on the end goals or outcomes of actions in terms of pleasure or pain.

Morality is not absolute and depends on the specific circumstances of the situation.

The goal is to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Everyone's happiness is considered equally in moral decisions.

Mill's version of utilitarianism that distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, arguing that intellectual and emotional pleasures are more valuable than physical pleasures.

Intellectual and emotional pleasures, considered more valuable than physical pleasures by Mill.

Physical pleasures, considered less valuable than higher pleasures by Mill.

Someone who has experienced both higher and lower pleasures and can distinguish between them.

A type of utilitarianism that focuses on the direct consequences of individual actions, seeking to maximize happiness in each situation.

A type of utilitarianism that focuses on following rules that generally promote the greatest happiness.

The idea that individuals can only be restricted from harming others. This is part of Mill's rule utilitarianism.

The most important virtuous character trait. Learned from others' wisdom and virtue.

Freely chosen actions, not influenced by force or ignorance.

Actions influenced by force or ignorance.

Moral actions must align with universal moral laws.

The only element unconditionally good in Kantian ethics.

Actions have moral worth only when done out of duty (not desire).

Flourishing or living well, a goal of ethical living; virtuous living is needed, but not enough to guarantee it.

Focuses on character traits and virtuous living; includes concepts of good actions, and living well.

Actions are driven by personal desires and goals.

Act only on maxims that can become universal laws.

Treat humanity always as an end, never merely as a means.

A hypothetical situation of equality where principles of justice are chosen without knowledge of personal status or fortune.

Lack of knowledge about personal characteristics in the original position.

Equal basic liberties for all (political, speech, thought, property, rule of law).

Social and economic inequalities are just if they benefit everyone, especially the least advantaged.