Philosophy of Ethics Overview
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Questions and Answers

According to Kant, an action has true moral worth if it is merely done in accordance with duty.

False (B)

Divine command theory is considered a complete moral theory because it details the underlying reasons why specific actions are deemed right.

False (B)

According to ___________, the morally correct action is the one that produces the most pleasure and minimizes pain for all those impacted by the decision.

utilitarianism

State the formal criterion of rightness for individual relativism.

<p>Act X is right for person S iff act X conforms to the standards of behavior which S accepts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement concerning hedonistic utilitarianism is incorrect?

<p>Hedonistic utilitarianism is a deontological theory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individual relativism claims that if one person believes an action is right, then that action is right for everyone.

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

In the context of philosophical studies, "ethics" is defined as ____________________________________________.

<p>the philosophical study of morality</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following moral theories with their key characteristic:

<p>Kantianism = Actions are judged by their adherence to duties and rules Divine Command Theory = Morality depends on the will of God Individual Relativism = Morality is relative to the individual Utilitarianism = Actions that maximize happiness and well-being are moral</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, which of the following is a perfect duty?

<p>Keeping one's promises (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kant believes the duty to help people in need is a perfect duty.

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

According to Kant, what is the formulation of treating someone with the 'Respect for Persons'?

<p>Always treat persons as ends in themselves and never as a means merely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, suicide is not even in principle possible for everyone always to commit, because once everyone has done so there won't be any more ______ around to keep doing so.

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

What is the philosophical view that suggest there are no correct moral standards, i.e. that there is no right and wrong?

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

Moral skeptics deny that there is a right and wrong.

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

Match the duty with its category according to Kant:

<p>Duty to keep promises = Perfect duty Duty to help people in dire need = Imperfect duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, a _______________ is a person who does her duty because it is her duty and for no other reason.

<p>good will</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does infallible guide theory NOT provide?

<p>An explanation of what makes right actions right. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethical relativism is a descriptive theory that describes what moral standards are accepted by different social groups.

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

Moral skepticism is the view that...

<p>no moral standards can be justified and hence no moral standards can be known to be true</p> Signup and view all the answers

______________ is the uncritical acceptance of the moral beliefs one has been taught.

<p>Moral dogmatism</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to hedonistic utilitarianism, an action is right for S provided that it maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain for S better than any other alternative.

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

Ethical relativism is a normative theory which maintains that different moral standards are correct for different social groups.

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

Which of the following claims about Kant's ethics is NOT true?

<p>Kant maintains that the only thing good without qualification is happiness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to hedonistic utilitarianism, breaking a promise is morally right whenever doing so would maximize utility for all affected in the long run.

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

According to Kant, the duty to develop one's talents is an imperfect duty.

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

Ethical objectivism is the view that each person's moral views are objectively correct for that person.

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

According to the hedonistic utilitarian, the only thing intrinsically bad is __________.

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

According to infallible guide theory, what makes an action right is the fact that God commands it.

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

According to divine command theory, certain acts are right because God commands them.

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

According to the ____________________ approach to ethics, the right action is the action with the best consequences out of all the available actions.

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

According to Kant, which of the following duties is an imperfect duty?

<p>The duty to help people in dire need. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

True moral worth

An action has true moral worth if done from duty and not just according to duty.

Divine command theory

It provides a list of right actions but doesn't explain why those actions are right.

Hedonistic utilitarianism

The action that maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain for all affected is considered right.

Individual relativism

The belief that if an action is right for an individual, it is right for that individual for everyone.

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Formal criterion of rightness

An action X is right for person S iff X conforms to S's behavior standards.

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Consequentialist theory

Hedonistic utilitarianism is a theory that evaluates actions based solely on their outcomes.

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Ethics definition

The philosophical study of morality and concepts of right and wrong.

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Non-moral theory

A theory that does not provide an ethical framework or explanation for actions.

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Perfect duties

Duties that must always be performed, like keeping promises and not committing suicide.

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Imperfect duties

Duties that allow for personal discretion, like helping others in need.

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Good will

The intention to do one's duty purely because it is one's duty.

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Ethical nihilism

The belief that there are no correct moral standards or right and wrong.

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Respect for Persons formulation

The principle to always treat persons as ends in themselves and never merely as means.

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Kant's categorical imperative

A principle that mandates actions should apply universally and treat people as valuable.

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Institution of promise-keeping

The societal framework that relies on individuals keeping their promises.

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Duty to help

An imperfect duty to assist those in dire need, when possible.

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Infallible guide theory

A theory that lists right actions without explaining their morality.

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Ethical relativism

A normative theory stating different social groups have correct and distinct moral standards.

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Moral skepticism

The belief that no moral standards can be justified or known to be true.

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Moral dogmatism

Uncritical acceptance of moral beliefs taught by society or culture.

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Deontological ethics

An ethical framework where actions are judged based on rules and duties rather than consequences.

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Kant's moral worth

An action has moral worth if done out of duty, not from inclination.

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Ethical objectivism

The belief that there are objective moral facts, not subjective feelings.

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Consequentialism

The ethical approach where the right action is one with the best overall consequences.

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Pain and suffering

According to hedonistic utilitarianism, these are the only intrinsically bad things.

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Breaking promises (utilitarianism view)

Morally permissible if it maximizes utility for all in the long run.

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Kant's view on happiness

Kant denies happiness is good without qualification; it's good only when deserved.

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Consequentialist approach

The perspective in ethics focusing on the action with the best consequences.

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Study Notes

Kant's Ethics

  • Moral Worth: An action has true moral worth only if it's done from duty (respect for duty), not merely in accordance with duty.

Divine Command Theory

  • Not a Moral Theory: Divine command theory is not a moral theory because it lacks an explanation for why actions are right; it simply lists right actions.

Utilitarianism

  • Hedonistic Utilitarianism: Holds that the right action maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain for everyone affected.

Individual Relativism

  • Formal Criterion: Act X is right for person S if it conforms to the standards person S accepts.

Hedonistic Utilitarianism - Key Characteristics

  • Consequentialist: Focuses on the consequences of actions.
  • Secular: Not reliant on religious beliefs.
  • Monistic Theory of the Good: Good is defined solely by pleasure/happiness.
  • Act Utilitarianism: Evaluates actions on a case-by-case basis, focusing on maximizing utility.

Ethical Relativism

  • Individual Relativism: If an individual believes an action is right, it's right for them.

Ethical Concepts Defined

  • Ethics: The philosophical study of morality.
  • Moral Dogmatism: Uncritical acceptance of learned moral beliefs.

Kant's Ethics - Imperfect Duties

  • Developing Talents: An imperfect duty, allowing for varied fulfillment and continuous development.

Moral Skepticism

  • Ethical Nihilism: The view that no moral standards are correct; there is no right or wrong.

Ethical Objectivism

  • Objective Truth: Ethical objectivism posits that objective moral facts exist, and therefore differing views are not equally justifiable.

Hedonistic Utilitarianism - Intrinsic Badness

  • Pain and Suffering: The only things intrinsically bad, with all other negative consequences stemming from these.

Infallible Guide Theory

  • God's Commands: An action is right because God commands it, based on an independent moral standard.

Divine Command Theory - Summary

  • God's Commands Determine Right/Wrong: Actions are right because God commands them, according to divine command theory.

Consequentialism

  • Best Consequences: The right action is the one that produces the best results.

Kant's Duties - Perfect vs. Imperfect

  • Perfect Duties: Duties that are always binding (e.g. keeping promises), meaning exceptions are not possible.

  • Imperfect Duties: Duties that are not always binding, and may be fulfilled in various ways, (e.g., helping others).

Kant's Categorical Imperative - Respect for Persons

  • Treat as Ends, Not Means: Always treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as a means to an end.

Kant's Ethics - Good Will

  • Good Will: A person acting out of duty alone. This is the only thing good without qualification.

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Description

Explore key concepts in ethical philosophy, including Kant's ethics, divine command theory, utilitarianism, and individual relativism. This quiz covers the fundamental principles and characteristics of each theory to enhance your understanding of moral philosophy.

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