Philosophy Schools: Idealism vs Realism

The belief that reality is mentally constructed and dependent on the mind, not a tangible external world.

Reality is only as perceived; the world is a product of individual consciousness.

Reality exists in a divine mind, a manifestation of divine consciousness.

Reality is composed of ideas, not matter; ideas like numbers and laws are fundamental.

Knowledge originates from the mind's processing of information; the physical world's existence is less important.

The belief that reality exists independently of human perception and thoughts; there's an external world.

Philosopher who believed in a 'perfect realm' of ideas, with the physical world as a reflection.

Developed Transcendental Idealism, emphasizing the mind's role in organizing knowledge.

Developing a good character through practical wisdom to live a good life.

A well-lived life, achieved through hard work and personal growth, not just pleasure.

The ability to apply moral virtues appropriately in different situations.

An inherent order in creation guiding humanity to God.

Balance and harmony between reason and desires.

Failing to control desires despite knowing what's right.

Key figure in Catholic theology who wrote about Natural Law.

Managing desires and impulses, guided by reason.

A moral theory that claims God's eternal law guides the universe and provides principles for right and wrong, which are universally binding and knowable through reason.

Fundamental moral principles rooted in human nature, such as pursuing good and avoiding evil, and promoting inherent goods like life, knowledge, and community.

The apparent purpose or end-goal of something. In Aquinas’s view, everything has a God-given purpose.

God's active role in guiding creation according to a larger plan—including Natural Law.

Moral principles applying to all humans due to our shared nature.

The ability to use reason to determine what is right and wrong according to natural law.

The theory that morality is embedded in the structure of nature itself.

The theory that morality comes from human logical deductions about how best to live.

For Kant, 'good will' is the only thing inherently good, meaning it acts from duty. It aligns with moral law without being influenced by personal desires or outcomes.

Kant's central ethical concept, suggesting that morality consists of universal, absolute duties that apply to everyone.

Moral actions must be universalizable, meaning that an action should be permissible for everyone in similar situations without leading to contradictions.

Kant's ethics prohibits making exceptions for oneself. If you lie to benefit personally, it implies lying is universally acceptable, which would lead to social disorder.

Elvira lies to protect Tony, but the lie leads to his death. Kant says she's still responsible because her lie violated a universal moral law.

Even if lying seems to have good intentions, it still breaks the universal moral law, making it wrong according to Kant.

Kant's ethics focused on rational principles that could serve as universal laws for moral conduct.

A significant Enlightenment philosopher who believed that morality was based on rational principles that can be universally applied.

A universal moral principle stating you should act in a way that you'd want everyone else to act.

Treat humanity, in yourself and others, always as an end, never as a mere means.

Using someone as a means (e.g., hiring for a job) is okay, but not solely for your gain, ignoring their interests.

Example of unethical behavior: Lying about the reason for a loan, denying the lender an informed choice.

Respecting individuals' ability to make their own decisions, as rational beings.

Kant's ideas of autonomy & equality laid the groundwork for human rights principles.

Conditional command based on desires, like 'If you want to be healthy, exercise'.

The Categorical Imperative acts as a guide to evaluate actions against universal moral law.

We must treat all people as ends in themselves, respecting their autonomy and inherent worth.

Rational beings can make moral laws for themselves, acting as legislators within the 'kingdom of ends,' where everyone is treated as a rational being.

Morality stems from rational duty, not selfish desires or personal gain.

Moral actions are those that maximize happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number of people; consequences determine rightness.

A shift from religious (theocentric) to human-centered (anthropocentric) moral philosophy, prioritizing happiness and well-being for the greatest number.

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are the main thinkers of utilitarianism, developing the principle of utility and emphasizing happiness maximization.