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Questions and Answers
What does virtue ethics emphasize?
What does virtue ethics emphasize?
What is the main focus of contractualism?
What is the main focus of contractualism?
How does the Mere Addition Paradox challenge ethical theories?
How does the Mere Addition Paradox challenge ethical theories?
What criticism is often directed towards ethical theories regarding real-world moral dilemmas?
What criticism is often directed towards ethical theories regarding real-world moral dilemmas?
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What purpose do ethical theories serve despite their challenges?
What purpose do ethical theories serve despite their challenges?
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Which ethical theory focuses on the morality of an action based on its consequential outcome?
Which ethical theory focuses on the morality of an action based on its consequential outcome?
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What is the main criticism of utilitarianism?
What is the main criticism of utilitarianism?
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Which ethical theory emphasizes that the morality of an action is determined by its inherent nature or moral duties?
Which ethical theory emphasizes that the morality of an action is determined by its inherent nature or moral duties?
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Which philosopher is associated with the concept of categorical imperative in ethics?
Which philosopher is associated with the concept of categorical imperative in ethics?
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What distinguishes Kantian deontology from consequentialist ethics?
What distinguishes Kantian deontology from consequentialist ethics?
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What is another name for teleological ethics that focuses on the consequences of actions?
What is another name for teleological ethics that focuses on the consequences of actions?
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Study Notes
Ethical theories are philosophical frameworks that guide our understanding of what is morally right and wrong. There are several influential ethical theories, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Two of the most prominent ethical theories are teleological and deontological ethics.
Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialism, argues that the morality of an action is determined by its consequential outcome. The ethical theory that follows this philosophy is utilitarianism, which suggests that the morality of an action is determined by its overall utility or the overall happiness it produces. Utilitarianism is criticized for its focus on the greater good and its tendency to ignore individual rights and duties.
Deontological ethics, on the other hand, holds that the morality of an action is determined by its inherent nature or the moral duties it entails, rather than its consequences. One of the most well-known systems of deontological ethics is Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative, which states that one should act according to rules that could be universally applied. Kantian deontology is often contrasted with consequentialist ethics because it places more emphasis on individual moral duties and rights.
There are also other ethical theories that are less prominent but still significant, such as virtue ethics, which emphasizes the development of moral character and personal virtues, and contractualism, which focuses on the moral principles that would be agreed upon in an ideal social contract.
Ethical theories are not without their challenges and criticisms. For example, the Mere Addition Paradox raises questions about the morality of bringing new people into existence, as it may result in their suffering. Furthermore, ethical theories can be criticized for their abstractness and generalization, which may not fully capture the complexities of real-world moral dilemmas.
Despite these challenges, ethical theories provide a framework for thinking about and discussing moral issues. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different ethical theories, we can make more informed decisions and consider a variety of ethical perspectives when faced with moral dilemmas.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the two main ethical theories: teleological ethics (consequentialism) and deontological ethics. Explore the concepts of utilitarianism and Kantian deontology, along with other significant ethical theories like virtue ethics and contractualism. Understand the strengths, weaknesses, and criticisms of these ethical frameworks.
