ETHICS AND RELIGION 1E

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Questions and Answers

What is the central claim of act-utilitarianism?

We must apply a utilitarian calculation to each individual action. (correct)

Ethics is about actions, not agents or consequences.

The right action is the one that gives adequate weight to each competing duty.

Living an ethical life consists in the possession of the right character traits.

Who is the ancient Greek philosopher associated with the development of virtue ethics?

Plato

Aristotle (correct)

Epicurus

Socrates

What is the primary focus of virtue ethics?

The character traits of agents (correct)

The consequences of actions

The moral rules that guide actions

The moral laws that govern actions

What is the goal of moral theories, according to the text?

To provide criteria for judging actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of utilitarianism, according to the text?

The maximization of the good Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between living an ethical life and possessing virtues, according to virtue ethics?

Living an ethical life consists in the possession of the right character traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is religion often involved with?

Organized institutions and holly places Signup and view all the answers

What does ethics deal with?

The study of moral principles and laws Signup and view all the answers

Why is the distinction between religion and ethics important?

Because it helps us understand the world around us Signup and view all the answers

What drives a person to commit a heinous act according to their religious beliefs?

Their devotion to a higher power Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the moral codes of different religions?

They are unique to each religion and may not align Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ethical principles?

They can be more universal and apply across cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of morality in religious contexts?

The teachings and commands of a higher power Signup and view all the answers

What do certain ethical theories, such as utilitarianism and Kantian ethics, attempt to provide?

Universal guidelines for moral decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of believers in following moral guidelines?

To attain spiritual growth or salvation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of ethics in secular ethics?

Human reason, empathy, and societal values Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between religion and ethics?

Religion is based on faith, while ethics is based on reason and logic Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ethics?

It is based on the principle that people can use their reason to find the best path for their lives Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between religious and ethical systems?

Religion presupposes a divine command, while ethics doesn't Signup and view all the answers

Can ethics exist without religion?

Yes, ethics can exist without religion Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an ethical issue in religion?

Discrimination against minorities Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of religious systems?

It often involves rituals and commandments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the negative consequences of prioritizing religion over ethics?

Leading to discrimination against minorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between religion and ethics?

Religion is based on faith, while ethics is based on reason Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of consequentialist theories?

The consequences of an action Signup and view all the answers

What is the main claim of deontological theories?

That certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between religion and ethics?

They are distinct but interconnected concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Greek word from which deontological theories are derived?

Deon Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of consequentialism?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

Can one be ethical without adhering to a specific religion?

Yes, ethics and religion are distinct concepts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moral Theories

Utilitarianism can be divided into different types, including act-utilitarianism, which claims that we must apply a utilitarian calculation to each individual action to determine its moral rightness or wrongness.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics takes its roots from the work of ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
Virtue theories claim that ethics is about agents, not actions or consequences.
Living an ethical life consists of possessing the right character traits (virtues) and having a good moral character.

Religion and Ethics

Religion refers to a system of beliefs, practices, rituals, and moral values centered on the worship of a supernatural entity.
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral beings and humanity.
The distinction between religion and ethics can help us understand the world around us.

Key Differences

Religion is often based on faith, while ethics is based on reason and logic.
Religion often involves rituals and commandments that may be blindly followed without questioning their validity or reason.
Ethics is always open to question and discussion.

Can You Have Ethics Without Religion?

Yes, ethics can exist without religion.
One can be ethical without adhering to a specific religion.

Ethical Issues in Religion

One of the biggest ethical issues in religion is how people treat each other in the name of religion.
Discrimination against minorities is a significant ethical issue, where some religions teach that certain groups of people are inferior or sinful and should be treated differently.

Consequentialism

Consequentialist theories hold that only the consequences, or outcomes, of actions matter morally.
Acts are deemed to be morally right solely on the basis of their consequences.

Deontology

Deontological theories base morality on certain duties or obligations.
Certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of the consequences that may follow from those actions.

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ETHICS AND RELIGION 1E - TEST 1