Ethics Study Notes - Key Concepts and Theories

PHILOSOPHY - Welfare of all was upheld. - love of wisdom - No selfishness/individuality. PHILO- love - Communities were harmonious. SOPHIA- wisdom...

PHILOSOPHY - Welfare of all was upheld. - love of wisdom - No selfishness/individuality. PHILO- love - Communities were harmonious. SOPHIA- wisdom IN WEST PHILOSOPHER- lover of wisdom - Belief: Focused on exchange of ideas alongside goods. PHILOSOPHIZING - Differences in customs - is an activity people undertaking when - Trigger questions they seek to understand fundamental IN EAST truths about themselves, the world in - Belief: Man and nature are one and which they live, and their relationships to inseparable. the world and to each other. - Self-Perfection - Search for truth - sustenance, not accumulation - Existence - highest concern. COMMON ASSUMPTIONS IN PHILOSOPHY - Philosophy is difficult UNIQUE TRAITS OF HUMAN PERSON - Philosophy is speculative and Humans are endowed with: impractical. -The capacity to reason. - speculative - often seen as focusing -The ability to search for the purpose of their only on abstract (not direct to the existence. point) theoretical ideas rather than - Humans are the only creatures who addressing real-world issues. question the meaning of life - Impractical - perceived as having little to no application in everyday life. MAN AS A PERSON OF GOODNESS AND (doesn’t need on daily life) TRAITS - Philosophy is for intellectuals. JOHN LOCKE - human person as a "thinking intelligent WHAT MAKES PHILOSOPHY DIFFICULT being with reason and reflection.“ - Philosophy is misunderstood as -Humans naturally distinguish good from focusing more on speculation. bad and are inclined toward goodness. - Students view philosophy as irrelevant - Goodness is tied to moral acceptability and due to the rise of science and the avoidance of pain. technology. IMMANUEL KANT CHALLENGES IN MODERN TIMES -Human person as an autonomous, self- - Technological advancement regulating will. prioritizes tangible over intangible -Individuals possess inherent worth and ideas. dignity. - High use of philosophical jargon -Human person is an intelligent person. alienates the general audience. RE-GROUNDING PHILOSOPHY VIKTOR FRANKL - Philosophy must connect to real life to - Humans strive to find meaning in life. regain relevance. - Existence is self-determined, shaped by - Show that philosophy is practical and personal decisions and values. valuable in modern life. ERICH FROMM - Ethical principles as tools for -Conscience helps humans identify life goals achieving a good and meaningful life. and moral norms. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS THE CONCEPT OF GOOD LIFE -Conscience reveals moral law and guides - Every man seeks a good life aspirations for the good. - Life was naturally good THE GOOD LIFE IN EARLY TIMES THE NEED TO REDEFINE ETHICS Utopian State Shift in the Concept of Goodness: Traditional Times: Goodness tied to moral VOLUNTARY ACTIONS norms.  Those done with understanding and free Modern Times: Goodness linked to physical will. pleasures. INVOLUNTARY ACTIONS  Actions done against one’s will or ETHICS without knowledge. - Derived from the Greek word "ethos" (customs, character, behavior). ROLE OF VALUES IN ETHICS - a practical and normative science that  Values define what is desirable, useful, studies human acts. and significant. - central to understanding the good life and  Ethics guides individuals in choosing fulfilling one's purpose. actions that align with their ideal vision - a set of rules influenced by society and and moral obligations. individual standards. IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS - involves the study of human actions and - understanding the nature of good and moral implications. moral living - helps guide individuals towards a - Provides guidelines for living right and meaningful and moral existence. attaining goodness  Ethics is not about justifying theories - teaches that true fulfillment is not found but assessing their ability to provide in material goods, but in developing moral standards. moral qualities - guides individuals in their search for ROLE OF ETHICS IN HUMAN LIFE meaning, happiness, and fulfillment. Historical Perspective: - investigates the meaning and purpose of - Ethics viewed as a solution to moral life. problems. - helps in understanding their purpose - Plato: Ethics as the “Supreme Philosophy.” DIVISION OF ETHICS Ultimate Goal: GENERAL (NORMATIVE) ETHICS - Attainment of happiness and the  the general and universal concepts highest good. and principles that serve as the foundation of morality. ETHICS AS: Purpose: Identifies the moral norms (which SCIENCE actions are good or evil).  systematic study of morality  practical science for everyday life and APPLIED (SPECIAL) ETHICS actions.  Focuses on specific situations where  application of knowledge to guide the principles of general ethics can be behavior. applied. NORMATIVE SCIENCE  Purpose: Applies moral concepts to  Sets norms and guidelines for human life situations to resolve moral actions. problems.  Helps distinguish good and bad actions.  Aids in maintaining moral direction in life. HUMAN ACTS  actions done with knowledge and full consent of the will. ACTS OF MAN  spontaneous actions, like breathing or unconscious reactions, not driven by intellect or will.