Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

A set of flashcards covering key concepts about philosophy and ethics, including definitions of branches of philosophy and ethical terms.

Altruism

The willingness to act in ways that benefit others, even if it results in personal disadvantage.

Egoism

Selfishness; acting primarily in one’s own interest.

Normative Ethics

The branch of moral philosophy that evaluates criteria for what is morally right and wrong.

Applied Ethics

The practical application of normative ethical theories to determine what is morally right or wrong in specific situations.

Virtue Ethics

Focuses on character traits essential to human flourishing, rather than merely listing duties.

VIRTUE

GOOD MORAL QUALITY IN A PERSON, OR THE GENERAL QUALITY OF BEING GOOD

MORALS

STANDARDS FOR DETERMINING GOOD AND BAD CHARACTER OR BEHAVIOR.

MORALS

STANDARDS FOR DETERMINING GOOD AND BAD CHARACTER OR BEHAVIOR.

ETHICS

THE STUDY OF WHAT IS MORALLY RIGHT AND WRONG.

ETHICAL DILEMMA

“A PROBLEM IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS WHERE NEITHER OF THE OPTIONS IS ABSOLUTELY ACCEPTABLE FROM AN ETHICAL PERSPECTIVE”

VALUES

BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG.