Introduction to Ethics and Moral Philosophy

A set of flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture on ethics and moral philosophy.

What is the origin of the word 'ethics'?

Ethics originates from the Greek word 'ethos', meaning character or custom.

What does 'morality' refer to?

Morality comes from the Latin 'moralis', referring to customs or manners.

What is the difference between ethics and moral philosophy?

Ethics refers to the 'what to do', while moral philosophy refers to the 'why and how we decide what to do'.

Name one reason why ethics is important in society.

Ethics helps foster cooperation and understanding among people, promoting social harmony.

What is moral reasoning?

Moral reasoning is the process of thinking about what is right and wrong, based on values, beliefs, and principles.

Define 'moral dilemma'.

A moral dilemma is a situation where one must choose between two actions that have both good and bad aspects.

List one importance of rules in society.

Rules maintain structure and predictability, reducing confusion and ensuring society functions smoothly.

What is one consequence of breaking rules?

Breaking rules can ruin trust, damaging relationships and teamwork.

Identify one key branch of ethics and its focus.

Normative Ethics focuses on establishing standards or norms for behavior.

What does applied ethics involve?

Applied Ethics involves practical application of ethical principles to specific issues or fields.