Study Guide: Cultural Relativism, Ethical Egoism, Act Utilitarianism, Kant's CI2 and Required Arguments

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in cultural relativism, ethical theories, and related arguments from the lecture notes.

Cultural Relativism (CR)

Morality is determined by a society's moral code, promoting tolerance and respect for cultural differences.

Moral Code

Accepted moral rules of a society at a particular time.

Moral Reformer

Someone who challenges the moral code of society.

Ethical Egoism (EEh)

An action is right if it increases the agent's personal pleasure.

Hedonic Utility

Pleasure minus pain.

Act Utilitarianism (AU)

An action is right if it creates the most happiness for all affected.

Aggregate Utility

The sum total of all pleasure and pain.

Kant's CI2 (Humanity Formula)

Treat people as ends and never merely as means.

End

A goal valued for its own sake.

Means

A tool to achieve a goal.

Mere Means

Using someone only as a tool.

Reformer's Dilemma

The criticism that CR makes moral reformers always wrong because it deems the societal moral code as always correct.

Invisible Hand Argument for EEh

The premise that pursuing self-interest benefits society, despite its flaws.

Rachels’ Arbitrariness Argument

The criticism that EEh unjustifiably favors one's own interests without justification.

Wicked Actions Objection

The critique that EEh can justify harmful actions if they benefit the agent.

Lack of Time Objection

The critique that AU requires impossible calculations regarding pleasure and pain.

Small Southern Town / Punishment Objection

The contention that AU can justify punishing the innocent, conflicting with justice.

Organ Harvest Objection

The issue that AU could require sacrificing one life to save five, violating moral rights.

Justice Objection to AU

The argument that AU ignores fairness in its pursuit of happiness.

Rational Consent Objection to CI2

The concern that CI2 may be too rigid and disregard autonomy when it conflicts with preventing harm.