ethical-choices-an-introduction-to-moral-philosophy-with-cases-2nbsped-9780190464509-9780190464516-9780190464530-9780190464547

Glaucon

A character in Plato's Republic who questions the value of morality, suggesting that people might act immorally if they could do so without consequences.

Gyges

A shepherd in a Greek myth who discovers a ring that grants him invisibility, leading him to commit immoral acts, including seducing the queen and killing the king.

Moral

Refers to what is considered right or wrong, often associated with societal norms and individual beliefs.

Ethics

The systemic and reasoned study of moral right and wrong, good and bad, including the principles and claims that employ these concepts.

Values

Principles or standards that individuals or societies consider important, guiding decisions and actions.

Moral Relativism

The view that moral standards can differ between societies and that no single moral standard is universally applicable.

Objectivism

The belief that there is one universal moral standard that applies to all people and societies, regardless of individual beliefs or practices.

Subjectivism

The belief that moral standards are determined by individual beliefs and practices, leading to different moral standards for different people.

Autonomy

The capacity to make free choices as a self-determining individual, which includes independence from external constraints and the ability to deliberate rationally about choices.

Independence Condition

A requirement for autonomy stating that a person must have the capacity to make choices without being controlled by external forces or inner compulsions.

Competency Condition

A requirement for autonomy that necessitates the ability to deliberate rationally about choices, including understanding facts and consequences.

Authenticity Condition

A requirement for autonomy that involves the capacity to discern and evaluate one's own values, goals, and commitments.

Moral Capacity

The fulfillment of the conditions for autonomy, indicating that a person is capable of making moral choices.

Prescriptive Claims

Statements that prescribe how individuals should act, based on moral values and standards.