Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from a lecture on ethics, including branches, theories, and principles in ethical philosophy.

Normative ethics

The branch of ethics concerned with determining what is right and wrong.

Metaethics

The branch of ethics that explores the nature of morality and whether moral truths are real.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges whether actions are right or wrong based on their outcomes.

Non-consequentialism

An ethical theory that focuses on the morality of actions themselves rather than their consequences.

Value-Based Moral Theory

What’s right or wrong depends on how much good value an action creates.

Duty-Based Moral Theory

Moral theory which holds that right actions are those which follow moral rules or duties.

Moral Objectivism

The belief that some moral truths are true for everyone.

Moral Skepticism

The view that there are no objective moral truths.

Cultural Moral Relativism

The belief that right and wrong are determined by cultural context.

Utilitarianism

A form of consequentialism that maintains the right action produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Hedonism

The belief that pleasure is the only intrinsic good.

Rule Consequentialism

An ethical theory that states an action is right if it adheres to RULES that generate the best consequences overall.

Natural Law (Aquinas)

A moral theory positing that human actions are right if they promote basic human rights.

Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE)

Principle allowing an action that has harmful effects if certain conditions are met.

Hypothetical Imperative

An imperative that says what you should do if you want something. (if you want X, do Y).

Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle that a moral rule applies universally and unconditionally.

Rights Theory

The ethical consideration that actions must respect the rights of individuals.

Natural Rights

Life, Liberty, and Property as fundamental rights articulated by Locke.

Prima Facie Duty

A moral duty that you’re supposed to follow unless there is a stronger reason not to.

Social Contract

An agreement among rational individuals aimed at ensuring fairness.

Veil of Ignorance

A method of determining the morality of a certain issue based upon the premise of ignorance of the individual's own social status.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory suggesting that actions are right if they are what a virtuous person would do.

Intrinsic Value

Value that is inherent in an object or action.

Instrumental Value

Value of an object or action that is valuable because it can lead to you acquiring something else.

Negative Rights

rights that require other people (especially the government) to leave you alone

Positive Rights

Rights that require others to provide you with either a good or service.

Pluralist

An ethical view that acknowledges multiple duties and values in making moral decisions.