Philosophy and Ethics (EdExcel)

What does the term 'philosophy' mean?

Philosophy comes from the Greek words 'philo' (love) and 'sophia' (wisdom), meaning 'love of wisdom.' It is the systematic study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

What is metaphysics in philosophy?

Metaphysics is the study of reality and existence, focusing on questions about what is real, the nature of being, time, space, and causality.

What is epistemology?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, addressing questions about what knowledge is, how we acquire knowledge, justification of beliefs, and the limits of knowledge.

What is ethics?

Ethics, or moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles, values, and duties, examining what is right and wrong and how we should live.

What is the focus of normative ethics?

Normative ethics is concerned with establishing moral standards of conduct, addressing questions such as what we should do and what is morally right.

What does meta-ethics study?

Meta-ethics studies the nature of morality itself, including the meaning of moral terms and whether moral values are objective or subjective.

What is applied ethics?

Applied ethics applies ethical theories to specific practical issues and moral dilemmas in various fields such as medicine, business, and environmental concerns.

What is the cosmological argument for God's existence?

The cosmological argument posits that the existence of the universe indicates a First Cause or Uncaused Cause, often identified with God.

What are the strengths of the teleological argument?

Strengths of the teleological argument include its appeal to the apparent design and complexity of the universe and its intuitive sense of order.

What does the ontological argument propose?

The ontological argument argues for God's existence based on the concept of God as the 'greatest conceivable being' or 'perfect being'.

What is the moral argument for God's existence?

The moral argument asserts that the existence of objective morality or moral laws suggests a moral Lawgiver, which is God.

What is the problem of evil?

The problem of evil challenges the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God based on the existence of evil and suffering in the world.

What is the logical problem of evil?

The logical problem of evil argues there is a logical inconsistency between the existence of an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God and the presence of evil.

What does the free will defense argue?

The free will defense claims that evil arises from human free will; God cannot remove free will without removing a greater good.

What is the significance of miracles in religious studies?

Miracles are considered supernatural interventions by God that serve as evidence for God's existence or divine action.

What is substance dualism?

Substance dualism is the belief that the mind (or soul) and body are distinct substances, with the soul being immaterial and immortal.

What is the distinction between moral evil and natural evil?

Moral evil is suffering caused by human actions, while natural evil is suffering caused by natural events.

What does Kantian ethics emphasize?

Kantian ethics emphasizes moral actions determined by duties and rules, focusing on moral obligations, rights, and principles.

What is the principle of utility in utilitarianism?

The principle of utility states that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce unhappiness.

What is virtue ethics' central focus?

Virtue ethics focuses on character and virtues rather than rules or consequences, asking what kind of person one should be.

What is situation ethics?

Situation ethics is the Christian ethical theory that emphasizes love (agape) as the only absolute moral principle guiding decision-making.

What are some ethical issues in medical ethics?

Ethical issues in medical ethics include euthanasia, abortion, genetic engineering, and resource allocation in healthcare.

What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

Corporate social responsibility refers to the ethical obligations of businesses to consider the interests of stakeholders beyond just profit maximization.

What is the Euthyphro Dilemma?

The Euthyphro Dilemma questions whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it is good.

What are the challenges of deontological ethics?

Challenges of deontological ethics include rigidity, potential conflicts of duties, and difficulty resolving moral dilemmas.

How does the argument from conscience support the moral argument for God's existence?

The argument from conscience suggests that human conscience points to a moral standard beyond ourselves, implying a divine source of morality.

What does the moral law argument state?

The moral law argument states that objective moral laws exist and that those laws require a Lawgiver, which is God.

What is the role of near-death experiences in arguments for the afterlife?

Near-death experiences are often cited as evidence for the afterlife, suggesting the existence of consciousness beyond physical death.

What does substance monism assert?

Substance monism asserts that only physical substance exists, meaning mind and consciousness are products of brain activity.

What is the argument from fine-tuning?

The argument from fine-tuning states that the constants of physics are so perfectly calibrated for life that this suggests the existence of an intelligent Designer.

What key philosopher is associated with virtue ethics?

Aristotle is the key philosopher associated with virtue ethics, emphasizing eudaimonia and the development of virtues.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism?

Strengths include its focus on maximizing happiness; weaknesses involve difficulties in predicting consequences and potential justification for harm.

What does the principle of contextual ethics advocate?

Contextual ethics, as supported by situation ethics, advocates that moral decisions should be based on the most loving action in each specific situation.

What is the focus of environmental ethics?

Environmental ethics evaluates human responsibilities toward the environment, sustainability, and the moral status of animals.

What does distributive justice address?

Distributive justice concerns the fair distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities within society.

What is the significance of Kant's Categorical Imperative?

Kant's Categorical Imperative serves as a cornerstone for deontological ethics, prescribing universal moral laws.

Who is known for the theory of forms?

Plato is known for his theory of forms, which posits that non-material abstract forms represent the most accurate reality.

Why is Joseph Fletcher significant in ethics?

Joseph Fletcher is significant for his development of situation ethics, emphasizing agape love as the guiding principle for moral decisions.