Big Ideas in Ethics Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in ethics.

Morality

Using reason and impartiality to decide what’s right and wrong.

Relativism

The idea that moral beliefs differ from place to place.

Feelings vs. Morals

The theory that morals come from emotions.

Divine Command Theory

The idea that morality is determined by God's commands.

Natural Law

The belief that things are good if they are “natural.”

Egoism

The view that we only care about ourselves.

Social Contract Theory

The concept that people make agreements so that society works.

Utilitarianism

The principle that the right action makes the most people happy.

Kantian Deontology

The idea to always do what’s right, no exceptions.

Respect vs. Using People

Treating people with respect, not as tools.

Helping Others

Describes the view that if we can stop something bad without hurting ourselves, we should do it.

Moral Relativism

Morality depends on where you live or what your culture believes.

Simple Subjectivism & Emotivism

Morality is just about personal feelings.

Divine Command Theory

Something is right or wrong because God says so.

Natural Law Theory

Everything in nature has a purpose, and morality is about following that purpose.

Egoism

The right thing to do is whatever benefits you the most.

Social Contract Theory

People create moral rules so we don’t live in chaos.

Utilitarianism

The right action is whatever brings the most happiness.

Kantian Ethics

Always do the right thing, no matter what.

Peter Singer & Practical Ethics

We should care about everyone’s suffering equally.

Civil Disobedience

Sometimes, breaking the law is the right thing to do.

morality

evolved to solve problems of dealing with competing interests within groups

baby theresa

anecephaly, parents wanted to use organs to save lives but were prevented

mary and jodie

conjoined twins, if operated one could live, but catholic parents said “god should decide”, hospital sued and saved

traci lattimer

cerebral palsy, dad killed her as the “right thing”, charged with murder

reason

we should base our decisions on good (rational) reasons

impartiality

moral decisions should treat people in similar circumstances the same, whatever that amounts to