Existentialist Ethics and Moral Philosophy

Flashcards covering key concepts from existentialist ethics and moral philosophy.

Death of God

The idea that there's no divine source of morality - we must create our own meaning.

Bad faith

Lying to yourself to avoid responsibility for your freedom (e.g., blaming circumstances).

Principle of Utility

Actions are right if they produce the most happiness (or least pain) overall.

Animal rights (Peter Singer's view)

If animals can suffer, their suffering matters morally. We must treat their interests equally.

Duty vs. Inclination (Kant)

Duty = acting because it's morally right. Inclination = acting because you feel like it.

Categorical imperative

A rule that applies to everyone, all the time, no matter what (universal moral law).

Treating someone as an end

Respect their humanity - don't use them to get what you want.

Kantian ethics

Says consequences don't matter - only intentions do.

Existentialism

The theory that you are responsible for defining your own moral values.

Utilitarianism

The theory that says 'the ends justify the means.'