Introduction to Morals and Ethics

Morality

Set of standards defining right and wrong in society.

Ethics

Rules of behavior in social systems.

Ethical relativism

Belief that moral principles vary between societies.

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures based on one's own cultural norms.

Cultural relativism

Understanding cultural practices in their own cultural context.

Moral absolutism

Belief in universal and unconditional moral principles.

Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that actions are right if they benefit society.

Consequentialism

Ethical theory that judges actions based on their consequences.

Ethical egoism

Acceptance of pursuing one's own self-interests.

Deontology

Ethical theory that uses rules to determine right from wrong.

Basis of Morality

External factors contributing to a child's moral development.

Universal Morals

Seven morals found to be somewhat universal: bravery, fairness, deference to authority, group help, family love, returning favors, and respecting others' property.

Examples of Morality

Politeness, empathy, honesty, not stealing, treating others as you want to be treated.

Reasons to be Moral/Ethical

Sociological, psychological, and theological motivations.

Normative Ethical Relativism

Theory that there are no universally valid moral principles.

Cultural Norms

Shared beliefs, behaviors, and characteristics of a group.

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures based on one's own cultural norms.

Culture Shock

Disorientation when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.

Cultural Relativism

Understanding cultural practices without judging them.

Descriptive Ethical Relativism

Recognition that moral practices vary between cultures.

Moral Absolutism

Belief in universal moral laws that apply to everyone at all times.

Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that judges actions based on their outcomes.

Ethical Egoism

Acceptance of pursuing one's own self-interests.

Psychological Egoism

Theory that all human actions are motivated by self-interest.

Consequentialism

Ethical theory that judges actions based on their consequences.

Deontology

Ethical theory that uses rules to determine right from wrong.