Module 3: Moral Reasoning and Ethical Decision Making

These flashcards cover key concepts and frameworks related to moral reasoning and ethical decision-making, important for understanding the module's content.

Moral Agent

A human individual tasked to think about what is 'right' and why, and to choose to act.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory stating that an act is good if it brings about the greatest good for the greatest number of affected individuals.

Kantian Deontology

An ethical framework emphasizing that rational will determines moral duty, independent of external considerations.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation in which there are competing values that seem to have equal worth, requiring careful decision-making.

Cultural Relativism

The position that claims there are no objective truths in morality, as different cultures have varying moral codes.

Moral Development

The process of growing in moral reasoning, theorized by Lawrence Kohlberg as progressing through stages.

Stakeholders

Individuals or parties who may be affected by an ethical decision or a moral situation.

Natural Law Theory

An ethical theory positing that moral principles are derived from human nature and universal truths.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical framework focusing on character and the cultivation of virtues to achieve moral behavior.

Moral Deliberation

The process of rationally considering and evaluating the implications of moral choices.