Theory Quest #1

The Good Will

The internal mental/emotional force that urges us to do the right thing (similar to conscience)

Moral laws

Universal laws of morality that are hardwired into our brains and are absolute

The Categorical Imperative

A way of evaluating motivations for action (three tests: universalizability, human dignity, and autonomy vs. heteronomy

Test of Universalizability

Act as if the maxim from which you act would be universally applied

Test of Human Dignity

Treat other rational agents (humans, creatures, sentients, etc.) as ends, not means

Autonomy vs. Heteronomy (third test)

One is both the legislator and the legislated in the “kingdom of ends”, because we were given the capability to generate and live by moral principles

The Hypothetical Imperative

A rule of conduct that only applies to an individual only if they desire a certain end and as chosen (willed) to act on that desire

The Greatest Happiness Principle

The best act is the one that promotes the most happiness for the greatest number of people and minimizes pain

Higher pleasures vs. lower pleasures

Lower pleasures are primarily physiological (i.e. physical pleasure) while higher pleasures involve intellectual/imaginative pleasures (i.e. creativity, thinking, moral sentiments)

Teleological ethics

Theory of morality that derives duty or moral obligation from what is good or desirable as an end to be achieved

Act-Based Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that states that if there is the hope of a positive outcome, then almost any act can be justified

Rule-Based Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that states actions should be judged using moral codes (elementary moral principles)

Secondary Principles

Principles that can be derived directly from the first principles, but are not considered fundamental

Private Utility

Private utility only affects a small group of people (or even one person)

Public Utility

Public utility affects a lot of people

Test of Superiority

Some pleasures are superior to others

Virtue (intellectual and moral)

Virtues are moral qualities that are taught and developed (moral virtues develop through habit while intellectual virtues take time and experience to develop)

Eudaimonia

The goal of most people: to find happiness, live well, and flourish

Telos

A purpose, end goal, or result (the telos of human persons is eudaimonia)

Habituation

The idea that virtues must become habits to humans early on through education and a pleasure/pain system

Pleasure/pain

Humans become corrupted through pleasure and pain, either by pursuing or avoiding pleasure or pain, therefore they need to learn to feel pleasure or pain for the right reasons

Honor

A part of the human good (and eudaimonia)

Doctrine of the Mean

No virtues should be practiced in excess or deficiency, rather they should be practiced in moderation

Justice

The arrangement of social institutions that is morally best

Equality

A fair distribution of advantages

Social Contract Theory

The view that person’s moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to gorm the society in which they live

Moral Powers

2 moral powers: the expectation of being treated fairly and the ability to pursue your idea of the good life

Reasonable Citizen

Reasonable citizens want to belong to a society where power is used legitimately and justly

The Original Position

Argues that if a person was stripped of all of their identity, they would want to live in a society that fosters fair treatment and equal possibility

The Veil of Ignorance

A moral reasoning device designed to promote impartial decision making by denying decision-makers information about who will benefit most or least in a possible society (to remove bias)

Equality Principle

Each person in a society should have equal access to a scheme of basic liberty

Difference Principle (2 Parts)

Social inequalities are allowed under the conditions that the least well off should receive benefits from the most well off and that those social inequalities are arranged so that they benefit the least well off members of society