Introduction to Ethics Chapter 7

Who is most associated with natural rights theory?

john locke

What is the central focus of natural rights theory?

rights

What are natural rights?

rights people possess simply because they are human

According to Locke, where do rights come from?

human nature

Can governments create natural rights?

NO, governments should protect them

What questions does natural rights theory ask?

does this action respect human rights?

According to natural rights theory, why are rights important?

they protect human dignity and freedom

True or False: rights are granted only by governments

false

What are the six categories of human rights?

•security rights

•due process rights

•liberty rights

•political rights

•equality rights

•welfare rights

What are security rights?

protection from physical harm

What are due process rights?

fair treatment under the law

What are liberty rights?

freedom of thought, speech, and action

What are political rights?

rights related to participation in government

What are welfare rights?

rights related to basic well-being and necessities

What is a positive right?

a right requiring someone to provide a benefit or service

Example of a positive right?

public education

What is a negative right?

a right requiring others not to interfere

Example of a negative right?

freedom of speech

Which type of right requires action by others?

positive rights

Which type of right requires noninterference?

negative rights

What is the goal of equal liberties principle?

balancing freedom with with respect for others’ freedoms

Can liberty be unlimited?

NO, one person’s liberty cannot violate another’s rights

A decision is judged based on whether it protect freedom of speech, which theory?

natural rights theory

A decision is judged based on whether it respects human rights, which theory?

natural rights theory

Which theory is most concerned with liberty?

natural rights theory

Who developed Kantian ethics?

Immanuel Kant

What is another name for Kantian ethics?

deontology

What does “deontology” mean?

duty-based ethics

What is the central focus of Kantian ethics?

duty

What question does Kant ask?

is this action morally right regardless of consequences

According to Kant, should consequences determine morality?

no

According to Kant, what determine morality?

duty and moral principles

True or False: Kant believed good consequences make actions moral

false

What is Kant’s categorical imperative?

a universal moral rule that applies to everyone

What is universalization test?

ask whether everyone could do the same thing

What question does the universalization test ask?

what if everyone did this?

If a behavior would create chaos wen universalized, is it moral?

no

According to Kant, could lying be universalized?

no

Why can’t lying be universalized?

trust would collapse

According to Kant, should people lie even for a good outcome?

no

What is the humanity principle?

treat people as ends, never merely as means

What does it mean to treat someone as means?

using them solely for personal gain

What does it mean to treat someone as an end?

respecting their dignity and worth

According to Kant, why is human dignity important?

people possess intrinsic worth

Scenario: manipulating someone for profit violates what Kantian principles

humanity principle

A person tells the truth because honesty is duty, which theory?

kantian ethics

A person refuses to lie even when lying would help, which theory?

kantian ethics

A person asks “what if everyone did this?” which theory?

kantian ethics

Which theory is most associated with duty?

kantian ethics

Which theory is most associated with universal rules?

kantian ethics

What is contractarianism?

an ethical theory based on fairness, agreement, and social cooperation

Who is most associated with modern contractarianism?

john rawls

What is central concern of contractarianism?

justice and fairness

What question does contractarianism ask?

what rules would fair people agree to?

What is Rawl’s veil of ignorance?

a thought experiment where people design society without knowing their place in it

Why si the veil of ignorance important?

it encourages fairness and impartiality

Under the veil of ignorance, do you know your wealth, race, or status?

no

Why does Rawls remove knowledge of social position?

to prevent bias and self-interest

What kind of rules would people choose behind the veil of ignorance?

fair rules that protect everyone

A person designs laws without knowing whether they will be rich or poor, which theory?

contractarianism

Which theory is most associated with fairness?

contractarianism

Natural rights theory focuses on what?

rights

Kantian ethics focuses on what?

duty

Contractarianism focuses on what?

fairness and justice

Locke is associated with which theory?

natural rights theory

Kant is associated with which theory?

kantian ethics

Rawls is associated with which theory?

contractarianism