Chapter 2: Introduction to Ethics (Ethics for the Information Age)

A set of Question-and-Answer style flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 2: Introduction to Ethics, including foundational definitions, major theories, and example scenarios.

What is morality?

The society’s rules of conduct—what people ought or ought not to do in various situations.

What is ethics?

Rational examination of morality; evaluation of people’s behavior.

What is a society?

An association of people organized under a system of rules that advance the good of members over time.

What core American values did Robin Williams identify (1970)?

Equal Opportunity; Achievement and Success; Material Comfort; Activity and Work; Practicality and Efficiency; Progress; Science; Democracy and Enterprise; Freedom.

What is an ethical dilemma?

A situation with competing moral reasons and no single clear solution.

What is the Ethical Point of View?

Respect for others’ core values and treating others’ interests as part of one’s moral considerations, not just one’s own. respecting what is important to others and thinking about their interests, not just your own, when making moral decisions

What is the selfish point of view?

Considering only one’s own self and its core values.

What is Subjective Relativism?

Each person decides right and wrong for themselves; what’s right for you may not be right for me.

What is the case for Subjective Relativism?

Well-meaning, intelligent people disagree on moral issues; debates can be seen as disagreeable and pointless.

What is the case against Subjective Relativism?

Blurs the line between what one thinks is right and what one simply wants; not reason-based; not a workable theory.

What is Cultural Relativism?

What is right or wrong depends on a society’s actual moral guidelines, which vary across places and times.

What is the case for Cultural Relativism?

Different contexts require different guidelines; judging other cultures is arrogant.

What is the case against Cultural Relativism?

Differences don’t imply all practices are acceptable; there are shared core values and moral evolution; conflict can’t be resolved by relativism alone.

What is Divine Command Theory?

Good actions align with God’s will; holy books reveal God’s will and should guide moral decisions.

What is an example of Divine Command Theory in action?

Stealing is wrong (as reflected in religious texts such as Exodus 20:15).

What is the case for Divine Command Theory?

We owe obedience to a Creator; God is all-good and all-knowing; God is the ultimate authority.

What is the case against Divine Command Theory?

Different holy books disagree; modern problems aren’t fully addressed by scripture; “the good” is not simply what God commands (equivalence fallacy); obedience vs. reason.

What is the Euthyphro dilemma?

Does God command something because it is good, or is it good because God commands it?

How is the Euthyphro dilemma resolved in the classic Christian position?

By grounding goodness in God’s nature, not arbitrary commands, so morality follows God’s immutable nature.

What is Altruism?

Disinterested, selfless concern for the welfare of others.

What is Ethical Egoism?

Each person should focus on their own self-interest; morally right actions maximize long-term self-benefit.

What is a common defense of Ethical Egoism?

It is practical and supports overall social welfare when individuals pursue their own interests.

What is a common objection to Ethical Egoism?

People do not always act in long-term self-interest; it can justify social injustices and ignores the value of caring for others.

What is Altruism vs Egotism?

Altruism is concern for others; Egotism emphasizes one’s own importance or interests.

What is the Desire Fulfillment view of self-interest?

All intentional actions are motivated by desires; helping others can be altruistic if it reflects another’s welfare as a desired outcome.

What is Kantianism at its core?

Good will—the desire to do the right thing; reason should cultivate duty.

What is a Hypothetical Imperative?

A command that depends on your goals or desires (must apply only in particular circumstances).

What is a Categorical Imperative?

Unconditional, universal, impartial moral law that applies to everyone.

What is the First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative?

Act only on maxims you can will to be universal laws.

What is the Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative?

Treat humanity, in yourself and others, as an end in itself and never merely as a means.

What is meant by using someone as a means versus as an end?

Using someone as a means treats them as a tool; treating someone as an end respects their autonomy and dignity.

What is a perfect duty?

A duty that must be fulfilled without exception (e.g., tell the truth).

What is an imperfect duty?

A duty that should be fulfilled generally but not in every specific instance (e.g., helping others).

What is the Plagiarism case evaluation from a Kantian perspective?

Plagiarizing would be self-defeating if universalized; it’s wrong to claim credit for others’ work.

What is Act Utilitarianism?

Morality depends on the consequences for happiness; action is good if the total happiness of affected beings increases.

What is the Greatest Happiness Principle?

An action is right if it increases the total happiness of those affected.

What is Bentham’s method for weighing pleasures/pains?

Consider intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent.

What is a Rule Utilitarian?

Apply the Principle of Utility to moral rules; adopt rules that maximize happiness if followed by everyone.

What is Social Contract Theory?

Moral rules arise from a social contract; government enforces rules to protect citizens' rights and welfare.

What are Rawls’s Principles of Justice (First and Second Principles)?

First: each person has basic rights and liberties; Second: inequalities are allowed if they benefit the least advantaged and there is fair equality of opportunity.

What is Virtue Ethics?

Ethics focused on developing good character and virtues (Aristotle); happiness comes from living virtuously.

What are strengths and weaknesses of Virtue Ethics?

Strengths: motivates good behavior and supports impartiality; Weaknesses: lacks a clear method for solving moral problems and can struggle with conflicts between virtues.

How can Virtue Ethics complement other theories?

It can supplement utilitarian and deontological reasoning by focusing on character and long-term moral development.