PHI-1610 Final Exam Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from the PHI-1610 course for exam preparation.

Socrates’ delight at being refuted

Belief that being proven wrong is an opportunity for learning and improvement; being closer to the truth

Assertions

Claims or statements about something.

Arguments

A way to stop a claim by providing reasoning, including premises and conclusions.

Premise

An assertion supported by reasoning.

Conclusion

The final statement that summarizes the argument.

Counterexample

An exception to a generalization or claim.

Principle of Sympathy and Antipathy

A guiding principle in moral evaluation based on feelings of approval or disapproval.

Rachels’ minimum conception of morality

A foundational definition of morality focused on alleviating suffering and promoting wellbeing.

Euthyphro's case

Euthyphro prosecutes his father for killing an innocent servant, asserting his moral correctness despite opposition.

Socrates’ dialectic

A method of questioning and dialogue to illuminate knowledge and foster understanding.

Euthyphro problem

The question of whether something is pious because it is loved by the gods, or if the gods love it because it is pious.

Divine Command Theory (DCT)

The belief that moral correctness is determined by God's commands.

Cultural relativism

The recognition that different cultures have distinct moral codes.

Cultural Differences Argument

Assertion that differing moral beliefs across cultures negate the existence of objective moral truth.

Dependency thesis

Morality is dependent on societal context.

Ethical relativism

The view that moral principles are culturally based and not universally applicable.

Critiques of ethical relativism

Challenges the validity of moral reformers and judging other cultures.

Hume's view on action

Suggests that one only sees the rightfulness of their actions until self-reflection reveals wrongfulness.

Moral nihilism

The belief that there is no universal moral truth.

Nietzsche's perspective

Argues that moral phenomena do not exist outside of human constructs.

Emotivism

The theory where moral claims are expressions of emotional responses;Boo-Rah theory

Utilitarianism

The ethical theory that actions are morally right if they promote the greatest happiness.

Principle of Utility

Actions are morally right if they maximize overall happiness.

Ring of Gyges

A story illustrating the moral implications of power and invisibility.

Justice according to conventional wisdom

A compromise between extremes of injustice.

Glaucon's view of happiness

The unjust will appear 'just' and thus live a happier life.

Adeimantus' argument about the gods

Religious rituals may allow evasion of sins' consequences.

Psychological Egoism

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

Ethical Egoism

Belief that individuals ought to act in their own self-interest.

Altruism

Concern for the welfare of others at a personal risk.

Hobbesian State of Nature

A hypothetical condition without laws or governance, leading to a survival struggle.

Relation of state of nature to morality

Morality establishes rules and governance contrary to the lawless state of nature.

Steinbock

Philosopher noted for her contributions to social philosophy.

Drunk driving and 2nd degree murder justification

Guilt may depend on the driver's intentions and awareness of risk.

Utilitarianism and personal relationships

The theory's equal concern requirement may disrupt interpersonal connections.

Act utilitarianism

Actions should maximize happiness in each individual instance.

Rule utilitarianism

Follows moral rules that generally produce the greatest good.

Deontology

An ethical framework emphasizing duties and obligations.

Consequentialism

Morality is determined solely by the outcomes of actions.

Hypothetical imperative

A conditional rule guiding actions based on desired outcomes.

The Categorical Imperative

Kant's absolute moral command treating persons with dignity.

Rachels' focus on Kant

Emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and dignity in ethics.

Practical wisdom

the intellectual virtue of navigating complex situations to make the right decision at the right time in the right way

Virtue ethics

An ethical framework focused on developing character and virtues.

Reasons for developing virtues

To achieve personal flourishing or eudaimonia.

Moore and Parker's analysis

Discuss how past wrongs can affect current reactions.