Philosophy final

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts in ethics and moral philosophy.

Virtue Ethics

A moral theory that emphasizes character and virtues over rules or consequences. Founded by Aristotle, it focuses on developing good habits to become a virtuous person.

Divine Command Theory

The view that morality is determined by God's commands. What is morally right is what God commands; what is wrong is what God forbids.

Natural Law Theory

A theory stating that moral laws are derived from nature and human reason. It argues that humans have inherent purposes and acting in accordance with these purposes is morally right.

Social Contract Theory

The idea that morality arises from an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and follow rules that benefit everyone’s mutual interests and safety.

Humean Moral Sentimentalism

A moral theory rooted in David Hume’s belief that moral judgments are based on emotions and sentiments, rather than reason alone.

Deontology

An ethical theory focused on duties, rules, and obligations. Developed by Immanuel Kant, it states that actions are morally right if they follow a universal moral law, regardless of consequences.

Utilitarianism / Consequentialism

A theory that evaluates morality based on outcomes. The most moral action is the one that produces the greatest good (or least harm) for the greatest number of people.

Ethics of Care

A moral perspective emphasizing relationships, empathy, and care for others. It argues that moral reasoning should be grounded in compassion and context, especially in personal relationships.

Existentialism

A philosophy that stresses individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It holds that individuals create their own values and meaning in a world without inherent moral order.

Value Theory

A branch of philosophy that examines what things are good, valuable, or worthwhile. It explores questions about what we should value and why.

Feminist Philosophy

A branch of philosophy that critiques traditional ethics for being male-centered and emphasizes the role of gender, power, and lived experiences in moral reasoning.

Biological Determinism

The belief that human behavior is controlled by an individual's genes or biology, often used to justify gender roles. Feminist theorists challenge this view as overly reductive.

Held’s View of Care

Virginia Held sees care as a central moral value, not just a private emotion. She believes care should be a guiding principle in public and political life, not just personal relationships.

Main Takeaways of Ethics of Care

Emphasizes relational interdependence, empathy, and context in moral decisions. Challenges abstract, impartial rule-based ethics with a focus on human connection.

Gender-based Violence as a Public Health Crisis

A concept explored in feminist ethics, arguing that systemic violence against women should be seen not just as a legal or social issue, but a public health emergency.

The Tourist Gaze

Urry's concept that tourists perceive places through a culturally conditioned 'gaze,' shaped by media, expectations, and consumerism rather than authentic experiences.

Existentialist Conceptions of Authenticity, Freedom, Ethics

In existentialism, authenticity means living truthfully to one's own values. Freedom involves radical personal responsibility, and ethics arise from self-determined meaning.

Autonomy

The ability to self-govern and make one’s own decisions. Philosophically, it’s a core value in both Kantian ethics and existentialism, tied to freedom and dignity.

Applied Ethics Practices

This refers to using ethical theory to evaluate real-world problems, emphasizing frameworks for decision-making in complex, context-driven moral issues.

Coercion

For Fennell, coercion refers to situations where individuals are pressured into actions against their will or best interests—especially relevant in ethical tourism and labor contexts.

Fennell on Justice & Rights

Fennell argues that justice in tourism should protect human rights and promote fair treatment, especially for vulnerable populations impacted by the travel industry.

Human Trafficking & Modern Day Slavery

Ethical concerns in global labor and tourism where individuals are exploited, coerced, or enslaved—issues Fennell argues must be addressed through applied ethics and justice.

Value Monism

Holds that there is one supreme value that overrides all others.

Value Pluralism

Argues that there are multiple values, sometimes in conflict, and all must be weighed contextually.

Monkeys, Grapes, and Cucumbers

A famous experiment illustrating the concept of fairness and comparative value, showing intrinsic value placed on fairness.

New Mobilities Paradigm

Studies how mobility (e.g., transportation, travel, migration) shapes society, ethics, and justice, including themes of spatial justice, access, movement, power, and environmental impact.

Scales of Justice

Five scales for justice outlined by Sheller: individual, societal, global, intergenerational, and environmental.

Maritime Spatial Planning

Sheller’s model advocating for organizing the use of ocean space based on principles of justice, environmental protection, and sustainable use.

Jamieson’s Thesis in Two Parts

States that moral responsibility requires both understanding the context (e.g., environmental issues) and acting on it.

Glossary Items - Jamieson

Includes terms like Harm, Diffuse Harm, Overridingness of Morality, and Moral Responsibility.

Aldo Leopold - The Ethical Sequence

Proposes that ethics evolves in stages: from the self to the family, the community, and finally to the land, advocating for an ethic that includes non-human elements.

The Community Concept (Leopold)

Extends the concept of 'community' to include the land, animals, and ecosystems, asserting ethical duties to respect and preserve the natural world.

Ecological Consciousness, Values, Claims (Leopold)

Promotes seeing humans as part of an interconnected web of life, valuing biodiversity and ecological health.

The Land Ethic - Main Takeaway

Advocates for an ethics that includes the natural environment, viewing humans as stewards responsible for maintaining the health of the land.