Ethics midterm review

Tu Quoque Fallacy

A fallacy that occurs when someone dismisses an argument by accusing the opponent of hypocrisy rather than addressing the substance of the argument.

Slippery Slope Fallacy

A fallacy that suggests that a small action will inevitably lead to a series of extreme and undesirable consequences without sufficient evidence.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs while ignoring or downplaying contradictory evidence.

Sunk Cost Fallacy

The tendency to continue investing in a losing endeavor because of previously invested resources, even when it would be more rational to cut losses.

Cultural Relativism

The belief that moral truth is determined by cultural norms and that there are no universal moral standards.

Moral Objectivism

The belief that moral truths exist independently of human opinion and cultural norms.

Moral Theories

Frameworks for evaluating moral actions; includes theories like utilitarianism and Kantian ethics.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, specifically aiming to maximize overall happiness or welfare.

Kantian Ethics

A moral theory based on duty and universal moral laws rather than consequences.

The Social Contract

The idea that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms to an authority in exchange for security and order.

The Harm Principle

John Stuart Mill’s principle that individuals should be free to act however they want unless their actions cause harm to others.

Hard Paternalism

Restricting an individual’s liberty for their own good, even if they are fully informed and capable of making their own choices.

Soft Paternalism

Intervening only when an individual is uninformed or unable to make a rational choice.

DEA Argument for Prohibition

The claim that drugs should be illegal due to their harmful effects on individuals and society.

Huemer’s Positive Argument for Legalization

The assertion that drug use is a personal choice that does not directly harm others and should not be criminalized.

Masterpiece Cake Shop Case

A legal case involving arguments for and against forcing a cake shop to create a cake for a same-sex wedding based on First Amendment rights.

Retributivism

A theory of punishment that justifies punishment as a deserved consequence for wrongdoing.

Utilitarianism in Punishment

A theory that suggests punishment should be based on future benefits, such as deterrence or rehabilitation.

Mens Rea

Latin for 'guilty mind'; refers to a person’s intent or knowledge of wrongdoing.

Actus Reus

Latin for 'guilty act'; refers to the physical action of committing a crime.

example of tu quoque fallacy

Person A: “You shouldn’t smoke; it’s bad for your health.”

Person B: “Well, you smoke, so why should I listen to you?”

Tu quoque fallacy strenght

exposes hypocrisy in arguments

Tu quoque fallacy weaknesse

Does not actually refute the argument itself, Can distract from the main issue.

Slippery slope fallacy example

“If we allow students to use calculators in class, soon they won’t be able to do basic math, and then they won’t be able to function in society at all.”

Confirmation bias examples

A person who believes in astrology only remembers the times their horoscope was accurate and ignores when it was wrong.

Sunk cost fallacy example

Continuing to watch a terrible movie at the theater because you already paid for the ticket.