Philosophy Lecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the lecture notes on existentialism, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics.

Absurdity

The conflict between the human desire for meaning and the indifferent universe.

Sisyphus

A figure from Greek mythology used by Camus to represent the human struggle against absurdity.

Defiance

Camus' proposed response to life's absurdity, requiring that individuals take responsibility for their own lives.

Existentialism

A philosophical theory emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Authenticity

Living in accordance with one’s true self and values, as opposed to conforming to societal expectations.

Bad Faith

A concept where individuals deceive themselves to escape the responsibility of their freedom.

Transcendence

The act of surpassing ordinary limits; in existentialism, it refers to the capacity to go beyond one’s given situation.

Facticity

The set of facts that constitute an individual's condition, including historical and social context.

Recognition

The acknowledgment of an individual’s worth and identity, necessary for achieving dignity.

Oppression

A systemic injustice that deprives individuals or groups of their rights and recognition.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that determines the rightness of an action based on its consequences, particularly in terms of maximizing happiness.

Principle of Utility

The principle that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Consequentialism

The ethical theory that judges whether an act is right based solely on its consequences.

Speciesism

A form of discrimination based on species membership, akin to racism and sexism.

Moral Equality

The idea that all beings, human and non-human, deserve equal consideration of their interests.

Kantian Ethics

An ethical approach emphasizing duty, moral law, and the importance of intention.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's fundamental principle of morality, which requires actions to be universalizable.

Hypothetical Imperative

A conditional directive that suggests an action if a desired end is to be achieved.

Duties

Obligations that arise from moral law according to Kant.

Moral Worth

The value of an action determined by its motivation from duty rather than inclination.