Ethics Quiz 2

Ethics quiz 2

Psychological Egoism

The idea that people always act in ways that help themselves, even if it looks like they are helping others.

Unfalsifiability

When a statement can't be proven wrong, making it impossible to test if it's true or false.

Ethical Egoism

The belief that people should always do what is best for themselves.

Altruism

Helping others, even when it might not benefit you.

Tribalism

Strong loyalty to your group, which can lead to treating outsiders unfairly.

Arbitrariness

Making decisions without a good reason.

Consequentialism

The idea that whether something is right or wrong depends on its results.

Utilitarianism/Utility

The belief that the best choice is the one that creates the most happiness for the most people.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goods/Values

Some things are good by themselves (like happiness), while others are good because they help us get something else (like money).

Long vs. Short-Term Goals

Short-term goals happen quickly, while long-term goals take time and effort.

Duties

Things you are expected to do, either because of rules or because it’s the right thing.

Means & Ends

"Means" are the way you do something; "ends" are the goal you are trying to reach. Some people debate whether good goals excuse bad actions.

Persons/Respect/Autonomy

Treating people with respect and letting them make their own choices.

Maxims

Basic rules or sayings people follow when making decisions.

Universalizability

The idea that if something is truly right, it should be right for everyone.

Obligations/Duties

Actions people are expected to take because of moral or social rules.

The Categorical Imperative

A rule from philosopher Immanuel Kant that says people should only follow rules that they would want everyone else to follow too.

The State of Nature

An idea about what life would be like if there were no government or laws.

The Social Contract

The idea that people agree to live by rules so that everyone can be safe and live better lives.

Reciprocity

The idea that if you treat people well, they are more likely to treat you well in return.

Liberty & Equality (in the social contract)

Liberty means being free to make your own choices; equality means being treated fairly under the law.

Descriptive vs. Normative

Descriptive tells how things are; normative tells how things should be.

Legal vs. Moral

Legal means it follows the law; moral means it is the right thing to do, even if the law doesn't say so.

Conflict of Interest

When someone’s personal interests make it hard for them to make a fair decision.

Moral Courage

Doing the right thing even when it’s scary or risky.

Argument

A statement that tries to prove something using reasons.

Syllogism / Categorical Syllogism

A way of reasoning where if two things are true, then a third thing must also be true. Example: "All dogs are animals. My pet is a dog. So, my pet is an animal."

Premise / Justification / Reason

The statements that support an argument.

Conclusion

The final decision or belief based on the given reasons.

Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments

Deductive arguments prove something 100% if the starting facts are true; inductive arguments make a guess based on what’s likely.

Necessary & Sufficient Conditions

Necessary means something must be there for something else to happen; sufficient means something is enough to make it happen.

Formal vs. Informal Fallacies

Formal fallacies break the rules of logic; informal fallacies are mistakes in reasoning.

Categorical Language

Using words like "always" or "never," which can make things sound too simple.

Burden of Proof

The responsibility to prove something when making a claim.

Cognitive Dissonance

Feeling uncomfortable when you believe two opposite things at the same time.

Confirmation Bias

Paying more attention to information that supports what you already believe.

The Experience Machine

A story that asks: Would you plug into a machine that makes you feel happy all the time, even if it’s not real?

The Trolley Problem

A tough choice where you have to decide if it’s okay to let one person die to save many others.

Moral Exemplars

People who set a good example by doing the right thing.

Moral Courage

Being brave enough to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.