Philosophy and Ethics Reviewer Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards defining fundamental terms, approaches, principles, and concepts in Philosophy and Ethics.

Philosophy

Derived from the Greek words philos (love) and sophia (wisdom), meaning Love of Wisdom; it asks important questions about human life, ideas, knowledge, and experience.

Philosopher

A person who loves or seeks wisdom.

Cosmocentric

An approach in philosophy focused on nature and the relationship of humans with the environment.

Theocentric

An approach in philosophy focused on God and the relationship of humans with God.

Anthropocentric

An approach in philosophy focused on human reason and human abilities.

Contemporary approach

An approach in philosophy that integrates concerns regarding nature, faith, and human experience.

Ethics

Derived from the Greek word ethos (meaning character), it is the systematic study and reflection on principles or standards of human conduct regarding right and wrong.

Morality

Derived from Latin words related to mores (meaning customs or traditional codes of conduct), it refers to the moral rules, customs, or practices followed by people.

Moral actions

Actions involving choices where the object, intention, and circumstances are considered, and can be judged as good or bad.

Immoral actions

Actions that go against moral rules or codes.

Amoral actions

Actions done without moral awareness or concern, or actions involving indifference to moral considerations.

Moral dilemma

A situation where a person must choose between alternatives and the choice involves possible good or bad consequences.

Non-moral dilemma

A choice that does not mainly involve moral responsibility.

Morally good act

An act that requires the goodness of the object chosen, the intention, and the circumstances together.

Acts of Man

Bodily or natural actions done without full deliberation or free choice.

Human Acts

Actions done knowingly and willingly after deliberation and decision, which involve moral responsibility.

Knowledge

An essential element of human acts wherein the person is aware of the action and its possible consequences.

Freedom of the Will

An essential element of human acts wherein the person is free to choose or decide.

Voluntariness

An essential element of human acts wherein the person willingly consents to and performs the action.

Perfect voluntariness

A type of voluntariness where the person fully knows and freely intends the action.

Imperfect voluntariness

A type of voluntariness where the person has incomplete knowledge or freedom.

Simple voluntariness

A type of voluntariness where the action is freely chosen without being forced.

Positive voluntariness

A type of voluntariness involving willingly doing an action.

Negative voluntariness

A type of voluntariness involving willingly choosing not to do an action.

Object Chosen

A determinant of morality referring to what the person chooses to do, which itself can be judged as good or bad.

Intention

A determinant of morality referring to the purpose or goal behind an action.

Circumstances

A determinant of morality referring to the conditions surrounding the action that may increase or decrease its goodness or badness.