Ethical Choices: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy

Ethics

Study of moral principles governing behavior.

Values

Beliefs guiding behavior and decision-making.

Moral Relativism

Belief that morality varies across cultures.

Personal Autonomy

Individual's right to make personal choices.

Moral Agency

Capacity to make ethical decisions.

Moral Judgments

Evaluations of actions as right or wrong.

Moral Psychology

Study of psychological factors in moral behavior.

Egoism

Ethical theory prioritizing self-interest.

Act Utilitarianism

Evaluates actions based on overall happiness.

Rule Utilitarianism

Focuses on rules that maximize happiness.

Deontological Ethics

Ethics based on rules and duties.

Natural Law Theory

Moral principles derived from nature.

Social Contract Theory

Moral and political obligations based on agreements.

Virtue Ethics

Focus on character and virtues in ethics.

Feminism and Care Ethics

Ethical perspective emphasizing relationships and care.

Ethics and Religion

Exploration of moral principles in religious contexts.

Pluralism

Acceptance of diverse ethical perspectives.

Foundational Values

Core beliefs forming the basis of ethics.

Instrumental Values

Values serving as means to an end.

Moral Claims

Statements asserting moral truths or obligations.

Moral Reasoning

Process of determining right from wrong.

Moral Reflection

Contemplation on moral beliefs and actions.

Relational Autonomy

Autonomy influenced by social relationships.

Double Effect

Justification for actions causing both good and bad.

Forfeiture

Loss of rights due to actions.

Kant's Good Will

Moral worth based on intention to do good.

Lockean Rights

Natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

Hobbes

Philosopher advocating social contract for order.

Rawls

Philosopher known for theory of justice.

Aristotle's Virtue Ethics

Focuses on achieving eudaimonia through virtue.

Critiquing Principle-Based Ethics

Analyzing limitations of rule-based ethical systems.

Feminist Ethics

Ethical perspective emphasizing women's experiences.

Care Perspective

Focus on relationships and responsibilities in ethics.

Divine Command Theory

Ethical theory based on God's commands.

Kant on Autonomy

Emphasizes individual freedom and moral law.

Ethical Pluralism

Acknowledges multiple ethical perspectives and truths.

Medical Ethics: Futility

Debates on ineffective medical interventions.

Environmental Ethics

Study of moral relationship with the environment.

Anthropocentrism

Human-centered approach to environmental ethics.

Ecocentrism

Nature-centered approach prioritizing ecological balance.

Whistle-Blowing

Reporting unethical practices within an organization.

Moral Luck

Ethical implications of outcomes beyond control.

Democracy in Switzerland

Example of direct democracy in practice.

Case Study Analysis

Method for evaluating ethical dilemmas systematically.

Guidelines for Case Study

Steps for analyzing ethical case studies.

Chapter Assignment Questions

Comprehensive questions for deeper understanding.

Key Terms

Important concepts highlighted throughout the text.

Glossary

Resource for definitions of key terms.

Additional Resources

Supplementary materials for further exploration.

Eudaimonia

Flourishing or well-being in Aristotelian ethics.

Absolute Poverty

Severe deprivation of basic human needs.

Parent Responsibility

Ethical obligations towards unborn children.

The Nestlé Boycott

Consumer protest against unethical corporate practices.

The Diesel Dupe

Scandal involving deceptive emissions practices.

The Snowden Leak

Whistle-blowing on government surveillance programs.

Case 1: Socrates's Imprisonment

Historical example of ethical dilemmas in justice.

Case 2: Lord of the Flies

Literary exploration of morality in society.

Case 3: Locke and Load

Discussion on gun control and rights.

Ethical Perspectives

Various viewpoints for evaluating moral issues.

Real-life Cases

Practical examples to apply ethical theories.

Illustrative Stories

Narratives to engage readers and introduce concepts.

Post-modern-minded Students

Learners influenced by contemporary cultural perspectives.

Affective Force

Emotional impact enhancing learning experiences.

Case Studies

Detailed examinations of specific ethical dilemmas.

For Discussion Questions

Prompts to stimulate class engagement and dialogue.

Moral Dilemmas

Complex ethical problems without clear solutions.

Guidelines for Case Study Analysis

Structured approach for analyzing ethical cases.

Pedagogical Tools

Resources designed to enhance teaching effectiveness.

Primary Source Links

Access to original texts in ethics for study.

Self-contained Chapters

Chapters that can be understood independently.

Flexible Organization

Adaptable structure allowing varied teaching methods.

Consequentialist Ethics

Ethical theory focusing on outcomes of actions.

Social Contracts

Agreements forming the basis of societal ethics.

Medical Ethics

Ethical considerations in healthcare practices.

Thought Questions

Questions prompting critical thinking about cases.

Challenging Cases

Cases designed to provoke deep ethical analysis.

Narrative Instruction

Using stories to facilitate learning and retention.

Class Discussions

Interactive sessions to explore ethical concepts.

Chapter Summaries

Concise overviews of key concepts in each chapter.

Ethical Theories

Frameworks for understanding moral principles.

Student Engagement

Active participation of students in learning process.

Stylistic Overhaul

Complete revision for clarity and simplicity.

Key Terms Reduction

Decreased use of technical jargon in text.

Standardized Terminology

Consistent use of terms throughout the book.

Conversational Tone

Friendlier language to engage readers better.

Pluralism in Ethics

New chapter on ethical pluralism and applications.

Summarize Main Problem

Identify key elements and ethical issues.

Possible Responses

List potential actions to address the problem.

Moral Principles

Identify applicable ethical principles for analysis.

Justify Best Response

Provide moral arguments supporting chosen action.

Evaluate Other Responses

Explain why alternatives are less acceptable.

Glossary of Terms

Definitions of key concepts included at end.

Companion Website

Online resources for students and instructors.

New Cases

Total of fifty-seven cases for analysis.

Updated Cases

Previous cases revised for current relevance.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to contributors and reviewers of the book.

Business Ethics

Focus on ethical issues like whistle-blowing.

Morality

System of principles concerning right and wrong behavior.

Utilitarianism

Ethical theory maximizing overall happiness and reducing suffering.

Social Justice Issues

Concerns regarding fairness and equality in society.