ethics terms

Deontological Theory

An ethical theory that argues that the goodness of an action lies in itself regardless of the consequences

Eudaimonia

Living well as an ultimate end in life in which all other actions should lead towards. Human flourishing (happiness)

Telos

The end or purpose- for Aquinas the purpose of humans to have union with God.

Eternal law

God’s will for how the universe is to be

Divine Law

That which is revealed by God, e.g. the Ten Commandments (Bible)

Natural Law

Right reason in accordance with human nature

Human Law

Rules made by humans to allow them to flourish

Synderisis

Our rational capacity to follow good and avoid evil, the rule which all precepts follow

Primary Precepts

The most important rules in life- absolute and unchanging

Secondary precept

The rules which follow from primary precepts

Doctrine of double effect

An act which may have more than one effect e.g. you aim to save a life but in so doing harm another

Casuitry

Case or rule based reasoning in applied ethics

Real goods

Doing the right thing for the right reasons

Apparent goods

The mistakes/errors people make when they think they are doing good

Practical reason

The tool which makes moral decisions

Phronesis

Practical wisdom learnt by experience