Ethics and Philosophy Set 3

214 What is sentiment?

Feelings of all sorts

227 What is a prescriptive statement?

Describes how something is ought to be- a statement of value

227 What is a descriptive statement?

Describes how something is- a claim or a statement of fact.

229 What is deontology?

A theory that stress that centrality of duty are deontological theories- stressing the centrality of duty

236 Inclination definition?

A desiring, feeling, needing side to humans. A person's habitual desire, subjective impulse, or tendency to act based on pleasure, emotions, or personal preferences rather than moral duty

236 What is a Hypothetical imperative?

A principal of reason that tells you to do X if you want A. (I want an “A” in philosophy I should study)

245- What is the difference between ends and aims, vs terms of action.

Respect is not about the ends or aims of an action, but about form—- whether the action conforms to a universal law. . Ends and aims define what you want to achieve (the goal), while terms of action define how you will achieve it (the method and constraints)

262- Who are utilitarians?

People who argue that those actions (or action types) are right that can reasonably be expected to produce the best overall consequences.

264- What is social engineering?

An attempt to develop policies on the basis of a calculation of the greatest good for the greatest number.

268- What are Bentham’s 7 factors involving calculating pleasure and pain?

Intensity, duration, certainty of uncertainty, propinquity or remoteness, fecundity, its purity, and its extent.

269- What is Intuitive school of thought?

Without appeal to experience.

269- What is inductive school of thought?

Through experience and observation.

271- What are higher pleasures?

Pleasures that are unique to humans.

271- What are lower pleasures?

“Organical pleasures”

217 Distinguish between reason and taste 

Reason is responsible for discovering truth and falsehood; is presents objects as they actually exist in nature, without adding or altering anything. It is described as “cool and disengaged” meaning it does not by itself motivate action, but instead guides behavior by showing how to achieve desired ends or avoid negative outcomes based on existing inclinations. 

Taste is a “productive faculty” that does not merely observe but actively shapes our experience by coloring objects with our internal sentiments, thereby creating feelings of beauty or deformity, virtue or vice. 

Unlike reason, taste directly motivates action because it produces pleasure or pain, which in turn generate desire and volition. 

Reason is grounded in things and universal and unchanging, whereas the standard of taste arises from human nature and emotional constitution, making it dependant on internal sentiment, even though it ultimately originates from the broader order established by a higher power. 

Explain why utility= punishment+rights

Mill tries to show that justice is not separate from utility (overall happiness), but actually built out of it. Mill says that justice has two key elements: 

Punishment- when someone does something unjust, we feel they deserve punishment (comes from vengeance and social sympathy)

Vengeance is not moral on its own, but when combined with concern for society, it becomes tied to utility.

Rights (violation of rights) 

Justice also involves the idea that someone’s rights were violated. 

Mill says that rights are “claims we have on society to protect us” 

Punishment- maintains social order- increases overall happiness

Rights- protects individuals- increases overall happiness 

Both are grounded in utility

217 Distinguish between reason and taste

Reason is responsible for discovering truth and falsehood; is presents objects as they actually exist in nature, without adding or altering anything. It is described as “cool and disengaged” meaning it does not by itself motivate action, but instead guides behavior by showing how to achieve desired ends or avoid negative outcomes based on existing inclinations. 

Taste is a “productive faculty” that does not merely observe but actively shapes our experience by coloring objects with our internal sentiments, thereby creating feelings of beauty or deformity, virtue or vice. 

Unlike reason, taste directly motivates action because it produces pleasure or pain, which in turn generate desire and volition. 

Reason is grounded in things and universal and unchanging, whereas the standard of taste arises from human nature and emotional constitution, making it dependant on internal sentiment, even though it ultimately originates from the broader order established by a higher power. 

Explain why utility= punishment+rights

Mill tries to show that justice is not separate from utility (overall happiness), but actually built out of it. Mill says that justice has two key elements: 

Punishment- when someone does something unjust, we feel they deserve punishment (comes from vengeance and social sympathy)

Vengeance is not moral on its own, but when combined with concern for society, it becomes tied to utility.

Rights (violation of rights) 

Justice also involves the idea that someone’s rights were violated. 

Mill says that rights are “claims we have on society to protect us” 

Punishment- maintains social order- increases overall happiness

Rights- protects individuals- increases overall happiness 

Both are grounded in utility

268- Principal of Utility

Recognizes the subjection that nature is placed under the governance of pleasure and pain. Recognizes that actions are right if they maximize overall happiness and minimize pain