Ethics Flashcards

Flashcards on Political Ethics, Globalization, and Contemporary Ethical Theories

Political Ethics

Moral principles guiding the behavior of political leaders.

Governance

The process of making and implementing decisions in government.

Ethical Leadership

Ensures moral principles are upheld in public service to build trust and equitable development.

Integrity

Acting according to strong moral principles, even without external pressure.

Accountability

Owning up to decisions and being answerable to the public.

Rule of Law

Acting within the legal framework.

Corruption

Abuse of power for personal gain; diverts essential resources and undermines public trust.

Bribery

Offering/receiving informal payments/gifts to influence decisions or gain favors.

Nepotism

Favoring relatives/family members in hiring/promotion, regardless of qualifications.

Ghost Projects

Fictitious projects or inflated costs to divert public funds.

Vote-Buying

Exchange of money, goods, or services for votes during elections.

Political Dynasty

Concentrating political power within a single family across generations.

Vote Responsibly

Choose leaders based on policies and qualifications, not popularity.

Engage in Public Assemblies and Consultations

Attend forums to express concerns and influence decision-making.

Report Corruption

Use appropriate channels for corrupt activities and unethical behavior.

Demand Transparency

Hold local officials accountable by requesting detailed information on budgets, projects, and decision-making.

Promote Political Ethics

Educate others about ethical behavior and responsible political participation.

Accountability Institutions (e.g., Commission on Audit, Office of the Ombudsman, Freedom of Information Act)

Ensure government accountability and transparency.

Globalization

Process through which businesses, cultures, technologies, and individuals become interconnected and interact across national borders.

Exploitation of Labor

"Race to the bottom" where companies seek cheapest labor, often in countries with poor labor protections.

Child Labor and Forced Labor

Exploitation of vulnerable individuals in global supply chains, facing dangerous conditions and denied rights.

Job Displacement in Developed Countries

Outsourcing jobs to cheaper labor markets leading to unemployment or wage stagnation.

Widening Economic Inequality

Globalization increases GDP, but gains are unevenly distributed; corporations and elite groups benefit significantly, while many workers remain in poverty.

Ethical Theories in the 21st Century

Guide decisions concerning right and wrong in a complex, globalized world; balance individual freedom with social responsibility; emphasize cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse moral beliefs.

Intersectional Ethics

Examines various aspects of identity (gender, race, class, sexuality, ability) to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

Multiple Identities

People have overlapping identities that shape their experiences.

Interconnected Systems of Power

Different forms of disadvantage (e.g., economic hardship, disability) interact and cannot be understood separately.

Social Justice and Equity

Calls for tailored policies addressing specific needs of marginalized groups and promoting equity.

Kimberlé Crenshaw (Born 1959)

Coined the term "intersectionality"; highlighted how race, gender, and other factors intersect in social justice issues; known for her 1989 law review article, "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex."

Ethics of Care (EOC)

Moral theory emphasizing relationships, empathy, and the responsibility to care for others, particularly dependents; focuses on personal connections, emotional involvement, and context in ethical decision-making.

Relational and Interdependent Nature

Humans are inherently relational; ethics should consider impact on relationships and those cared for.

Moral Importance of Emotions

Empathy, compassion, and concern are essential for guiding ethical behavior.

Responsibility to Care

Emphasizes responsibility to care for dependents (children, elderly, vulnerable).

Carol Gilligan (Born 1936)

Challenged traditional male-centered models of moral development; known for her book In a Different Voice (1982); argues women's moral reasoning emphasizes care, relationships, and context over abstract justice principles.

Animal Ethics

Examines how humans should treat animals and the moral implications of our actions towards them; questions moral consideration, rights, and humane treatment in farming, research, and conservation; intersects with environmental ethics, bioethics, and ecology.

Moral Consideration for Animals

Questions whether animals have moral status and if their well-being should influence human decisions.

Animal Rights

Argues animals have inherent rights (e.g., right to life, freedom from suffering) that should be legally protected.

Animal Welfare

Ensures animals are treated humanely and their well-being is prioritized, even when used for human purposes.

Peter Singer (Born 1946)

Known for his book Animal Liberation (1975), arguing for ethical treatment of animals and challenging societal views; stresses that ability to suffer, rather than intelligence or species, should determine how we treat animals.