THEO 10B: Morality - Vocabulary

Flashcards for THEO 10B Final Exam Review

Logic

The proper way of thinking, contrasting with emotional thinking, which relies on feelings instead of reason.

Syllogism

A proper form of argument using a premise and a conclusion. It is true when claims align with reality, valid when properly formatted, and sound when both true and valid.

Sophists

Traveling Greek teachers who taught people how to defend themselves in an argument for money. They advocated that truth was subjective and rejected common thought.

Divine Command Theory

The ethical viewpoint that things are right or wrong depending on God’s laws; God is the moral lawgiver, and we must obey his moral law because he’s omnipotent.

Subjective Relativism

The belief that things are moral if an individual believes it to be right.

Cultural Relativism

The belief that things are moral for a culture if they believe it is right or if it’s part of their traditions.

Emotivism

The belief that moral statements are just a reflection of your emotions; something is right or wrong depending on your emotions.

Vegetative Soul

One of the three levels of soul in living things. These relate to the virtues because the virtues help to perfect these powers.

Sensitive Soul

One of the three levels of soul in living things. These relate to the virtues because the virtues help to perfect these powers.

Rational Soul

One of the three levels of soul in living things. These relate to the virtues because the virtues help to perfect these powers.

Intellectual Virtue

Virtues developed by teaching that require experience and time.

Moral Virtue

Virtues formed by habit.

Teleology

The study of ends, or the purpose of a thing. We judge a thing as good or bad depending on if it successfully completes its purpose.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle’s definition of happiness, referring to flourishing and living a fulfilling life according to the virtues.

Cardinal Virtues

Fortitude, justice, temperance, and prudence. The word “cardinal” refers to the “hinge of a door”, accurately describing how important those four virtues are to our well-being.

Theological Virtues

Faith, hope, and charity. They relate to powers of the soul and enable different sorts of happiness.

Natural Law

Morality in terms of meaning and design. Living in accord with our given design is the basis for good moral behavior; going against it is morally wrong.

Freedom of Indifference

The capacity to choose between different options, whether good or bad, without being determined by any particular inclination. It emphasizes the ability to make choices without being constrained by prior inclinations or moral considerations.

Freedom for Excellence

The ability to choose the good, aligning one's will with reason and moral law. It is not merely about choosing arbitrarily but about choosing in accordance with what is good and just.

Principle of Double Effect

A moral doctrine that allows for an action that has two effects—one good and one bad—under certain conditions.