Ethics Lecture Review (GEN 006)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts of ethics, human agency, and moral evaluation based on the GEN 006 lecture notes.

Ethics

A branch of philosophy that deals with questions about what is morally right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust.

Moral Principles

Fundamental beliefs about what is right or wrong, which serve as the foundation for ethical reasoning and decision-making.

Ethical Theories

Philosophical frameworks that offer various approaches to ethical dilemmas, such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics.

Ethical Decision-Making

The process of considering consequences, intentions, and guiding principles in complex moral situations.

Ethics (Formal Distinction)

A systematic and theoretical study of principles governing human conduct, often involving philosophical inquiry and academic discourse.

Morality

A set of beliefs and values, often influenced by cultural, religious, and societal norms, that guide individuals or communities in distinguishing right from wrong.

Human Acts

Actions that engage an individual's knowledge and free will, such as praying or sacrificing for others; these are subject to praise or blame.

Acts of Humans

Natural actions performed by humans that do not engage the intellect or will, such as breathing, blinking, and sneezing.

True Freedom

An empowerment to develop inherent talents responsibly and live for others and for God, aligning with what is good, just, and true.

Slavery of Sin

A condition described in Romans 6:17 that results from the consistent practice of doing evil.

Mitigating Factors

Influences such as ignorance, fear, habits, or attachments that can reduce or nullify an individual's responsibility for an action.

Interior Acts

Actions that occur internally within an individual, such as thoughts, desires, and intentions.

Exterior Acts

Actions that manifest externally through bodily movements or behaviors.

Good Acts

Actions that are morally upright and aligned with virtues like kindness, honesty, and justice.

Bad Acts

Actions that are morally wrong or harmful, such as lying, stealing, or causing harm to others.

Indifferent Acts

Actions that are morally neutral and do not carry intrinsic moral significance, such as choosing what to eat or wear.

Object

The specific action or behavior being performed, considered independent of the intention behind it.

Intention

The purpose or motive that drives an action and influences its moral character.

Circumstances

The contextual factors surrounding an action that can affect its moral evaluation but cannot transform an inherently evil act into a good one.

Freedom

The capacity of individuals to choose and perform actions based on rational deliberation and will.

Responsibility

The moral accountability individuals have for their deliberate actions and choices.

Intrinsically Evil Acts

Actions that are always wrong regardless of circumstances or intentions, such as murder, blasphemy, or adultery.