Ethics

Ethics

The study of what is right and wrong, and how people should act.

Absolute Ethics

The belief that certain actions are always right or wrong, no matter the situation.

Free Will

The ability to make choices independently, without being controlled by outside forces.

Altruism

Acting out of concern for others’ well-being, even at a cost to yourself.

Autonomy

The ability to make your own decisions and govern yourself.

Morality

A system of beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior.

Moral Universalism

The idea that moral principles apply to all people, everywhere.

Moral Relativism

The belief that what is right or wrong depends on culture or personal views.

Moral Absolutism

The belief that some moral rules are always true and must be followed in all situations.

Normative

Relating to rules or standards about how people should act.

Humanism

A belief system that focuses on human values, dignity, and reason rather than religion.

Moral Agent

A person capable of making moral decisions and being held responsible for them.

Egoism

The belief that people should act in their own self-interest.

Equaity

Treating everyone the same and giving equal rights and opportunities.

Pragmatism

Making decisions based on what works best in practical situations.

Metaethics

The study of where moral values come from and what they mean.

Fairness

Treating people justly and without favoritism or bias.

Justice

Ensuring people are treated fairly and that rewards and punishments are deserved.

Virtue

A positive moral quality or trait, like honesty or kindness.

Utility

The usefulness of an action, often measured by how much happiness or benefit it produces.

Soft Determinism

the philosophical position that free will and determinism are compatible

Hard Determinism

the philosophical position that determinism is true, making free will an illusion

Non-Nihilistic Moral Noncognitivists

Believe moral statements do not express objective facts, but still think morality has value

Atheistic Moral Cognitivists

Believe moral statements are true or false and that morality exists without God

Antinihilists

Reject nihilism and believe that life has meaning, value, or purpose (either objective or created)

Socrates – Know Thyself

True understanding of right and wrong comes from questioning yourself

Socrates – Teleological Life

Life has a purpose, and morality is tied to fulfilling that purpose

Socrates – Knowledge & Morality

Morality comes from experience and wisdom gained through questioning

Plato – Source of Ethics

Ethics come from universal truths embedded in reality (like Forms)

Plato – Moral Absolutism

Morals are objective facts, similar to mathematical truths

Plato – The Republic & Society

Society should be led by educated elites who understand true morality

Aristotle – Empiricism in Ethics

Ethics come from human experience, not elite knowledge

Aristotle – The Golden Mean

True morality lies between two extremes (balance)

Aristotle – Personal Morality

Morality depends on individual lifestyle and finding personal “means”

Locke – Natural Rights

All people are born equal with rights to life, liberty, and property

Locke – Government’s Role

Governments exist to protect rights and resolve conflicts peacefully

Locke – Revolution & Power

People have the right to overthrow governments that fail to protect rights

Hobbes – State of Nature

Without government, life is chaotic and violent (“war of all against all”)

Hobbes – Social Contract

People give up freedoms to a sovereign for safety and order

Hobbes – Absolute Authority

Strong central power is necessary; abuse is tolerated for stability

Existentialism – Core Idea

Individuals must create their own meaning in life

Sartre – Existence Precedes Essence

Humans exist first, then define who they are

Sartre – Freedom & Responsibility

Humans are fully free and responsible for giving life meaning

Nihilism – Core Belief

Life has no inherent meaning, value, or purpose

Nietzsche – Rejection of Truth

Rejects absolute morality, truth, and religious meaning

Nietzsche – Perfect Nihilist

Accepts meaninglessness fully and re-evaluates all values

Utilitarianism – Core Idea

Actions are right if they maximize overall happiness

Mill – Collective Happiness

“Good” actions increase happiness for the greatest number

Mill – Harm Principle

Freedom should only be limited to prevent harm to others

Nihilism - Impact on Life

Can lead to feelings of despair or apathy, since nothing has inherent meaning or value