phil 1030 exam 1

Categorical Imperative

A command that applies without exception and without regard for one's inclinations or optional ends

Normative Dominance

the feature of moral norms where they (moral norms) typically override other kinds of norms when they conflict

non-maleficence

the principle that we should not intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to others

reasonableness

the requirement that moral judgments must be backed up by reasons rather than personal preference

universality

the principle that moral norms apply to all relevantly similar situations without exception

subjective relativism

the view that an individual is the measure of what is morally correct

Modus Ponens

a valid argument form: If P, then Q; P; therefore Q

Utilitarianism

the theory that right actions are those that result in the most beneficial balance of good over bad consequences

Cultural Relativism

the view that one's culture is the measure of what is morally correct

virtue ethics

the ethical approach focused on what makes a person have an ethically virtuous character rather than just right actions

Utility

the principle that we should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad for all concerned

impartiality

the principle that all persons should be considered equal and everyone's interests should count the same in moral reasoning

ethical relativism

the view that moral norms are relative to what individuals or cultures believe

beneficence

the principle that we should actively do good to others

ethics of care

an ethical approach that emphasizes relationships, empathy, and caring for others as the foundation of ethical decision-making

autonomy

a person's rational ability to direct their own life and make their own decisions

deontology

the ethical theory that rightness depends on the kind of actions performed, not how much good they produce

deductive arguments

arguments where if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true

consequentialism

the ethical theory that the rightness of actions depends solely on their consequences

distributive justice

the principle concerned with fair distribution of society's advantages and disadvantages

Kantian Ethics

an ethical theory that judges actions by whether they follow universal moral laws and treat people as ends in themselves

appeal to person

a logical fallacy where an argument is rejected based on characteristics of the person making it rather than the argument itself

hedonism

the philosophical view that pleasant sensations are the only ultimately valuable thing

justice

the moral principle of getting what is fair or deserved

libertarian justice

a theory of justice that emphasizes personal freedoms as the primary concern

begging the question

a logical fallacy involving circular reasoning where the conclusion is assumed in the premises

validity

a property of deductive arguments where there is no way for the premises to be true if the conclusion is false

straw man fallacy

a logical fallacy involving the misrepresentation of an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

soundness

a property of arguments that are both valid and have true premises

hypothetical imperative

a command to do something if one wants to achieve a particular end

slippery slope

a logical fallacy claiming that one action with inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences

Marquis's Argument

an argument against abortion claiming that killing is wrong because it deprives beings of a valuable future like ours

Active Euthanasia

the practice of directing causing someone to die

passive euthanasia

the practice of allowing someone to die by withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment

Egalitarian justice

a theory of justice holding that a just distribution is an equal distribution

principle of utility

the principle stating that one ought to promote the happiness of mankind

premises

supporting statements in an argument that provide evidence for the conclusion

conclusion

the supported statement in an argument that follows from the premises

Thomson's Argument

A philosophical defense of abortion based on the right to use of one's body and the right not to be actively killed

Modus tollens

a valid argument form: If P, then Q; not Q; therefore not P

Affirming the Consequent

invalid argument form: If P, then Q; Q; therefore P

Denying the Antecedent

invalid argument form: If P, then Q; not P; therefore not Q