HRE4M Ethics Unit Test Review Guide

What defines character according to the Character Cycle?

Character is the sum of our stable, moral qualities (virtues and vices) developed through actions and choices.

What is conscience described as in the notes?

Conscience is the 'voice of God' in our hearts that helps us determine what is good or sinful.

How does Deontological Ethics judge the morality of an action?

It judges actions based on adherence to rules or duties, rather than consequences.

What motivation defines Duty in Kant's ethics?

The motivation to do the right thing purely because it is the right thing to do.

What is the primary focus of ethics?

The study of character and the search for the ultimate good, happiness, and freedom.

What is an Ethical Maxim according to Kant?

A principle that every rational person would act on if reason fully directed their actions.

What does Freedom / Free Will represent in a Christian perspective?

The capacity to make authentic, uncoerced choices, viewed as a gift from God with responsibility.

How is a habit characterized in ethics?

A settled tendency or practice, which can be good (virtues) or bad (vices).

What is the Golden Mean according to Aristotle?

The balance between two extremes of character, where virtue lies.

How is morality defined in the notes?

The customs, habits, rules, and laws that shape human life toward achieving what is good.

What does rationalization refer to?

A defense mechanism to justify questionable behavior with logical reasons.

What is responsibility in ethical terms?

The state of being accountable for one's actions and their consequences.

How is the soul described in the notes?

The spiritual principle and substantial form of a human being, viewed as immortal.

What is the basis of Teleological Ethics?

It judges morality based on the end or purpose of an action.

What does trivialization mean in the context of morality?

Treating a serious sin or moral failure as unimportant.

What is the emphasis of Virtue Ethics?

The development of good character (virtues) as key to ethical living.

How are virtues defined?

Good habits that enable us to lead moral lives in harmony with others and God.

How are vices characterized?

Bad habits that corrupt character and lead away from the good.

Why are human beings considered ethical beings from a Christian perspective?

Because we are made in God's image, granting us the power to discern right from wrong.

What does the Character Model illustrate?

The process by which actions and choices shape our habits, virtues/vices, character, and ultimately our destiny.

What are the three senses of conscience and their role?

Awareness, Judgment, Decision; the conscience helps us discern right from wrong.

Why should a person never act against their conscience?

Acting against it means choosing what one believes is wrong, which is sinful.

What type of conscience knows good and evil and feels guilt when committing sin?

Informed conscience.

What is a misinformed conscience?

A conscience improperly instructed about good and evil.

What defines a lax conscience?

Knows right from wrong but chooses convenience or ease.

What characterizes a legalistic conscience?

Concern solely with following the law, without questioning if it is just.

What is the trait of a scrupulous conscience?

Overly critical, feeling guilt for actions that are not sinful.

What is Aristotle's aim in ethics?

Happiness (eudaimonia) achieved through cultivating virtues.

What is the essence of Kant's ethical approach?

Acting out of good will and duty according to universal ethical maxims.

What does Levinas teach about ethics?

It is based on infinite responsibility towards the needs of the other person.

What are the three fonts of morality according to Thomas Aquinas?

The moral object, the intention, and the circumstances.

What is the moral object in a moral dilemma?

The action being chosen.

What analysis is used for intention in a moral framework?

Assessing why a person is acting.

What do circumstances refer to in the context of morality?

The context that affects the morality of an action.

What conclusion can be drawn if any font of morality is evil?

The action is morally wrong.