Ethics Reviewer Flashcards

Flashcards on Ethics based on lecture notes.

Ethics

Latin word “mos” or “moris” plural “mores” - equivalent to “ethos”. Related to the set of principles/standards/rules that guide moral action

Moral Codes

Rules that establish the boundaries of generally acceptable behavior

Values System

Complex scheme of moral values that we choose to live by

Traits

Distinguishing qualities of a person. Highlights values

Conduct

How a person ought to act in a particular case

Morality

Latin word “moralis” meaning: custom or character in which people do things. Refers to moral code or conduct

Metaethics

Study of the nature and the basis of ethics; philosophical discussion about moral concepts.

Normative Ethics

Study of the norms, rules, values, and standards that should guide our moral decisions

Applied Ethics

Study of applying theories from philosophers regarding ethics in everyday life, tackles specific moral dilemmas.

Moral

Actions/decisions of a person that aligns with society’s standard

Immoral

Actions behaviors of man that go against society’s moral code

Amoral

Exists outside the realm of morality - does not apply to human acts. Can either be moral or immoral but not morally neutral

Virtues

Habits we do and what is acceptable in society

Vices

Immoral actions that incline us to do what is unacceptable in the society

Morals

Own personal principles about what is right and wrong (tradition, upbringing)

Ethics

Set of principles established by a group, profession, or society. The discipline of studying and understanding ideal human behavior and thinking

Norm of Morality

Standard of right and wrong in human actions

Technical Norm

Man’s need for their survival, health & well-being

Aesthetic Norm

What is considered beautiful or pleasing within a particular nature

Societal Norm

Governs everyday interactions

Ethical/Moral Norm

Non-negotiable norms based on society’s standards

Reasonability

Moral judgements must be backed by good reasons and not with unguided emotions

Impartiality

An ethical or moral rule should be neutral regardless of who the recipients are

Prescriptivity

“The commanding aspect of morality”. Morals should be in a form of imperatives for us to know what and what not to do

Overridingness

Morals must reign above all other standard/norms of valuation

Autonomous From Arbitrary Authority

Morals should stand in spite of biases of the majority

Publicity

Morals should be made public for us to have a guideline

Practicability

Moral standards should be at reach / doable for humans

Universalizability

Applied to all regardless of context. If an act is wrong for one person, it’s also wrong for any person

Positive Law

Refers to different rules & regulations that are posited by an authority figure that requires compliance. Promulgated by legitimate authority / by legislature

Thomas Hobbes' theory

The goal of self-preservation was the primary function of individuals who organized themselves into a legal state to achieve greater and lasting security

Divine Command Theory

Asserts that the moral status of an action is entirely dependent upon the commandments or will of God

Culture

The beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics shared by groups of people

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s own culture is superior to others and judging cultures based on your own cultural norms

Xenocentrism

Belief where another culture is superior to your own / in favor of foreign cultures

Cultural Relativism

Refers to NOT judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong, strange or normal

Subjectivism

Individual thinking person is at the heart of all moral valuations and is the SOLE DETERMINANT of what is morally good or bad, right or wrong

Ethical Subjectivism

Our moral opinions are based on OUR FEELINGS and nothing more. No such thing as objective right and wrong

Psychological Egoism

Human beings are naturally self-centered. Our actions are always motivated by self-interest

Ethical Egoism

Prescribes that we should make our own interest, as the single overriding concern (do only acts that benefit us)

Altruism

Putting interest of others before your own

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Presumes that there are 6 STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Punishment & Obedience

A view that right action is to behave according to social acceptable norms imposed by some authority figure in order to avoid punishment (Egocentric)

Individual & Instrumental Exchange

A view that right behavior means acting in one’s own best interests (Individualistic)

Mutual & Interpersonal Conformity

An attitude which one seeks to do that will gain approval of others

Law & Order

Abiding the law and respecting authority and performing ones duty so that social order is maintained

Social Contract & Individual Rights

Thinking about society in a very theoretical way. Individuals are aware of the values and rights prior to social attachment and contract

Universal Ethical Principles

Attitude of respect for universal principle and the demands of individual conscience