Ethical Theory Final Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and theories discussed in the lectures for the Ethical Theory Final Exam.

What are the two types of reasoning in moral arguments?

Inductive and deductive reasoning.

What makes an argument valid?

An argument is valid if its conclusion logically follows from its premises.

What is the difference between necessary and sufficient conditions?

A necessary condition must be met for something to occur, while a sufficient condition guarantees that something occurs.

What does Hobbes mean by the State of Nature?

A hypothetical condition where humans exist without a common power to keep them in check, often characterized by chaos and violence.

What is Hobbes’ view on the War of All Against All?

Hobbes believes the State of Nature leads to a condition where every human is in conflict with every other.

What is the Right of Nature according to Hobbes?

The right each individual has to use their own power for self-preservation.

Where does Hobbes believe justice comes from?

Justice arises from social contracts established to escape the chaos of the State of Nature.

What is the Original Position in Rawls' theory?

A hypothetical situation where individuals choose principles of justice without knowing their own social position, under the veil of ignorance.

What is the Veil of Ignorance?

A condition in which individuals do not know their own social status, abilities, or preferences, allowing for impartial decision-making.

What is the Maximum Rule in Rawls' theory?

A principle suggesting that rational individuals in the Original Position would choose to maximize the minimum position of the worst-off.

What is the Chief Human Good according to Aristotle?

Aristotle defines the chief human good as happiness, which is achieved through virtue and living a rational life.

What is Aristotle's Doctrine of the Mean?

A concept stating that virtues exist as a mean between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency.

What is Nussbaum's objection to Aristotle's view of virtues?

Nussbaum argues that virtues might be subjective, differing across cultures and contexts.

What is Hursthouse's concern with normative virtue ethics?

Critics argue that it is not action-guiding or prescriptive enough in providing specific actions.

What does Hill mean by character in relation to nature?

Hill contends that indifference to nature reflects certain character dispositions that inform our virtues.

What is Baier's argument against a justice-only approach?

Baier argues that justice alone does not account for morality because interpersonal relations are unequal, unchosen, and involve emotions.

What does Baier propose as a solution to ethics?

Baier supports a hybrid account that combines elements of justice with care ethics.