Phil's Lecture Notes on Moral Philosophy

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from Phil's lecture on moral philosophy, including theories, principles, and ethical perspectives.

Cultural Relativism

The belief that what is morally right or wrong is determined by local moral codes.

Eudaimonia

The state of thriving and living an ideal life; often associated with human flourishing.

Epistemic Humility

The recognition that one cannot definitively prove their moral views and should refrain from claiming absolute knowledge of right or wrong.

Prima Facie Duties

Moral obligations that have genuine weight but can be outweighed by stronger duties in specific situations.

Hedonism

The philosophical belief that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Natural Law

The theory that moral rules are based on human nature and can be understood through reason.

Moral Progress

The idea that societies can make advancements in moral understanding over time.

Utilitarianism

The ethical theory that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Trust

A belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something, often with moral implications.

Logical Validity

A property of an argument whereby if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.

Moral Codes

Systems of principles and rules that guide behavior within a society or culture.

Self-Cultivation Practices

Methods individuals use to improve their moral character and virtues.

Compassion

A sympathetic consciousness of others' distress, often leading to a desire to help.

Teleological View

A perspective that interprets phenomena in terms of their purpose or end goals.

Consequentialism

The moral theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes.

Emotions

Complex psychological states that involve physiological responses, subjective experiences, and behavioral or expressive responses.

Aristotelian Ethics

A moral philosophy emphasizing the development of good character through virtue and the pursuit of a flourishing life.

Double Effect

A principle in ethics where an action can be morally permissible if it leads to a good effect that is intended, despite also producing bad effects that are not intended.

Kalon

The ideal of beauty and nobility in character, worthy of admiration and aspiration.

Nonmaleficence

An ethical principle that obligates a person to abstain from causing harm to others.

Epistemic Skepticism

The philosophical view that questions the possibility of certainty in knowledge, particularly in moral beliefs.