Ethical Theories and Key Terms

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from ethical theories and important philosophical arguments regarding morality, ethics, and justice.

Act-Utilitarianism

A form of utilitarianism where the morality of each specific action depends on whether it produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Animal Rights

The view that animals have moral rights similar to humans, such as the right not to be harmed or exploited.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that human beings are the most important entities in the universe; moral consideration is centered on humans.

Consequentialist Theory

Any ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes or consequences.

Contractarianism

The belief that moral norms arise from social contracts or agreements among rational individuals for mutual benefit.

Deontological Ethics

Ethics based on duty and rules rather than consequences; certain actions are right or wrong in themselves.

Ethical Egoism

The view that moral agents should act in their own self-interest.

Kant’s Theory

A deontological theory stating that morality is based on duty and that moral actions are those done out of respect for the moral law.

Natural Law Theory

The belief that moral principles are grounded in human nature and can be discovered through reason.

Rule-Utilitarianism

A form of utilitarianism that evaluates the morality of actions based on whether they follow rules that generally promote the greatest happiness.

Speciesism

Discrimination in favor of one species (usually humans) over others.

Virtue Ethics

Focuses on developing good character traits (virtues) rather than following rules or focusing on consequences.

The Greatest Happiness Principle

The principle that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness.

Hedonic Calculus

Jeremy Bentham’s method for calculating the amount of pleasure or pain an action will likely produce.

Bentham vs. Mill’s Utilitarianism

Bentham: Quantitative view that all pleasures are equal and measured by amount; Mill: Qualitative view that some pleasures are higher in quality than others.

Kantian Ethics

Morality is based on duty, not consequences; actions are right if they follow universal moral laws.

Rational Autonomy

The capacity to act according to one’s own reason and moral principles rather than desires or external influences.

First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

Act only according to maxims you can will to become universal laws.

Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

Treat humanity, in yourself and others, always as an end and never merely as a means.

Teleological Worldview

The belief that everything has a purpose or goal (telos); moral behavior helps fulfill human purpose.

Eudaimonia

True happiness or flourishing achieved by living a life of virtue and fulfilling one’s purpose.

Types of Friendships

Utility (based on usefulness), Pleasure (based on enjoyment), and Virtue (based on mutual respect for each other’s virtue; the highest form).

Moral vs. Intellectual Virtue

Moral Virtue: Developed through habit (e.g., courage, generosity); Intellectual Virtue: Developed through teaching and reasoning (e.g., wisdom, understanding).

Hobbes’ State of Nature

A condition without government or laws where life would be 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.'

Rawls’ 1st Principle of Justice

Each person has an equal right to basic liberties.

Rawls’ 2nd Principle of Justice

Social and economic inequalities are just only if they benefit the least advantaged.

Original Position and Veil of Ignorance

A thought experiment where people design society’s rules without knowing their own social position, ensuring fairness.

MLK Four Steps for a Nonviolent Campaign

1. Collection of facts; 2. Negotiation; 3. Self-purification; 4. Direct action.

Just Law (MLK)

A law that uplifts human personality and aligns with moral law.

Peter Singer’s Argument

All animals capable of suffering deserve equal moral consideration; rejecting this is speciesism.

Moral Status

The level of moral consideration a being deserves (e.g., whether it can suffer or reason).

Bentham’s Question 'Can they suffer?'

The capacity to suffer, not to reason or speak, determines moral consideration.

Principle of Equality

All beings should be given equal consideration.

Principle of Equal Consideration of Interests

Like interests (e.g., avoiding pain) should count equally for all beings.

Carl Cohen’s Argument

Animals lack rights because they cannot make moral claims or participate in moral communities.

Obligation vs. Right (Cohen)

Obligation: Duties humans have toward animals; Right: A claim one can demand or enforce; animals lack this capacity.

Cohen’s Requirements for Rights

To have rights, a being must be capable of moral reasoning and recognizing others as having rights.

Ethics of Care

Emphasizes relationships, compassion, and care over abstract principles and rules.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral reasoning test asking if a man should steal medicine for his dying wife.

Criticisms of Traditional Western Theories

Too focused on logic, rules, and justice; neglect emotion, empathy, and relationships.

Kohlberg's Moral Reasoning

Focused on stages of moral reasoning emphasizing justice.

Gilligan's Critique of Kohlberg

Emphasized a care perspective often associated with women’s moral reasoning.

Care Perspective vs. Justice Perspective

Care: Focuses on relationships, empathy, and maintaining connection; Justice: Focuses on fairness, rights, and abstract moral rules.