Definitions: Ethics and religion

Ethics

This term comes from the Greek word ethikos, which in its root form (ethos) means custom or habit. It refers to a branch of moral philosophy that aims to determine the meaning of right and wrong, and subsequently the correct way to act.

Applied ethics

The application of normative ethical principles to practical situations and moral dilemmas.

Normative ethics

Ethical theories which inform people how they should act and which ethical norms to follow.

Deontological

Any ethical theory which argues that the rightness or wrongness of an act lies in doing the right thing because it is the right thing in itself – regardless of any consequences. It is judged by whether the act adheres to specific duties, rules and obligations.

Teleological

Any ethical theory which argues the rightness or wrongness of an action according to its consequences. The term is derived from the Greek ‘telos’ meaning ‘end’ or ‘purpose’.

Proportionalism

Idea based on the premise that the Natural Law could be laid aside if there was a proportional reason for doing so, eg greater good could be served by doing it, in that particular scenario.

Embryo research

Scientific research using embryonic cells, for example stem cell research.

Cloning

The process produces genetically identical individuals of an organism, or copies of cells or DNA fragments which is also known as ‘somatic transfer’.

‘Designer’ babies

Common term used to describe a human embryo which has been genetically modified. This would be following guidelines set by the parent or scientist, to produce desirable traits such as eliminating a genetic disorder.

Abortion

A medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy, normally before the foetus can survive independently.

Voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide

Euthanasia literally translates from the Greek meaning ‘a good death’. It describes a medical procedure by which either a person terminates his or her own life because of extreme pain or suffering, or the life of another person is either allowed to come to an end or is brought to an end with the assistance of others, because of a critical medical condition. ‘Voluntary’ means there is consent and a choice made by the person.

Capital punishment

Punishment for a crime via the death penalty.

Animal experimentation

The use of non-human animals in experiments for medical or scientific progress.

Intensive farming

Also known as factory farming, this is a production-focused approach towards farm animals which aims to maximize output, while minimizing production costs. Often associated with intensive breeding programmes, hormone modification and cramped conditions.

Blood sports

A sport involving the hunting, wounding, or killing of animals.

Meta ethics

Considers the meaning and justification of ethics. Meta ethics considers the meaning of terms such as ‘good’ and ‘right’.

Naturalism

A meta-ethical view that morality is defined by facts about nature or human nature.

Non-naturalism

The meta-ethical view that knowledge is a factual property known through means outside ‘naturalism’, for example by intuition or God’s commands.

Intuitionism

A form of ethical non-naturalism. The meta-ethical view that moral knowledge is a property known by intuition.

Moral responsibility

To be morally responsible requires freedom of choice. It is the status of morally deserving praise, blame, reward, or punishment for an act or omission, in accordance with moral obligations.

Libertarianism

Belief that human beings are ultimately free moral agents despite environmental and other limitations.

Hard determinism

Belief that as all events are causally determined and the result of previous events, choices and actions, therefore human free will is an illusion.

Compatibilism

Idea sometimes called ‘soft determinism’ as it maintains that human free will is to differing degrees compatible with determinism.

Conscience

The faculty said to enable us to make moral decisions, by giving us a sense of right and wrong.

Adultery

A married person engaging in voluntary sexual intercourse with a person who is not their spouse.

Doctrine of the Mean

Aristotle’s belief that developing the moral virtues depended on determining the ‘middle way’ between the vices of excess and deficiency.

Free Will

The ability to decide choices freely without that choice being predetermined. Therefore, the moral agent is responsible for those choices.

Utilitarianism

A teleological, normative ethical theory. An example of ethical naturalism that identifies the ‘good’ in human experience is what causes pleasure and ‘wrong’ is what brings pain.