Ethics #6

deontology

The ethical theory that duty is the basis of morality.

absolute duty

A duty that is always morally binding without exception regardless of the particular circumstances.

prima facie duty

A duty that is morally binding unless it conflicts with a more pressing moral duty.

positive duty

A moral duty to actively perform a particular action.

negative duty

A moral duty to restrain ourselves from doing something.

hypothetical imperative

A moral injunction that tells us we ought to do something if we desire to achieve a certain result—such as telling a lie to save a life. Moral obligations, in contrast, are categorical or unconditionally binding upon us.

categorical imperative

A term introduced by Immanuel Kant to describe a moral injunction that is unconditionally binding upon us.

good will

A will that always acts from a sense of duty and reverence for moral law, without regard for consequences or for immediate inclinations.

prima facie duty

A duty that is morally binding unless it conflicts with a more pressing moral duty.

self-improvement

The moral duty to improve our knowledge and our virtue.

justice

The moral duty to give each person equal consideration

fidelity

A moral duty of loyalty that stems from a commitment made in the past.

reparation

A moral duty that requires us to make amends for past harms we have caused others.

gratitude

A moral duty that stems from past favors or unearned services received.

distributive justice

The duty to distribute the benefits and burdens of a society in a fair manner.

distributive justice

The duty to distribute the benefits and burdens of a society in a fair manner.

veil of ignorance

A conceptual device used by John Rawls to establish a social contract that is unbiased and based upon impartiality.

primary social goods

Goods, such as food, housing, police protection, and education, that are necessary for us to pursue our liberty rights and our concept of the good life.

retributive justice

A duty that requires punishment in proportion to wrongdoing.