Theoretical Ethics – What is the Good Life and How to Live it?

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to Theoretical Ethics and the concept of the Good Life.

Good Life

A state where one's life is lived in accordance with moral principles, aiming for the highest good.

Egoism

A focus on self-interest; the ethical belief that self-interest is the foundation of morality.

Egotism

The practice of thinking only of oneself, often at the expense of others.

Intrinsic Good

Good that is valued for its own sake, independent of external factors.

Efficient Good

Good that arises from an action or tool that effectively produces desired results.

Final Good

The ultimate purpose or end goal of actions, often associated with achieving happiness.

Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept of virtue being the mean between extremes of excess and deficiency.

Metropathaeia

The practice of utilizing passions in moderation to motivate good actions.

Apathaeia

The state of purging passions that obstruct rational thought.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle that actions must be evaluated as universally applicable laws.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number.

Hedonic Calculus

Bentham's method for measuring pleasure and pain to evaluate the morality of actions.

Prima Facie Duties

Ross's concept of inherent duties that must be considered in ethical decision-making.

Veil of Ignorance

Rawls's idea of making fair decisions without knowledge of one's social standing.

Deontology

An ethical theory that prioritizes rules and duties over consequences.

Moral Intuition

The innate understanding of right and wrong, guiding moral decisions.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical approach that emphasizes character and virtue as key components of morality.

Cynicism

An ancient philosophy encouraging questioning of societal norms to achieve clarity and happiness.