Introduction to Ethics Chapter 6

What is a nonconsequential ethical theory?

a theory that judges actions by principles, duties, rights, or character rather than consequences

What question do nonconsequential theories primarily ask?

“is this action morally right?”

True or False: nonconsequential theories focus primarily on outcomes

false

What do nonconsequential theories focus on?

duties, principles, character, and moral rules

Who is most associated with virtue ethics?

aristotle

What is virtue ethics?

an ethical theory that focuses on developing good character rather than simply following rules

What question does virtue ethics ask?

“what kind of person should I be?” W

What is a virtue?

a positive character trait that contributes to moral excellence

Name five virtues

honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, and wisdom

According to Aristotle, moral excellence comes from what?

developing virtuous habits

According to virtue ethics, how is character developed?

through practice and repetition

According to Aristotle, people become honest by doing what?

practicing honesty

According to Aristotle, people become courageous by doing what?

practicing courageous actions

What is a vice?

a negative character trait

Give examples of vices

dishonesty, greed, cowardice, selfishness

What is Aristotle’s Golden mean?

virtue is often found between two extremes

Courage lies between what two extremes?

cowardice and recklessness

Generosity lies between what two extremes?

stinginess and wastefulness

Why is the Golden Mean important?

it helps identify balanced virtuous behavior

True or False: virtue ethics seeks balance

true

According to virtue ethics, what is more important: character or individual actions?

character

What is the relationship between habits and character?

repeated habits shape character

According to Aristotle, what kind of character does repeated cheating create?

a dishonest character

Virtue ethics is primarily concerned with becoming what?

a morally good person

Scenario: “I choose honesty is part of good character.” Which theory?

virtue ethics

Who is most associated with natural law theory?

Thomas Aquinas

What is natural law theory?

the belief that mortality is based on human nature and the natural order

What question does natural law theory ask?

“does this action align with human nature and natural purpose?”

According to Aquinas, where does natural law originate?

God and the natural order

According to natural law theory, can mortality be discovered through reason?

YES

What does Aquinas believe humans possess that allows them to discover moral truths?

reason

According to natural law of theory, why is human reason important?

it helps people understand moral law

True or False: natural law teaches that morality is completely subjective

false

Natural law theory that mortality is what?

objective

According to natural law theory, what are basic human goods?

fundamental goods necessary for human flourishing

Give examples o basic human goods

life, knowledge, family, community, and human flourishing

Why are basic human goods important?

moral actions protect and promote them

According to natural law theory, actions that harm basic human goods are generally what?

morally wrong

Which ethical theory emphasizes human flourishing?

natural law theory

Which ethical theory emphasizes character?

virtue ethics

According to natural law theory, should moral decisions be based solely on emotions?

NO

According to natural law theory, should moral decisions involve reason?

YES

What is the relationship between morality and nature in natural law theory?

moral principles are rooted in human nature

According to natural law theory, moral law exists independently of human opinions

true

Which theory would most likely ask, “is this consistent with human nature?”

natural law theory

Virtue ethics focuses on what?

character

Natural law theory focuses on what?

human nature and natural purpose

Aristotle is associated with which theory?

virtue ethics

Aquinas is associated with which theory?

natural law theory

Which theory asks, “what kind of person should I be?”

virtue ethics

Which theory asks, “does this action align with natural law?”

natural law theory

Which theory emphasizes habits?

virtue ethics

Which theory emphasizes objective moral truths?

natural law theory

A person chooses honesty because it develops good character. Which theory?

virtue ethics

A person evaluates whether an action promotes human flourishing. Which theory?

natural law theory