Ethics and Consequentialism

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts related to ethics, consequentialism, and moral philosophy.

Consequentialism

An ethical system that evaluates the morality of an action based solely on its outcomes.

Utilitarianism

A form of consequentialism that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility.

Hedonism

A philosophical perspective that prioritizes the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good.

Act Consequentialism

An approach that evaluates each moral action individually based on the overall good it produces.

Rule Consequentialism

An ethical framework that bases moral rules on their consequences, aiming for the best overall results.

Moral Absolutism

The belief that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the context or consequences.

Hypothetical Imperatives

Commands that apply only if one desires the outcome, focusing on personal goals rather than morality.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's concept of absolute moral commands that one must follow, independent of desires.

Universalizability Principle

The principle that actions should only be taken if they could be made a universal law applicable to everyone.

Formula of Humanity

The ethical guideline to treat humanity as an end in itself and never merely as a means to an end.

Good Consequences

The outcomes of an action that lead to beneficial results for the majority.

Moral Decision-Making

The process of considering ethical principles and potential consequences to determine the best action.

Internalization of Moral Rules

The process by which individuals adopt societal moral rules as part of their ethical framework.

Practical and Efficient

Characteristics of an ethical system, particularly Rule Consequentialism, that allows for quicker moral decision-making.

Less Flexible (Rule Consequentialism)

The limitation of Rule Consequentialism due to its reliance on general rules that may not suit every individual case.

Collaboration of Ethical Theories

The integration of various ethical systems, such as Consequentialism and Kantian ethics, to address complex moral situations.

Overall Good

The ultimate goal in Act Consequentialism, where actions are judged based on the good they produce.

Prejudice and Bias in Moral Decisions

Concerns that personal biases may negatively influence ethical choices in Act Consequentialism.

Majority Internalization of Rules

The idea that moral rules are valid if they lead to positive results when adopted by most people.

Kant's View on Morality

Kant believed that morality was based on reason and independent of personal desires.

Maxim

A principle or rule that guides an individual's action and can be made universal according to Kant.

Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

The principle guiding both Act and Rule Utilitarianism to maximize overall happiness.

Beneficial Actions

Actions that lead to good outcomes for society and individuals, as emphasized in ethical systems.

Ethical Theories

Various philosophical frameworks established to explain what constitutes right or wrong behavior.

Moral Choices

Decisions individuals face involving ethical considerations based on consequences or rules.

Crisis of Trust in Society

A potential result of widespread use of Act Consequentialism, leading to uncertainty and bias in moral judgments.

Difficulties in Moral Decisions

Challenges faced when individuals struggle to apply ethical frameworks effectively in real-life situations.

Utilitarian Spectator

The perspective from which utilitarianism evaluates actions, assessing the greater good rather than personal interest.

Prudence vs. Morality

The distinction between actions taken for practical reasons (prudence) and actions taken from a moral obligation.

Moral Flexibility

The ability to adapt ethical decision-making based on situational variables, particularly seen in Act Consequentialism.

Consequences of Actions

The results stemming from individual actions, central to determining their ethical implications.

Kant's Moral Philosophy

An ethical framework that prioritizes rationality and absolute laws over situational ethics.