PHI 101

normative vs descriptive

Normative (or moral) statements assert what ought to be the case

"you ought to tell the truth"

descriptive statements

they assert the case; based on fact! reality; the way things are

(Ethics) subjectivism

There are no objective moral truths out there. and that it is subjective to one's own experience.

moral objectivism

There is a correct moral code that applies to everyone.

cultural relativism:

if a culture approves of X, then X is morally right within that culture.

individual relativism:

if an person approves of X, then is morally right for that individual.

Fear of death: 4 conditions of rational fearing

1) existence condition

2) harm condition

3)avoidance condition

4)appropriateness condition

hypothetical imperatives:

conditionally binding on us a command.

"If" - hypothetical

"ought" - imperative

catergorical imperatives:

are unconditionally; come from reason.

you "ought" to do Y. period!

(Kant's) First Moral law (the formula of universal law)

One should only act on a maxim (a principle, plan of action) that can be consistently be universalized.

"What would happen if everyone did X"

Gay Williams argument on active euthanasia; argument from nature

suffering is natural; it i natual to keep living; every human wants to live and to stop that or take that choice away is unnatural and is killing.

Gay-Williams' Argument from self interest

Gay-Williams' Argument from Practical Effects

Definition of euthanasia:

"Good death" from greek. "mercy killing " is the the ending of someones life for that person's sake.

What are the 7 definitions of euthanasia

passive, active, voluntary, nonvoluntary, and involuntary euthanasia, and PA (physician-assisted death)

involuntary euthanasia

The act of ending a terminal patient's life by medical means without his or her permission, against their will

nonvoluntary euthanasia

Euthanasia performed on a person who is not competent to decide the issue and has left no instructions regarding end-of-life preferences. In such cases, family or physicians usually make the decision. "don't know what the patient want"

Voluntary euthanasia

euthanasia performed on a person with his or her permission

passive euthanasia

A situation in which a seriously ill person is allowed to die naturally, through the cessation of medical intervention; letting die

active euthanasia

the deliberate ending of someone's life; killing; (lethal injection)

physician assisted (suicide)

a form of active euthanasia in which a doctor provides the means for someone to end his or her own life.

Utilitarianism/Consequentialism

Only consequences matter when determining the morality of an action; intentions don't.

hedonist

one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; the highest good

impartial

unbiased; neutral;fair

Deontology

deon = duty from Greek or that which binds,

do our duty (non-consequentialist view), consequences don't matter, your duty does. certain actions are always right or wrong

(Kant) good will

morality worth character

1) do our duty

2) with the right motive