Philosophy 220: Introduction to Ethics - Exam Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the exam review for the Introduction to Ethics course.

Nonconsequentialist Ethics

Ethics that do not consider the outcomes of actions but focus on duties and rules.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's principle stating to act only according to that maxim which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

Perfect Duties

Duties that must always be followed, such as not lying or not committing murder.

Imperfect Duties

Duties that allow for exceptions, such as helping others or developing one's talents.

Natural Law Theory

Ethical theory stating that moral principles can be understood through observing nature and human behavior.

Doctrine of Double Effect

Permits the performance of a good action that has bad effects if certain conditions are met.

Divine Command Theory

Theory that moral principles are dictated by God's commands.

Euthyphro Dilemma

Philosophical question regarding whether something is good because God commands it, or God commands it because it is good.

Hermeneutics

The study of interpretation, especially of texts and symbolic meanings.

Virtue Ethics

Ethical approach that emphasizes the character of the moral agent rather than rules or consequences.

Eudaimonia

Aristotle's term for human flourishing or the highest good achieved through virtue.

Golden Mean

Aristotle's concept of moderation between extremes of behavior.

Personhood

The quality or condition of being an individual human being, which is debated in ethical discussions about abortion and euthanasia.

Induced Abortion

Deliberate termination of a pregnancy through medical or surgical means.

Active Euthanasia

The intentional act of causing someone's death as a mercy.

Passive Euthanasia

Withholding treatment to allow a person to die naturally.

Physician-Assisted Suicide

A practice where a physician provides means for a patient to end their own life.

Healthcare Ethics

Field of study focused on the ethical implications of healthcare policies and practices.

Utilitarianism

Ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes and the overall happiness they produce.

Kant's Categorical Imperative

Ethical principle by which an action is right if it can be universally applied.

Big Data

Large volumes of data that can be analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, often in relation to human behavior.

Privacy

The state of being free from public attention or the scrutiny of others, especially in the context of personal data.