Ethics Theories: Review Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to ethical theories.

Ethics

Rules and principles that help us decide what's right and wrong.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that focuses on creating the most happiness for the most people.

Deontology

An ethical theory that emphasizes following moral rules and duties regardless of outcomes.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory that emphasizes personal character and the importance of relationships.

Justice Theory

An ethical framework that prioritizes fairness and equitable distribution of resources.

Meta-Ethics

The branch of ethics that studies the meaning and nature of moral language.

Normative Ethics

An area of ethics that creates rules and standards for how we should behave.

Greatest good for the greatest number

A principle associated with utilitarianism focusing on maximizing overall happiness.

Categorical imperative

A fundamental ethical principle posited by Immanuel Kant dictating that moral actions must be universally applicable.

Interpersonal relationship dynamics

The interactions and relationships between individuals, especially in ethical contexts.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, emphasized in virtue ethics.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes.

Moral relativism

The belief that morality is not universal and can vary based on culture or individual circumstances.

Philosophical Complexity

Acknowledging that ethical issues involve layered and nuanced considerations.

Ethical Decision-making

The process of making choices based on ethical principles and frameworks.

Equitable resource allocation

Fair distribution of resources among individuals or groups.

Proportional accountability

Assigning responses or punishment in proportion to the offense committed.

Systemic harm mitigation

Strategies aimed at reducing harm that is rooted in societal structures.

Procedural fairness

Fairness in the processes that resolve disputes or allocate resources.

Philosophical Epistemology

The study of knowledge's nature and justification in moral concepts.

Linguistic construction of ethical propositions

How language shapes our understanding and expression of moral judgments.

Holistic assessment

Evaluating ethical issues by considering all relevant factors and contexts.

Quantitative assessment

Analyzing potential outcomes using measurable data in ethical decision-making.

Moral duties

Obligations that are considered right regardless of their consequences.

Intentionality

The quality of having a purpose or intention behind actions.

Philosophers associated with utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

Philosophers associated with deontology

Immanuel Kant.

Moral universalism

The idea that some moral principles apply universally across cultures.

Cultural relativism

The view that moral values are shaped by cultural contexts and vary from society to society.

Ethical frameworks

Systems used to understand and evaluate moral decisions.

Complex moral dilemmas

Complicated ethical situations that require careful consideration of various factors.

Moral character

The set of ethical qualities that define an individual’s behavior.

Sophisticated analytical capabilities

Advanced skills in evaluating and interpreting ethical issues.

Intellectual humility

Recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to new perspectives.

Social contract principles

Theories that suggest individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society.

Ethical challenges

Difficult situations requiring a moral decision, often influenced by external societal factors.

Normative judgments

Evaluations based on ethical standards about what is right or wrong.

Pragmatic approach

A practical method focusing on the consequences of actions in ethical decision-making.

Marginalization of minority interests

The tendency for ethical decisions to neglect the needs or views of less powerful groups.

Philosophical insights on ethics

Key understandings that emerge from the study of ethical theories and principles.

Moral principles

Underlying truths that guide ethics and moral judgments.

Contextual moral reasoning

Evaluating ethical situations based on the specific context in which they arise.

Comprehensive moral guidelines

Broad frameworks established to inform ethical behavior across different scenarios.