Philosophy 101 Vocabulary

Instrumental value

The value that an object, person, or activity has as a means to achieving something else.

Intrinsic value

The value that an entity possesses for its own sake, independent of its usefulness as a means to an end.

Utilitarianism

The normative ethical theory asserting that actions are morally right to the extent that they maximize overall happiness or well-being.

Preference satisfaction

An account of well-being holding that happiness consists in getting what one desires.

Human flourishing

An account of well-being asserting that genuine happiness requires self-cultivation, growth, and the fulfillment of human potential.

Descriptive claims

Statements that address how the world actually exists in factual reality.

Normative claims

Statements that evaluate how the world should or ought to be, based on values or duties.

Autonomy

The capacity to self-govern and direct one's life according to one's own reasons, values, and motives.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's foundational moral law requiring individuals to act only on maxims that could be willed to become universal laws.

Liberty Principle

Rawls's principle guaranteeing every individual an equal claim to a fully adequate scheme of basic rights and duties.

Difference Principle

Rawls's standard specifying that social and economic inequalities are morally acceptable only if they work to the maximum benefit of the least advantaged.

Paradox of Protection

The legal reality in free speech doctrine whereby safeguarding expressive rights requires protecting speech that is demeaning or offensive.