Philosophy Test #2 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, arguments, and definitions discussed in the lecture notes regarding moral philosophy.

Cultural Differences Argument (CDA)

An argument asserting that cultural differences about moral propositions imply that moral propositions are not objectively true or false but only relative to culture.

Moral Objectivism

The belief that moral propositions are true or false independently of human beliefs and practices.

Moral Relativism

The view that moral truths exist but are relative to a given culture's beliefs and practices.

Active Euthanasia

The intentional act of ending a patient’s life to alleviate suffering.

Passive Euthanasia

Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment to allow a patient to die naturally.

Killing/Letting Die Distinction (KLD)

The ethical differentiation where killing is considered inherently worse than allowing someone to die.

Hedonistic Theory of Value

The theory stating that pleasure is the only intrinsic good and pain is the only intrinsic bad.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory where an action is morally right if it results in the best net consequences compared to alternatives.

Hypothetical Imperative

Rules that instruct action based on achieving a specific goal.

Categorical Imperative

Universal moral commands that apply regardless of personal desires.

Principle of Humanity

An action is morally right if it treats humanity as an end in itself, not merely as a means.

Moral Saints Argument

An argument suggesting that a moral saint's life lacks non-moral virtues, making it not a good life.

The First Trolley Challenge

A moral dilemma questioning why it's permissible to reroute a trolley to kill one person instead of allowing it to kill five.

The Second Trolley Challenge

A moral dilemma questioning why it's permissible to pull a lever but not to push someone onto the tracks.

Instrumental Good

Goodness derived from another good thing.

Intrinsic Good

Goodness in and of itself, not derived from anything else.