Philosophy Review

Flashcards from lecture notes

True

A statement accurately reflecting reality or facts.

Objective

Independent of personal opinions or perspectives.

Normative

A normative statement expresses how things ought to be, not just how they are.

Premise / Reason

A statement that provides support for a conclusion in an argument.

Conclusion

The conclusion is the statement in an argument that the premises are meant to support or prove.

Moral Relativism

The idea that moral truths are not absolute but depend on culture, society, or individual perspective.

Eyeroll Heuristic

A mental shortcut where an idea is dismissed as ridiculous without serious consideration.

Epistemic Bubble

A social environment where people only encounter information that reinforces their beliefs.

Echo Chamber

A closed system where opposing views are discredited, reinforcing existing beliefs.

In-Group Bias

The tendency to favor and trust people from one's own group over outsiders.

Virtue Ethics

A moral theory focusing on developing good character traits (virtues) rather than just following rules.

Virtue

A morally admirable character trait (e.g., honesty, courage, kindness).

Intrinsically Good

Something that is good in itself, not because it leads to something else (e.g., happiness, love).

Instrumentally Good

Something that is good because it helps achieve another good outcome (e.g., money, education).

Good & Bad

Desirable or beneficial vs. undesirable or harmful (used for results, experiences, or things).

Right & Wrong

Right actions are morally permissible or required; Wrong actions are morally impermissible.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory stating that the right action is the one that maximizes happiness for the greatest number.

Consequentialism

The moral theory that the outcomes of actions determine their morality.

Moral Duty to Consider (Wallace)

Idea that we are morally obligated to consider the effects of our actions on others.

Trolley Problem (Nyholm)

A thought experiment about sacrificing one person to save five, exploring real-life ethical dilemmas (e.g., self-driving cars).

Normative Background of Sport (Lenk)

Hans Lenk’s idea that sports carry ethical values like fairness and respect, beyond just competition.

"Rules for Thee, but Not for Me"

A phrase describing hypocrisy—when someone enforces rules on others but does not follow them.

Kant’s View of the Proper Function of Reason

Believed reason’s purpose is to guide the will so we act morally, not just to seek happiness.

Categorical Imperative

Kant’s moral law—act only on principles that could become universal laws for everyone.

Moral Ambivalence of Technology

The idea that technology itself is neither good nor bad; its morality depends on how it's used.

Autopilot Problem (Erler & Müller)

A modern version of the Trolley Problem: Should self-driving cars be programmed to sacrifice their passengers to save others?

Good Will

For Kant, the only truly good thing—acting from duty for the sake of moral law, not personal gain.

Formula of Universal Law

A version of Kant’s Categorical Imperative—act only on rules you would want everyone to follow.

Formula of Humanity (Autonomy)

A version of Kant’s Categorical Imperative—always treat people as ends, never merely as means.

Extremism (Berger)

Peter Berger’s idea that extremism is not just strong belief, but rejecting dialogue and seeing opponents as evil.

“Waiting Until Nazis Strike First is Again”

A critique of waiting too long to confront clear moral evil—sometimes preemptive action is necessary.

Dr. Gan’s Definition of Violence

Violence is not just physical harm but any act that damages a person’s dignity or integrity.

Good Guy/Bad Guy Dichotomy is Apocalyptic

A warning against seeing people as purely good or evil—this black-and-white thinking can justify extreme actions.

Good/Bad Person vs. Good/Bad Action

A distinction that reminds us that people can do bad actions without being entirely bad people.

Nonviolence

More than just avoiding violence-actively seeking justice through peaceful means, like civil disobedience.