Social Ethics Midterm Review

Ethics

Critical reflection on a way of life.

Ethos

The guiding beliefs, character, moral values, or fundamental spirit of a group or culture.

Telos

Greek for "goal".

Eudaimonia

Aristotle's ultimate goal of true fulfillment, flourishing, and living well.

Arête

Virtue or excellences such as kindness, integrity, empathy, and loyalty.

Deon

Right and necessary.

Deontology

The study of what is right; a duty-based system.

Teleology

A goal-oriented ethical system.

Virtue Ethics (Ancient)

Qualitative approach asking "How can I be a virtuous person?" with a goal of eudaimonia.

Utilitarianism (Modern)

Consequentialist system seeking the greatest good for the greatest number; quantitative.

Principle of Utility

Evaluates every action based on whether it increases or diminishes happiness.

Ex Nihilo

"Out of nothing"; the theological idea that God created the world out of nothing.

Imago Dei

Image of God; forms the foundation of human rights and dignity.

Autonomous

Self-legislated (auto = self, nomos = law).

Heteronomous

Other-legislated (hetero = other, nomos = law).

Prima Facie Duty

The first duty we believe is the right option when two right things converge.

Actual Duty

The rational duty we should follow, even if we do not feel like doing it.

Cardo

"Hinge"; root of cardinal virtues, which are the most important and hinge on others.

Supernatural End

Above the natural; ordinary goals found only by God's gift.

Natural End

people seek happiness, eudaimonia

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church (priests, bishops, cardinals, pope).

Lay Person

Someone who works for the church but is not an ordained priest or nun.

Encyclical

Substantial letters written by Popes and circulated widely among Church members.

Reason

The human capacity to understand reality, recognize what is good, and deliberate on action.

Plato

Philosopher focused on contemplation and belief in the four cardinal virtues.

Epicureans

Materialists focused on pleasure, moderation, and a YOLO mentality.

Stoics

Believe in harmony with nature, controlling reactions, and living by reason.

Aristotle

Believed decisions start with goals, and virtue ethics takes practice.

Creation (Christian Ethics)

Theme that God created a good, ordered world knowable by reason.

Sin (Christian Ethics)

The way evil enters the world, cutting humans off from God's intended good.

Incarnation (Christian Ethics)

God born in human likeness through Jesus Christ as a decisive historical act.

Redemption (Christian Ethics)

The process of becoming more fit for the relationship God intended.

Resurrection Destiny

The Christian hope and assurance of eternal life with God after death.

Liberation (Christian Ethics)

God's preferential option for the poor to liberate them from oppression.

Utilitarianism Problems

Interpersonal comparison, unpredictable future results, and unequal distribution.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's rule: Act only by rules that can be made into universal laws.

Casuistry

The breaking of a categorical imperative by forming an exception.

Natural Law

Eternal law present in created objects, followed automatically.

Four Sources of Christian Ethics

Revelation, Church Tradition, Reason, and Experience.

See-Judge-Act

Experience method involving Experience, Social analysis, Theological reflection, and Pastoral planning.

Temperance

Cardinal virtue that controls desires for food, drink, and sensory pleasures.

Courage

Cardinal virtue that balances efforts for security and achievement without recklessness.

Justice

Cardinal virtue that gives each person what is due in relations with others.

Prudence

Cardinal virtue that guides other virtues to control desires and obtain results.

Theological Virtues

Faith, hope, and love.

Aristotle's Virtue View

Telos is eudaimonia; acquired via habituation/practice as a mean between extremes.

Augustine's Virtue View

Telos is love of God; virtues are gifts from God (theological virtues).

Aquinas's Virtue View

Telos spans natural vs. supernatural ends, synergizing Aristotle and Augustine.