PHIL 213 Exam 1

BYU;

8 prima facie duties

1) beneficence

2) non-harm

3) fidelity

4) gratitude

5) veracity

6) reparation

7) self-improvement

8) justice

9) liberty

beneficence

the obligation to do good to others

non-harm

the obligation to avoid harming others

fidelity

keeping promises and being loyal

gratitude

the duty based on the good done to us by others

veracity

the duty to avoid lying

reparation

an obligation to make amends for wrongdoing

self-improvement

the obligation to better our self

justice

the fair distribution of goods or punishments

liberty

the obligation to preserve and enhance human freedom

3 characteristics of prima facie duties

1) self-evident

2) non-absolute (can be overridden)

3) always morally relevant (it always matters)

The Golden Rule

Treat others only as you would consent to be treated in the same situation.

conventionalism

morality is decided by a society/culture

subjectivism

morality is decided by the individual

psychological egosim

all actions are based on self-interest and are ultimately based on self-interest; altruism can’t happen; always about yourself

What does ethical egoism claim?

morality is based on self-interest; we ought to only do what is in our overall, long-term interest

What does ethical egoism not claim?

we should do whatever we want

main argument against ethical egoism

the interests of others, considered in themselves, count for nothing

best argument for ethical egoism

if you are morally required to do something, then you have a good reason to do it; if there is a good reason to do something, then doing it must make you better off

literal Golden Rule

Do unto others as you want them to do unto you.

(ex: If I want X, do X to others.)

Platinum Rule

Treat others the way they want to be treated.