Philosophy and Ethics: Key Concepts and Theories

What is the Euthyphro Dilemma?

If an action is right because God commands it, then morality is arbitrary.

Why do moral beliefs differ across cultures according to moral relativism?

Truth and falsity are relative to the culture in which a moral judgment is evaluated.

What is the best definition of psychological egoism?

A person will do what they believe is in their self-interest.

What is the first step in Aristotle's philosophical method?

Identify the subject matter.

What is the second step in Aristotle's philosophical method?

Critically examine the doxa.

What is the third step in Aristotle's philosophical method?

Develop and present the correct account.

What is the final step in Aristotle's philosophical method?

Return to the doxa.

Why does Aristotle deny that honor is the chief good?

Honor is not a final good.

What are the two kinds of virtue according to Aristotle?

Intellectual virtue and moral virtue.

In NE 1.4, disagreement about happiness belongs to which step of Aristotle's method?

Critically examine the doxa.

Why does Aristotle reject pleasure as the chief good?

It is not self-sufficient and is suitable to beasts.

Intellectual virtue comes from ___; moral virtue comes from ___?

Teaching; habit.

What is the central idea of Franklin's Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection?

Moral improvement through cultivating and monitoring virtues.

Which kind of action has moral worth for Kant?

Acting from duty.

What makes a good will good according to Kant?

It is motivated by respect for moral law.

What is Kant's first formulation of the Categorical Imperative?

Act only on maxims you could will to become universal laws.

What is the definition of a maxim in Kantian ethics?

A subjective principle of action describing one's reason for acting.

What is the difference between categorical and hypothetical imperatives?

Categorical imperatives do not depend on desires; hypothetical ones do.

What is Rousseau's influence on Kant's view of freedom?

Freedom is obedience to self-given rational law, not appetite.

What is one similarity between the Golden Rule and Kant's Categorical Imperative?

Both involve universalization.

What is one difference between the Golden Rule and Kant's Categorical Imperative?

The Golden Rule relies on personal preference; the Categorical Imperative relies on rational consistency.

What does virtue ethics focus on?

Character.

What does deontology focus on?

Rules.

Utilitarianism is which type of normative ethical theory?

Consequentialism.

What is utilitarianism's theory of value?

The Greatest Happiness Principle.

What is utilitarianism's theory of obligation?

Principle of Utility / Greatest Happiness Principle.

What is Mill's response to the 'doctrine worthy only of pigs' objection?

He distinguishes higher and lower pleasures.

What does utilitarianism's Equality Principle require?

Everyone's interests receive equal consideration.

Which objection claims we rightly prioritize friends and family over strangers?

Special Obligations objection.

Which option is NOT a general theme of the Ethics of Care?

None of the above.

What is the central focus of the Ethics of Care?

Nurturing responses to particular people's needs.

According to Morrow, Ethics of Care is linked to which theories?

Consequentialism and Deontology.

What does Ethics of Care claim moral deliberation should include?

Sympathy and attention to concrete particulars.

What does Ethics of Care emphasize duties arising from?

Relationships between particular people.