Introduction to Ethics Ethics – The study of moral principles governing human behavior. Moral Universe – The idea that morality is fundamental to human life, not justphysical needs. Instrumental Questions – Questions concerning practical actions to achieve mundane goals. Non-Instrumental Questions – Questions about principles that go beyond mere survival or convenience. Branches of Philosophy Metaphysics – The study of the nature of reality. Epistemology – The study of knowledge and belief. Ethics (Moral Philosophy) – The study of what is right and wrong. Aesthetics – The study of beauty and artistic values. Logic – The study of reasoning and argumentation. Types of Ethical Theories Ideal Theory – Ethical theories that act as guiding principles, though rarely fully applicable in reality. Monistic Theories – Ethical theories that rely on a single principle to determine moral actions. Pluralistic Theories – Ethical approaches that integrate multiple ethical principles. Consequentialism vs. Non-Consequentialism Consequentialist Ethics – Judges actions based on their outcomes. Non-Consequentialist Ethics – Judges actions based on principles, regardless of outcomes. Theory Type Examples Non-Consequentialist Kant’s Deontology, Rights Theories, Religious Ethics Consequentialist Utilitarianism, Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics Kantian Ethics (Deontology) Immanuel Kant – 18th-century philosopher who founded deontological ethics. Categorical Imperative – A universal moral law that dictates ethical behavior. Formula of Universal Law – Act only according to principles that could become universal. Formula of Humanity – Treat others as ends in themselves, not as means. Formula of Autonomy – Act as though you are legislating universal moral law. Autonomy – The ability to self-govern moral decisions. Dignity – The inherent worth of rational beings. Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham – Founder of classical utilitarianism, focused on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. John Stuart Mill – Developed higher and lower pleasures in utilitarianism. Principle of Utility (Greatest Happiness Principle) – The moral action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness. Higher vs. Lower Pleasures – Higher pleasures (intellectual, artistic) are superior to lower (bodily) pleasures. Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics (Eudaimonism) Eudaimonia – Human flourishing, the highest good. Arete – Excellence or virtue in fulfilling one’s purpose. Doctrine of the Mean – Virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency. Phronesis – Practical wisdom for making ethical decisions. Hexis – A stable character trait formed through habituation. Telos – The purpose or goal of something. Religious Ethics Jewish Ethics Decalogue (Ten Commandments) – The foundational moral code in Judaism. Halakhah – Jewish law guiding moral and religious behavior. Rabbi Hillel’s Golden Rule – “What you dislike, don’t do to others.” Christian Ethics Imago Dei – The belief that humans are made in the image of God. The Beatitudes – Teachings from Jesus emphasizing humility, mercy, and justice. Agape – Selfless, unconditional love. Nietzsche’s Critique – Claimed Christian ethics promote “slave morality.” Islamic Ethics Five Pillars of Islam: Shahadah – Declaration of faith. Salah – Daily prayer. Zakat – Almsgiving. Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan. Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca. Jihad – The struggle to maintain faith and righteousness. Islamic Contributions – Advances in science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy. Rights and Natural Law Natural Rights – Fundamental entitlements derived from human nature. Social Contract – The idea that individuals consent to governmental authority in exchange for protection of rights. Hohfeldian Analysis – A framework for understanding different kinds of rights. Forms of Rights: Claims – Demands imposed on others. Powers – The ability to enforce or alter legal arrangements. Liberties – Freedom from external restrictions. Immunities – Protection from harm or coercion. Justifications for Rights Deontological Justification (Kant) – Rights come from moral duties. Utilitarian Justification (Mill, Bentham) – Rights exist to maximize happiness. Theological Justification – Rights are God-given. Natural Law Justification – Rights arise from nature and reason. Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Pre-Conventional Level – Morality based on avoiding punishment or seeking reward. Conventional Level – Morality based on social approval and maintaining order. Post-Conventional Level – Morality based on universal ethical principles. Social and Political Ethics Discrimination and the Idea of Race – Ethical issues surrounding racial discrimination. Business Ethics – Ethical principles in commerce and trade. Euthanasia – Moral debates about assisted dying. Sexual Ethics – Ethics concerning sexual relationships and behaviors. Crime and Punishment – The morality of justice systems and punishment. War, Terrorism, and Cosmopolitanism – Ethics concerning conflict and global responsibility

Silk Road

A vast network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty of China that connected the East to the West.

Han Dynasty

A period in Chinese history when the Silk Road trade routes were established.

Commodities

Goods that were traded, such as silk, spices, tea, porcelain, and precious metals.

Silk

The most valuable commodity traded along the Silk Road.

Spices

Flavorful substances traded on the Silk Road, sought after for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Tea

A beverage that was a prominent commodity traded along the Silk Road.

Porcelain

A ceramic material that was highly valued and traded along the Silk Road.

Precious metals

Valuable materials such as gold and silver that were traded along the Silk Road.

Cultural exchange

The sharing of ideas, beliefs, and customs between different civilizations facilitated by the Silk Road.

Commercial exchange

The trade of goods and services between different cultures enabled by the Silk Road.

Technological exchange

The transfer of inventions and innovations between different civilizations along the Silk Road.

Historical significance of the Silk Road

It facilitated cultural, commercial, and technological exchanges between different civilizations.

East to West connection

The geographical link established by the Silk Road trade routes connecting Asia to Europe.

Network of trade routes

The system of pathways and roads used for trade, such as the Silk Road.

Values of traded items

Items like silk, spices, tea, and metals had significant economic value on the Silk Road.

Impact of the Silk Road

Large-scale influence on cultures, economies, and technologies due to trade.

Cultural diffusion

The process of spreading cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, facilitated by the Silk Road.

Economic exchange

The transfer of goods and services that often leads to economic growth, achieved via the Silk Road.

Silk as a luxury item

Silk was considered a luxury due to its production process and rarity.

Trade significance during Han Dynasty

The establishment of the Silk Road marked an important period for trade development in Chinese history.

Geography of the Silk Road

The physical features of the land that shaped trade routes, including deserts and mountains.

Silk route influence on Europe

The Silk Road played a crucial role in influencing European trade and culture.

Silk route influence on Asia

The Silk Road significantly impacted Asian cultures through trade and exchange.

Caravanserai

Roadside inns where travelers could rest and recover, significant for Silk Road traders.

Marco Polo

An explorer whose travels along the Silk Road helped to popularize the trade routes in Europe.

Buddhism's spread

The Silk Road was a key route for the dissemination of Buddhism from India to East Asia.

Spices in trade

Spices were not only culinary items but also used for preservation and medicine.

Cultural interconnections

Woven relationships due to trade and exchange of ideas facilitated by the Silk Road.

Silk Road cities

Cities along the Silk Road that thrived due to trade, such as Samarkand and Bukhara.

Communication along the Silk Road

Methods used to facilitate exchanges, such as messenger systems and written records.

Silk production process

The intricate methods used to create silk, making it a valuable trade good.

Nomadic traders

Individuals who traveled along the Silk Road, facilitating trade between settled communities.

Artifacts from the Silk Road

Physical items, such as goods and art, left behind that provide insight into trade history.

Cultural artifacts

Items that represent the history and culture influenced by the exchanges on the Silk Road.

Technological advances from the Silk Road

Innovations and knowledge that spread through trade routes, enhancing civilizations.

Economic links of the Silk Road

The connections that bolstered economies of civilizations involved in Silk Road trade.

Silk Road and globalization

The early form of globalization represented by the interconnected trade of the Silk Road.

Intercontinental trade

Trade that occurs between continents, as demonstrated by the routes of the Silk Road.

Trade goods from Asia

Products like silk, spices, and tea that were highly traded from Asia to the rest of the world.

Western demand for Eastern products

The strong interest in unique Eastern goods such as silk and spices in Western markets.

Cultural exchange examples

Specific instances where exchanges led to mutual influence, such as through art and religion.

Silk Road influence on science

Knowledge in fields such as astronomy and mathematics shared along the Silk Road corridors.

Trade relations along the Silk Road

The informal and formal agreements that facilitated trade along the routes.

Effect of the Silk Road on language

The impact that trade and cultural exchanges had on languages developed along the routes.

Impact of disease on the Silk Road

How diseases, such as the plague, spread along the trade routes as a consequence of increased contact.

Monetary systems along the Silk Road

The various trade currencies and systems of exchange used by traders along these routes.

Silk Road and religion

The spread of religious beliefs and practices facilitated through east-west interactions.