Ethics Vocab Quiz 1

Ethics

The branch of philosophy that studies morality, or right and wrong behavior

Metaethics

Studies the foundations of ethics

Moral Realism

The belief that there are moral facts in the same way that there are scientific facts

Moral Absolutism

There are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, context and consequence don’t matter

Moral Relativism

More than one moral position on a given topic can be correct

Descriptive Cultural Relativism

People’s moral beliefs differ from culture to culture

Normative Cultural Relativism

It’s not our beliefs, but moral facts themselves that differ from culture to culture

The Grounding Problem

The search for a foundation for our moral beliefs, something solid that would make them true in a way that’s clear and objective

Moral Antirealism

The belief that there are no moral facts and moral propositions don’t refer to objective features of the world at all

Moral Subjectivism

Moral statements can be true and false, right or wrong, but they refer only to people’s attitudes rather their their actions

Natural Law Theory

Relies on the starting assumption that God created the universe and all human beings with a moral sense

Utilitarianism

What’s right or what’s wrong is based on what causes the greatest good for the greatest number of people

Normative

How it should be

Descriptive

How it is

Ethical Theory

A systematic explanation of a particular view about what is the nature and basis of good and right

Ethical Principle

Refers to those general judgements that serve as a justification for particular ethical decisions and evaluations of human actions

Respect for Autonomy

(self-rule) We have an obligation to respect decisions made by others and their dignity. We can empower who we’re responsible for and not interfere with those we aren’t responsible for

Beneficence

An action done for the benefit of others. Beneficent actions can be taken to help prevent harms or improve others’ situations

Nonmaleficence

We have an obligation to do no harm to others. Where harm can’t be avoided we must minimize it

Three main sources for evaluation ethical decisions

Motive, action, consequence

Consequentialist/Teleological

(goal/end) An act is judged based on its consequences. An act is right if it produces more happiness than its alternative choices

Deontological/Categorical

(duty) An act is right if the motive or action is consistent with the demands of rules or ethical principles (“it’s the right thing to do”)

Ethical Egoism

What’s in a person’s self interest determines right and wrong, not narcissism but that the moral thing to do is what advances someone’s self-interest

Ethical Relativism

Relates to the norms of one’s culture and what is right or wrong depending on the culture

Justice

An obligation to provide others with whatever is owed or deserved. We have an obligation to treat people fairly, equally, and impartially