RE SAC - UNIT 2 AOS 1

Ethics

Rules of conduct that guide actions based on what’s right and wrong.

Morals

Personal beliefs about right and wrong behavior.

Pluralism

Accepting multiple perspectives or values in society.

Conscience

Inner sense of what is right or wrong.

Objective

Based on facts, not influenced by personal feelings.

Subjective

Based on personal feelings or opinions.

Stakeholder

Anyone affected by a decision or issue.

Viewpoint

A person’s perspective or opinion.

Ethical Perspective

A way of looking at what is right or wrong based on a theory.

Amorality

Having no sense of morality (neutral, not good or bad).

Laws

Rules set by governments that must be followed.

Moral Compass

A guide (like conscience) that helps decide what’s right or wrong.

Ethical Principle

A basic rule to guide ethical decisions (e.g. honesty).

Moral Values

Personal standards of behavior (e.g. kindness, fairness).

Immorality

Deliberate violation of moral principles.

Highest Good

The ultimate goal of morality or the best possible outcome.

Democratic Society

A society where people have equal rights and freedom to vote.

Normative Standards

Accepted rules about how people should behave.

Social Norms

Common behaviors expected in a society.

Mores

Deeply held cultural beliefs about morality.

Intuition

Knowing or sensing something without logical reasoning.

Assumptions

Beliefs taken for granted without proof.

Ethical Authority

A person or source considered credible in making ethical judgments.

Ethical Decision-Making

The process of choosing actions based on ethical reasoning.

Consequentialist Ethics

Focus on the outcomes of actions.

Utilitarianism

The right action brings the most happiness to the most people.

Humanism

Focuses on human welfare and dignity, aiming for human flourishing.

Deontological Ethics

Focus on duty and adherence to rules.

Natural Law

Right and wrong are found in nature and human reason.

Kantian Ethics

Actions must follow universal moral rules.

Divine Command Theory

Right and wrong are determined by God's commands.

Virtue Ethics

Focus on being a good person through character traits.

Utilitarianism Strengths

Fair, focuses on happiness.

Utilitarianism Weaknesses

Can ignore individual rights.

Deontology Strengths

Clear rules, respects people.

Deontology Weaknesses

Can be rigid or unrealistic.

Virtue Ethics Strengths

Builds good character.

Virtue Ethics Weaknesses

Hard to apply in tough choices.

Humanism Strengths

Values human dignity.

Humanism Weaknesses

Can be vague in complex dilemmas.

Cultural Relativism Strengths

Respects diversity.

Cultural Relativism Weaknesses

Can't judge harmful traditions.

Absolutism Strengths

Clear right/wrong.

Absolutism Weaknesses

Doesn't allow for context.

Subjectivism Strengths

Personal choice respected.

Subjectivism Weaknesses

Can justify anything.

Dilemma in Law

Defending a client you know is guilty.

Stakeholders in a Dilemma

Lawyer, client, victim, court, public.

Deontology in Legal Ethics

Fulfilling duty to represent the client.

Utilitarianism in Legal Ethics

Ensuring fair legal system benefits all.

Strengths of Legal Ethics

Protects right to a fair trial, preserves justice system integrity.

Weaknesses of Legal Ethics

Personal morals may conflict with legal duty.

Personal Ethical Example

Telling a friend the truth vs sparing feelings.

Work Ethical Example

Reporting a co-worker’s error.

Challenge in Ethics

Loyalty vs honesty.