Exam review

Chapter 1 – Why Be Ethical?
  • Key Definitions:

    • Morality: Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

    • Ethics: Study of moral principles that govern behavior.

    • Virtue Ethics (Aristotle): Focuses on developing good character traits.

    • Deontological Ethics (Kant): Emphasizes duty and universal moral laws.

    • Levinas' Ethics: Centers on responsibility to the "Other."

  • Focus Details:

    • Strengths & Weaknesses of Theories:

      • Aristotle: Practical focus but may exclude non-virtuous people.

      • Kant: Clear principles but rigid and inflexible.

      • Levinas: Emphasizes relationships but subjective.

    • Why be ethical?

      • To build trust, respect, and a harmonious society.

    • What makes an experience ethical/moral?

      • Intentions, actions, and their consequences align with moral principles.

Chapter 2 – You Are What You Do
  • Key Definitions:

    • Determinism: Belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by prior causes.

    • Naturalism: Philosophy that everything arises from natural properties and causes.

    • Human Agency: Capacity to act and make choices.

  • Focus Details:

    • Capacity to Act: Freedom and responsibility make humans ethical beings.

    • Human Freedom: Essential for ethical decision-making; allows personal growth.

    • Role of Values: Guide actions and decisions, shaping ethics.

    • Problems with Naturalism: Undermines free will, simplifies human behavior.

    • Freud’s Instincts:

      • Eros (Life Instinct): Drives survival, reproduction, and pleasure.

      • Thanatos (Death Instinct): Pushes towards aggression and self-destruction.

Chapter 3 – Conscience
  • Key Definitions:

    • Conscience: Inner sense of right and wrong guiding actions.

    • Moral Character: Traits influencing ethical decisions.

  • Focus Details:

    • My Brother’s Keeper: Responsibility to care for others (Genesis 4:9).

    • Dangers of Narcissism: Leads to self-centeredness and neglect of others.

    • Conscience vs. Guilt: Conscience is a guide; guilt is an emotional response.

    • Developing Conscience: Education, reflection, prayer, and experience.

Chapter 5 – Sermon on the Mount
  • Key Definitions:

    • Kingdom of God: God’s reign of justice, love, and peace.

    • Gospel Ethics: Moral teachings of Jesus emphasizing love and mercy.

  • Focus Details:

    • Heart of Jesus’ Message: Love, mercy, and humility.

    • Comparison to Moses: Jesus brings a deeper ethical fulfillment to the Law.

    • Eschatological Ethics: Future-oriented ethics based on the Kingdom of God.

    • Ethical Repercussions: Living justly, loving others, and acting mercifully.

Chapter 7 – The Good Life
  • Key Definitions:

    • Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance.

    • The Good Life: Fulfillment through virtuous living.

  • Focus Details:

    • Aristotle’s Good: Achieved by reason and living virtuously.

    • Role of Institutions: Support justice and fairness in society.

    • Relationship Between Ethics & Happiness: True happiness arises from virtuous living.

Chapter 8 – Norms for Moral Living
  • Key Definitions:

    • Norms: Standards or principles guiding behavior.

    • Natural Law: Moral principles inherent in human nature.

  • Focus Details:

    • Norms vs. Laws vs. Rules:

      • Norms: General principles.

      • Laws: Enforceable rules.

      • Rules: Specific guidelines.

    • Common Good: Benefits shared by all, like education and safety.

    • Natural Law: Acts in harmony with human nature and reason.

Chapter 16 – Marriage Matters
  • Key Definitions:

    • Covenant: Sacred agreement with God.

    • Sacramental Love: Spiritual and self-giving love.

  • Focus Details:

    • Creation Story: Man and woman are partners.

    • Indissolubility: Marriage is lifelong and unbreakable.

    • Beyond Attraction: Marriage is about mutual sacrifice, commitment, and love.

Chapter 17 – The Family
  • Key Definitions:

    • Domestic Church: Family as the first environment for faith and ethics.

    • Common Good: Families nurture ethical citizens for society.

  • Focus Details:

    • Ethical Formation: Families teach values, love, and responsibility.

    • Strong Families: Characterized by communication, trust, love, and faith.

    • Jeremiah 1:5: Human life is sacred from conception.

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