Chapter 1-7: Introduction to Ethical Theories (Vocabulary Flashcards)

The role of ethical theories

Theories articulate principles to guide moral/ethical decisions; morality and ethics are treated as interchangeable terms.
Principles grounded in theories serve as standards to evaluate actions and policies.
Theories explain and justify actions, helping determine if actions are right or wrong.
Grounding in reason and relevant evidence is essential for justification.

Rational persuasion, based on logic, proof, evidence, and doubt, is the basis of justification.
Justifications must undergo continual methodical analysis for correction and improvement.
Theories can evolve over time and avoid becoming stale.
This rational, evidence-based approach distinguishes ethical theory from religious precepts.

Religion often relies on faith as the basis for justification, which may involve belief without evidence.
Appeals to faith or nonnatural factors are not considered necessary or legitimate for satisfying the theory or actions.

Subjective belief: beliefs tied to the individual’s perspective, feelings, and desires; can be meaningful but may involve unverifiable commitments.
Example:
- What is your favorite color? Purple is my favorite color. (subjective belief)
Objective truth: truths about the world that are verifiable via reasoning and empirical methods; not dependent on personal beliefs.
Objective truths are those that can be demonstrated, tested, and verified by all.
Ethical theories aim to apply objective truths to evaluate right vs wrong.
These truths are independent of faith, bias, or culture if they are rationally verifiable.

Mathematics as an illustration of objective truth: 2+2=4 can be verified logically and empirically.
- Logically: doubling two equals four.
- Empirically: counting four objects confirms the result.
Counterexample (objective falsehood): 2+2=5 is not verifiable logically or empirically and is false for everyone.
Objective truths bind us and can be used to judge actions as right or wrong.

No single ethical theory is comprehensively correct due to human complexity and changing reality.
Theories remain useful because they contain objective truths and support rational, bias-free reasoning.
Reasoning and objective truths are universal, transcending faith, culture, or creed.
Since no theory covers all cases, it is important to be schooled in several theoretical approaches.
The course aims to expose you to multiple theories for a well-rounded understanding.