Moral Philosophy Notes

Moral Philosophy: Study of right and wrong, focusing on moral values and principles.

Moral Status: Determines the moral quality of an act.

• Categories include:

• Obligatory: Must be performed.

• Permissible: Allowed but not required.

• Forbidden: Should not be performed.

Types of Rightness:

• Obligatory: Must do (e.g., help someone in danger).

• Permissible: Can choose (e.g., attending social events).

• Forbidden: Should not do (e.g., stealing).

Virtue Concepts: Traits associated with moral behavior.

• Positive Traits: Courageous, virtuous, kind, altruistic.

• Negative Traits: Cowardly, vicious, cruel, selfish.

Moral Factors: Relevant facts affecting moral status.

• Examples: life saved, relationship, context, personal risk.

Moral Principles: General rules explaining how moral factors interact to determine moral status.

Instructor Responsibilities: Engaging lectures, clear explanations, preparing students for assignments.

Student Responsibilities: Attend, engage, respect peers, ask questions if uncertain.