 | Term | Definition |
| |
ethical tripod |
unpack, situate, critically challenge (a cyclical process) |
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utilitarianism |
a form of consequentialism. consequences of action evaluated to the extent that the desired goal is met |
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telos |
end/goal/purpose/end/finish line |
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ethical egoism |
my personal utilitarianism. judging based on consequences of my good and harm alone |
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ethical humanitarianism |
most good, least bad, for the greatest number of people (mill and bentham) |
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plato |
metaphysical forms - untouchable goals - virtues - like justice |
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aristotle |
theoria, contemplation |
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augustine |
eudaimonia, happiness as beatific vision in union with creator God |
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descartes |
use of hyperbolic (excessive) doubt in order to establish foundation for seeking truth free of deception. hyperbolic doubt skepticism. avoid taking falsehoods for truths (method) |
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st. ignatius |
contemplation in action where nitty gritty of reality of world is embraced |
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act utilitarianism |
principle of utility applied to individual/singular acts |
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rule utilitarianism |
measure ethical actions according to general rule/maxim, not consequences of actions |
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3 objections |
can't one harm to some in order to benefit many? who/what determines the good? lower vs. higher good? |
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deontology |
duty-based obligation. rules and principles dictate and guide ethical actions. for kant, reason rules the show. appealing to the universality of rules/principles. reason guides will. |
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kant's 2 part approach |
1. act such that principle/rule can become universal law and universally applied. 2. treat others as ends in themselves, never as means to achieve ends |
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john locke |
1600s. broader in deontological scope. argues from natural rights as endowed, in alienable. |
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john rawls |
a theory of justice (1972) operating as if behind a "veil of ignorance". fair to all, no special concessions made to some over others. |
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4 questions to pose |
1. are the rules fair to all people? 2. do the rules withstand time/custom/fad? 3. is respect given to all? 4. is equality necessarily a 50/50 arrangement? |
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aretaic virtue ethics |
aristotle 384 bce. "excellence" "function" (e.g. use the best tool, lawnmower, to cut grass on Eddie's, not scissors |
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character formation |
does it matter what kind of people and life we are and lead with others in the world? where the real metaphysical inside our physical body takes shape. |
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the accepted lie |
1. ethics is about big business and issues of global economic significance. 2. my little ethical domain is not that significant a concern. 3. Therefore, i should not be held accountable for either praise or blame |
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hegal |
the true ethical dilemma is not between a right and a wrong, but rather two rights |
| Add or remove terms from this set |
