Moral Theory
An explanation of what makes an action right or what makes a person or thing good. It is also defined as using moral data in a type of structure or the nature of rightness. Ex: what it means for a human life to be going well.
Theories of Value
Moral theory concerned with the goodness of persons or things.
Theories of Obligation
Moral theory concerned with the rightness and wrongness of actions.
Moral Code
A set of moral rules
Consequentialist
What makes an action right is its consequences. (the amount of good it produces)
Non-consequentialist
The rightness of an action does NOT depend entirely on its consequences. (depends on the nature of the action itself)
Utilitarianism
The morally right action is the one that produces the most favorable balance of good over evil, everyone considered. (Consequentialist)
Act-Utilitarianism
Morally right actions are those that directly produce the greatest overall good, everyone considered. (Consequentialist).
Rule-Utilitarianism
Morally right actions are the ones covered by a rule that if generally followed would produce the most favorable balance of good over evil for oneself. (Consequentialist).
Ethical Egoism
A theory asserting that the morally right action is the one that produces the most favorable balance of good over evil for oneself. (Consequentialist).
Categorical Imperative
An imperative that we should follow regardless of our particular want and needs; also, the principle that defines Kant's ethical system. (Non-Consequentialist).
Kant's Theory
A theory asserting that the morally right action is the one done in accordance with the categorical imperative. (Non-Consequentialist).
Natural Law Theory
A theory asserting that the morally right action is the one that follows the dictates of nature. (Non-Consequentialist).
Divine Command Theory
A theory asserting that the morally right action is the one that God commands. (Non-Consequentialist).
Criterion 1: Consistency with Considered Judgment
A theory meant to explain an epidemic.
Criterion 2: Consistency with Our Moral Experiences
A theory consistent with moral background knowledge.
Criterion 3: Usefulness in Moral Problem Solving
A theory that must be useful; it must solve moral problems in real life situations. If it didn't work in the past it won't work in the future.
Judgements
Weigh moral theories against considered moral judgements.
Considered Moral Judgements
Every person is considered equal.
Reflective Equilibrium
Where moral theories and considered moral judgements fit closely together.
Consequentialism
What makes an action right is its consequence. Ex: Hitting is wrong because you wouldn't want to be hit yourself.
Non-Consequentialism
What determines an actions rightness or wrongness is its nature or form. Ex: You don't hit because you just don't do it.
Altruism
Giving of yourself, motive behind
Psychological Egoism
The view that the motive for all our actions is self interest, what we do we do to promote our own welfare. We have evolved to behave selfish.
Descriptive Theory
We behave necessarily selfishly on all occasions, has been rejected by philosophers. Ex: We cannot help but to behave selfishly.
Quantitative Theorist
Uses the units of happiness vs. units of pain to determine whether an action is morally right or wrong. The threshold of pain and pleasure.
Ethical Hedonist
Singer, belief that pleasure has value, pain has disvalue
Utility Principle
(Utilitarianism) The morally best (or better) alternative is that which produces the greatest (or greater) net utility, where utility is defined in terms of pleasure or happiness. (something is good if it produces the most pleasure and happiness for the m