Chapter 2 Review Questions
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Define what an ethical system is.
� A structured set of principles that defines what is moral
� Characteristics
? Source of moral belief
? What we base judgments on
? Beyond judgment
� "What makes the action right or wrong in this system?"-ultimate question of what this system is right or
Discuss the differences between deontological and teleological ethical systems. Give examples of each.
Deontological ethical systems
� Concerned with the inherent nature of the act being judged
? An act that is inherently good, is still a good act even f it results in bad consequences
? Judges actions on based on one's duty
Teological ethical system
� Conc
Discuss Aristotle's beliefs about human nature.
� Aristotle (oldest ethical systems)
? By nature humans are neither good nor bad, but become so through learning habits
? People choose to behave the ways that are not virtuous
? To be good , one must do good
-Note: people possess certain virtues -geneori
Discuss the principle of the golden mean.
� Principle of the Golden mean- a virtue is the median between two extreme characteristics (being too humble or too boastful)
-understand the principle of golden mean is different golden rule(do unto others and you would do unto you)
-virtues are the midd
Discuss how to determine what is considered good under natural law ethics.
That which is natural, is good.
Describe ethical formalism.
� Deontological ethical system
� Immanuel Kant
? Individuals have an innate motivation to do what is right
� Moral worth comes from using free will to do one's duty
? Moral duty is determined by the categorical imperative
- Imperative-command (stop kickin
Discuss the principles of Kant's categorical imperative.
� Principles of Kant's categorical imperative of morality
1. Act as if what you are doing was a universal law
- ( what u consider immoral, can't make exception for urself, don't want anyone else to do)
- Example: if you didn't study and cheat on an exam,
Describe utilitarianism. What is considered good under utilitarianism?
v Teleological systems- outcomes
v Jeremy Bentham
� Human nature seeks to maximize pleasure and avoid pain
� Act to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people
answer to second question
-------� When deciding between good for an individual
Describe egoism.
� Defines the pursuit of self-interest as moral good
� Psychological egoism
? Humans are naturally egoist
� Enlightened egoism
? Objective is long-term wealth
� Puts the individual first, before anyone else, and before society.
EPE- acyronom
Issues:
? All
Differentiate between relativism, absolutism, and universalism.
� Ethical relativism
? What is good to bad changes depending on the individual or group
? No moral absolutes
? Ethics can be seen as religion, ethics of care, and utilitarianism
� Absolutism
? If something is wrong it is always wrong
? Natural law, religi
Describe situational ethics.
� Philosophical position that although there are some universal truths, different situations call for different responses
? Some actions can be right or wrong depending on situational factors
� What are the universal truths?
? No set list
? Golden rule- d
summary of all systems
� Virtue ethics-that which is virtuous
� Natural law- that which is natural
� Religion- that which conforms to God's will
� Ethical formalism-that which follows the categorical imperative
? (people are trying to be good but what r people moral duty is, we
Example of analyzing
All ethical systems struggle with objectivity and subjectivity along with respect fo thte individual and concern for society
A critical thinking example: CO working late shift, party to an assualt an innamte to teach a leson, and do you need to inmate rep