Someone who believes that an action is right or wrong based upon the society in which it occurs
100
What is Virtue Ethics?
Describes the character of the moral agent as the driving force of ethical behavior
Emphasizes character as opposed to rules and principles
100
From what two Greek words does "Deontology" come from?
deon = duty logos = science
"Science of duty (obligation)"
100
What is utilitarianism?
The right thing to do is the action which determines the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people
100
How would a Virtue Ethicist analyze the action of lying?
Lying can be made on a case-by-case basis, considering what the decision says about one's character
200
What is hedonism?
The philosophy which is devoted to pleasure and sensual indulgence
200
Name the most prominent Virtue Ethicist. Dates and birthplace.
Aristotle 384-322 BC Stagira, Greece
200
Deontology places emphasis on what?
Ethical principles or duties; laws which determine the rightness or wrongness of an action
200
Name the most prominent Utilitarian. Dates and birthplace.
John Stuart Mill 1806 - 1873
London, England
200
How would a deontologist analyze the action of lying?
Lying is always wrong
300
What is the difference between ethical rules and ethical principles?
Rules are specific and enforceable
Principles are general directives
300
What is the Doctrine of the Mean?
The correct of an action lies somewhere in the middle of two extremes
Courage is the mean between the excess of foolhardiness and the deficiency of cowardliness
300
Name the most prominent deontologist. Dates and birthplace.
Immanuel Kant 1724-1804
Konigsburg, Prussia
300
How does Mill describe the happy life?
A life free from pain and as rich as possible in enjoyments
300
How would a Utilitarian analyze the action of lying?
Lying is okay if it benefits more people than it harms
400
What is the second oldest building in Reading?
Trinity Lutheran Church
400
What is the Ancient Greek word for happiness? How is it defined?
Eudaimonia "having a good spirit"
400
What is a maxim?
A general rule of conduct or behavior
For example, "Always tell the truth" or "Do not overcharge customers"
400
How was Utilitarianism a radical theory?
One reason was that in calculating happiness everyone's happiness was equal
400
What is the Kantian Good Will?
Nothing can possibly be conceived in the world, or even out of it, which can be called good without qualification, except the good will.
500
How tall is the spire?
203 Feet
500
According to Aristotle, what is true happiness?
Happiness was not a matter of shirt-term joy
True happiness requires a longer life
500
What test does Kant apply to decide whether a maxim should be followed or not?
The test of universalization
Does it work in every situation
500
What is the Felicific Calculus?
Method for calculating happiness
First, work out how much pleasure an action will bring. Subtract any units of pain. What you are left with is the happiness value.
500
BONUS:
What is the great chain of Greek Philosophers?