Ethical theories
What is the central concept of utilitarianism?
The central concept of utilitarianism is the principle of maximizing overall happiness or pleasure and minimizing suffering or pain.
What is the central dilemma in the "Trolley Problem"?
The central dilemma in the "Trolley Problem" is whether to take action to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it will kill fewer people, thus sacrificing one life to save many others.
What virtue is associated with fairness, honesty, and moral integrity?
Justice
Define conscience and its role in moral decision-making.
Conscience is the inner sense of right and wrong that guides moral judgment and behavior. It plays a key role in moral decision-making by serving as a moral compass, guiding individuals to act in accordance with their values and principles.
What are the stages of moral development according to Lawrence Kohlberg?
The stages of moral development according to Lawrence Kohlberg are pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality
Who is the philosopher associated with the theory of deontology?
The philosopher associated with the theory of deontology is Immanuel Kant.
Describe the ethical question posed by the "Prisoner's Dilemma."
The ethical question posed by the "Prisoner's Dilemma" revolves around whether individuals should cooperate with each other for mutual benefit or act in their self-interest, potentially leading to worse outcomes for both parties.
Explain the concept of empathy and its importance in moral development.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is important in moral development because it enables individuals to recognize and respond to the needs and suffering of others, fostering compassion and moral responsibility.
How might personal biases influence an individual's conscience?
Personal biases can influence an individual's conscience by shaping perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about right and wrong. Biases can lead individuals to interpret situations in ways that align with their pre-existing beliefs and values, potentially distorting moral judgment and decision-making.
Describe a critique of Kohlberg's theory of moral development.
One critique of Kohlberg's theory of moral development is its cultural bias, as it primarily focuses on the moral development of Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) populations, neglecting the diversity of moral values and experiences across cultures.
Explain the concept of virtue ethics and provide an example of a virtue
Virtue ethics focuses on the development of virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion, rather than specific rules or outcomes. An example of a virtue is honesty, which involves being truthful and sincere in one's actions and communication.
Provide an example of a contemporary moral dilemma related to technological advancements.
An example of a contemporary moral dilemma related to technological advancements is the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on employment, privacy, and decision-making.
Provide an example of a value that might conflict with a virtue, and how individuals might navigate such conflicts.
An example of a value that might conflict with a virtue is the value of loyalty conflicting with the virtue of honesty. In such a situation, individuals might navigate the conflict by considering the importance of each value in the context of the specific situation and determining the most ethical course of action.
Discuss the impact of peer pressure on moral decision-making and the development of conscience.
Peer pressure can influence moral decision-making by exerting social influence and shaping norms and expectations regarding acceptable behavior. It can impact the development of conscience by promoting conformity to group values and attitudes, potentially overriding individual moral judgments and inhibiting the development of independent moral reasoning.
How do cultural differences influence the development of moral reasoning?
Cultural differences influence the development of moral reasoning by shaping norms, values, and socialization practices that guide moral development. Cultural contexts provide frameworks for understanding and interpreting moral dilemmas, influencing the prioritization of values and virtues and the development of ethical perspectives and principles
Analyze how feminist ethics critique traditional ethical theories and offer alternative perspectives on moral decision-making.
Feminist ethics emphasize relationality, care, and empathy, offering alternative frameworks for moral decision-making that prioritize relationships, interconnectedness, and justice.
Discuss the ethical implications of lying to protect someone from harm.
The ethical implications of lying to protect someone from harm involve considerations of honesty, trustworthiness, and the potential consequences of deception on relationships and moral integrity.
Discuss how cultural values influence the prioritization of virtues in different societies.
Cultural values influence the prioritization of virtues in different societies by shaping norms, expectations, and ideals regarding moral character and behavior. For example, cultures that prioritize collectivism may emphasize virtues such as loyalty and harmony, while cultures that prioritize individualism may emphasize virtues such as independence and self-reliance.
Provide strategies for cultivating a strong and resilient conscience
Strategies for cultivating a strong and resilient conscience include reflecting on personal values and principles, seeking diverse perspectives and experiences, practicing empathy and compassion, critically evaluating moral dilemmas and decisions, and fostering open communication and dialogue about ethical issues.
Discuss the role of education in fostering moral development and ethical behavior.
Education plays a crucial role in fostering moral development and ethical behavior by providing opportunities for moral education, character development, and ethical reflection. Schools and educational institutions can promote moral values, critical thinking skills, empathy, and social responsibility, empowering individuals to make ethical decisions and contribute to a more just and ethical society.
Define applied ethics and provide examples of its branches.
Applied ethics is the branch of ethics concerned with the practical application of ethical principles to specific areas of human life and activity. Examples of its branches include bioethics, environmental ethics, business ethics, and medical ethics.
Explore the ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide include questions of autonomy, suffering, dignity, and the sanctity of life, as well as concerns about coercion, abuse, and the role of medical professionals in end-of-life care.
Analyze the role of compassion in addressing social injustices and promoting ethical behavior.
Compassion plays a crucial role in addressing social injustices and promoting ethical behavior by motivating individuals to recognize and respond to the suffering of others, advocate for justice and equality, and engage in actions that promote the well-being and dignity of all individuals.
Explore the ethical considerations of whistleblowing and the role of conscience in speaking out against wrongdoing.
Ethical considerations of whistleblowing include questions of loyalty, confidentiality, potential harm to individuals or organizations, and the public interest.
Analyze the impact of societal factors, such as poverty and inequality, on moral development and ethical decision-making.
Societal factors, such as poverty and inequality, can impact moral development and ethical decision-making by shaping access to resources, opportunities, and social support systems. Individuals facing socioeconomic challenges may experience increased stress, limited opportunities for moral development, and ethical dilemmas related to survival, justice, and fairness. Addressing poverty and inequality is essential for promoting equitable access to education, resources, and opportunities, thereby supporting moral development and ethical decision-making for all individuals.