Ethics 1
Moral Realism
Moral realism is a philosophical position that holds that moral facts exist independently of human beliefs, opinions, or feelings. In other words, moral realism asserts that there are objective moral truths that are true regardless of what individuals or cultures believe.
Ethical egoism
Ethical egoism is the view that people ought to do what is in their own interest.
Specific Teleology
Specific teleology refers to the idea that certain objects, organisms, or systems possess inherent purposes or goals that guide their development or behavior towards specific ends. This concept suggests that there is a predetermined aim or design inherent in nature or created entities. Specific teleology contrasts with general teleology, which posits that there is an overarching purpose or goal for the universe as a whole.
Eternal Law
Eternal law is a concept in philosophy and theology that refers to the divine order or cosmic harmony that governs the universe and all of creation. It is considered to be the ultimate source of all other laws, including natural law and divine law. Eternal law reflects the eternal and unchanging nature of God and serves as the foundation for moral and natural order.
Principle of Humanity
Kant's principle of humanity, also known as the principle of respect for persons, is a central tenet of his ethical philosophy. It states that individuals should always be treated as ends in themselves, rather than as mere means to an end. According to Kant, human beings possess intrinsic worth and dignity by virtue of their rational nature, and as such, they should never be used or exploited for the benefit of others without their consent.
Virtue (ethics)
Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the importance of moral character and virtues in guiding ethical decision-making. Rather than focusing on rules, duties, or consequences, virtue ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous traits or qualities within oneself and acting in accordance with those virtues.
Moral Relativism
Moral relativism is the view that moral judgments are true or false only relative to some particular standpoint (for instance, that of a culture or a historical period) and that no standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others.
General Teleology
General teleology refers to the belief that there is an overarching purpose or goal for the universe as a whole. It suggests that there is a grand design or plan guiding the entire cosmos towards a particular end or ultimate outcome. This concept often implies the existence of a divine or transcendent purpose underlying the existence and development of the universe.
Phronesis
Phronesis is a Greek term that roughly translates to "practical wisdom" or "practical reasoning." In philosophy, particularly in Aristotelian ethics, phronesis refers to the ability to make practical and moral judgments about how to act in particular situations.
Principle of Universalization
The principle of universalization is a key concept in Kantian ethics and is closely related to Kant's categorical imperative. It states that an action is morally permissible if and only if one can consistently will that the maxim (or principle) underlying the action be made into a universal law applicable to all rational agents in similar circumstances.
Telos
The Greek word for goal.
Deontological Ethics
Moral thinking is about the use of reason to identify duties and apply them in particular situations. What makes an action right is that it conforms to duty. What makes a person good is that he or she does right actions.
The golden mean, also known as the doctrine of the mean, is a concept originating from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly associated with Aristotle. It refers to the idea of finding the desirable middle ground between two extremes in human behavior or character traits.
Temperance
Temperance is a virtue that involves moderation, self-restraint, and self-control in one's actions, desires, and appetites. It is the ability to regulate and balance one's impulses and desires, particularly in relation to pleasures such as food, drink, and other indulgences. Temperance is often associated with the concept of the golden mean, finding the middle ground between excess and deficiency.
The Categorical Imperative
The categorical imperative is a fundamental principle in Immanuel Kant's ethical philosophy. It serves as a universal moral law that applies to all rational beings, regardless of their personal desires or circumstances. Kant formulates the categorical imperative in several ways, but one of the most well-known formulations is:
"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
Teleological Ethics
Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions to determine their moral value.
Disposition
Disposition, in metaphysics, refers to a type of property, state, or condition that sets the stage for specific behaviors or outcomes under certain circumstances. It implies a potential for a particular state or behavior to manifest, typically in response to specific conditions or stimuli.
Natural Law
Natural law is a philosophical and legal theory that posits the existence of a set of moral principles inherent in nature, discoverable through human reason. According to this theory, certain ethical principles are universally valid and binding on all people, regardless of cultural or societal differences. Natural law is believed to be objective and immutable, derived from the inherent nature of human beings and the natural order of the universe.
Aquinas was a proponent.
Prudence
Prudence is a virtue that involves the ability to make sound and wise decisions based on careful consideration of one's actions and their potential consequences. It entails practical wisdom, foresight, and judgment in navigating complex situations and making choices that promote one's well-being and the common good.
Cardinal Virtues
The cardinal virtues are a set of four primary virtues that are recognized in various philosophical and religious traditions, particularly in classical Greek philosophy and Christian theology. The four cardinal virtues are: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.
Epicuream
"Epicurean" refers to a philosophical school of thought founded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. Epicureanism emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the primary goals of life. However, this pursuit of pleasure is not hedonistic in the sense of indulging in excesses, but rather it involves seeking a state of tranquility and freedom from disturbance (ataraxia) through moderation and the cultivation of wisdom.
Character
The term "character" typically pertains to the moral dimension of a person. In Aristotle's usage, he often employed the term ēthē for character, which is linguistically connected to "ethics" and "morality" through its Latin equivalent mores.
Divine Law
Divine law refers to laws or principles believed to have been revealed by a divine source, such as God, and typically conveyed through religious scriptures or teachings. These laws are considered to be of utmost importance and are often regarded as binding on believers as a reflection of divine will. Divine law is distinct from natural law, which is based on human reason and the inherent order of the universe.
Fortitude
Fortitude, also known as courage, is a virtue that involves strength, resilience, and endurance in facing difficulties, adversity, or danger. It is the ability to confront fear, pain, or uncertainty with bravery and determination, even in the face of obstacles or opposition.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it produces the greatest amount of happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people affected by the action.