0 General Definitions

Question 1

In the study of ethics, what is another name for a person?

Answer 1

A moral agent

Question 2

Define meta-ethics.

Answer 2

The study of the nature of ethical thinking

e.g. why we act as we do

Question 3

Define normative ethics.

Answer 3

The study of the content, or underlying principles, of an ethical theory

Question 4

Define applied ethics.

Answer 4

A term used to describe the debates that arise when normative ethical theories are applied to issues that arise in practice

Question 5

What do absolutists believe?

Answer 5

• There exists a totally binding standard of right and wrong
• Religious: the standard proceeds from the mind of a supreme being
• Non-religious: the standard simply exists
• A wrong course of action = something that they are under a binding obligation not to do

Question 6

What do relativists believe?

Answer 6

• There is no absolute right or wrong, only norms of behaviour
• Morality is a response of human communities to issues of how to behave
• One may find a certain course of action wrong but it is difficult to conclude that someone else should feel the same

Question 7

Why is there some ambiguity between absolutism and relativism?

Answer 7

• Not always mutually exclusive

* e.g. moral relativists may agree on basic human values

Question 8

What is a subjective ethical theory?

Answer 8

If its truth is dependent on a person’s view

Question 9

What is an objective ethical theory?

Answer 9

If its truth is independent of a person’s view (also known as moral realism)

Question 10

Despite it being natural to link subjective to relativism, how can it be absolutist?

Answer 10

One could say that no ethical theory can be absolutist since our values stem from our own feelings; but some of these feelings are universal and ∴ apply to everyone

Question 11

What is a teleological theory?

Answer 11

Raises questions about the consequences of various actions (also known as an ethical dilemma)

Question 12

What is a consequentialist theory?

Answer 12

Explores obligation or duty and is concerned with the acts themselves, irrespective of any consequences