Moral Philosophy Recap

What defines a deontological moral theory?

• The right action is based on duty and intentions

• The right action is based on the consequences of the action

• The right action is based on virtue

What is a categorical imperative?

• A command that presupposes a further goal or desire

• A command that ought to be followed no matter your desires

• A command that brings about the best consequences

• A command defined by its adherence to virtue

Why is breaking promises wrong according to Kant?

• Honesty is essential to leading a virtuous life

• Breaking promises tend to bring about the worst outcomes

• You cannot will everyone to break their promises because then it would not even be possible for there to be promises

• If you care for other people, you will not break your promises, and morally we ought to care for other people.

What is a maxim?

• The right action defined rationally

• The end of virtuous action

• A way to determine duty

• A principle that guides action

How is Aristotle's central moral question different from both utilitarianism and deontology?

• He asks how reason determines morality rather than calculating consequences or determining duty.

• He asks what duty is rather than what the right action is.

• He asks what the good life is rather than what morality requires us to do.

• He asks what virtue is rather than what the right action is.

What is Aristotle's 'doctrine of the mean'?

• Virtues lie in-between two vices: they are neither 'too much' nor 'too little' of something

• Virtue involves not being mean

• Virtue involves doing things for the right reasons

• Virtues involve having control over one's life

What is human beings' ergon (or function)?

• To bring about the most pleasure to everyone

• To live an honourable life

• To live life according to right reason and virtue

• To lead a life of contemplation and rational reflection