Unit 1: Introduction to Ethics

What is the best description of the critical reasoning that is involved in doing Ethics?

• Following one's true feelings

• Consulting the law of the land

• Constantly re-examining right and wrong as we face new situations

• Observing the norms of those around us

What is correct about the definition of subjective truth?

• Subjective truth is true for all people at all times.

• Subjective truth is based on personal experience

• You can prove subjective truth wrong

• Relativism is NOT based on subjective truth.

1. What stance does the “What is Ethics?” article from Santa Clara University take on law?

• 1. Laws are carefully created according to the highest moral standards; therefore, law is the same as Ethics 

• 1. There is no connection between Law and Ethics; we should not follow Laws if we wish to live ethically. 

• 1. Laws sometimes reflect Ethical standards; however, there are also many cases of unethical Laws and, therefore, Law is not the same as Ethics.

• 1. You must always follow the Law.

1. All of the following are true about Ethics except:

• 1. Ethics describes how the world ought to be.

• 1. Ethics has an end point, which happens when one has mastered ethical principles.

• 1. Ethics are often grounded in communal standards of right and wrong.

• 1. Ethics involves constant reflection throughout one’s life.

1. All of the following statements are true according to the Santa Clara University article entitled “What is Ethics?” EXCEPT: 

• 1. When law conflicts with feeling, we must choose feeling because it comes from within.

• 1. Sometimes doing what is right can feel uncomfortable initially, but this should not discourage us from choosing what is right.

• 1. Our feelings can lead us to do what is wrong; for example, the feeling of anger, if not controlled, can lead to hurting others.

• 1. Feelings change, and something that changes easily does not always dictate what is right.

1. The belief that there are no moral rules that apply to all cultures or all people is called _.

Which statement correctly represents the perspective of our textbook?

• 1. Relativism is necessary for the study of Ethics because it is the only approach that respects different perspectives.

• 1. Relativism allows us to make universal moral claims about what is right or wrong, which is the foundation of all Ethical discussion.

• 1. Relativism is dangerous to Ethics because it refuses to recognize that circumstances matter.

• 1. Relativism is a threat to the study of Ethics because it does not allow us to create any objective definition of right and wrong that we can discuss, debate, and reflect on.

1. What is true of relativism?

• 1. Under relativism, moral truth is objective.  In other words, what is right or wrong is not a matter of personal opinion.

• 1. Relativism believes that moral truth is subjective; therefore, what is right or wrong is up to each individual to define.  No one is wrong in their definition.

1. Relativism claims that (1) there are no moral principles that apply to everyone and (2) it is wrong for anyone to judge another person. The author calls these claims _______.

• impracticable

• spiritual

• objective

• self-contradictory

The author states that relativism asks us to hold attitudes that no one could carry out, such as condoning genocide or stating that the same action is both right and wrong at the same time (since there are no moral rules). He calls this __________.

• impracticable

• a growth mindset

• a liberal perspective

• objectivity