ETH201 Important Terms

ETH201

1. Ethics

The study of what is right or good in human conduct, derived from the Greek word ethos meaning character. Ethics explores moral principles that govern behavior.

2. Moral Philosophy

Also called ethics, it deals with questions of morality—what is right or wrong, good or evil—and seeks to provide a systematic approach to understanding these concepts.

3. Axiology

The study of values, including ethics and aesthetics, focusing on what is considered valuable or desirable.

4. Right

A concept tied to rules or principles; actions are considered "right" if they conform to moral laws or ethical standards.

5. Good

Refers to something valuable or desirable for an end, often tied to moral principles, outcomes, or ideals.

6. Summum Bonum

Latin for "the highest good," it refers to the ultimate end or purpose that human actions strive to achieve.

7. Normative Ethics

A branch of ethics that investigates the set of questions that arise when considering how one ought to act morally.

8. Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that proposes actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people.

9. Kantianism

An ethical theory developed by Immanuel Kant, focusing on duty, moral laws, and the categorical imperative, which asserts that one should act only according to principles that can be universalized.

10. Moral Standards

The principles or criteria used to judge the rightness or wrongness of actions.

11. Conduct

Refers to human actions and behaviors, particularly in the context of their moral or ethical implications.

12. Virtue

A quality of moral excellence, righteousness, or goodness. Examples include honesty, courage, and compassion.

13. Will

The ability to make conscious choices or decisions, often central to moral responsibility.

14. Moral Judgments

Decisions or opinions about what is right or wrong based on moral standards or principles.

15. Epistemology

The branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge, including moral knowledge.

16. Ontology

The branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature of being and existence.

17. Metaphysics

A branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality and existence, often addressing abstract concepts like being and the universe.

18. Sociology of Ethics

The study of how moral values, norms, and systems evolve and function within societies.

19. Aesthetics

The study of beauty and art, often overlapping with ethics when considering the moral implications of art and beauty.

20. Conscience

An inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's actions and judgments.

21. Moral Sense

A natural feeling or intuition that helps individuals differentiate between right and wrong.

22. Law of Nature

Moral principles believed to be universal and inherent in human nature, often used in ethical reasoning.

23. Categorical Imperative

Immanuel Kant's concept of an unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings and is independent of personal desires.

24. Moral Reason

The capacity to think logically and consistently about moral issues and to apply ethical principles in decision-making.

25. Intuitionism

The ethical theory that moral truths are known intuitively, without the need for empirical evidence or reasoning.

26. Applied Ethics

The practical application of ethical principles to specific real-life issues, such as business ethics or bioethics.