Unit 2 Moral and Phil

When Hyoi is murdered by Devine and Weston, Ransom is caught between two competing duties: (a) to stay with the body and turn himself to the hrossa to be held accountable for Hyoi's death, or (b) to make the trek to Meldilorn and to see Oyarsa as the eldil (and now Whin) commanded him. As an intuitionist, how did Ransom decide which of these two prima facie duties was his proper duty in this case, what was the process?

- As an Intuitionist, Ransom weighed the moral significance of his two competing duties: Duty A: stay with Hyoi's body and submit himself to the hrossa for accountability or Duty B: continue to Meldilorn and see Oyarsa as commanded. - Ransom resolves this conflict by recognizing that his higher duty lies in fulfilling the eldil's command to meet Oyarsa. This duty takes precedence because: 1. Meeting Oyarsa is integral to addressing the broader moral and cosmic order, including the issues caused by Weston and Devine 2. By consulting Oyarsa, Ransom believes he can better serve the collective good, rather than focusing on personal accountability for Hyoi's death. - This decision reflects the intuitionist process of weighing duties in a given context, considering both immediate and broader consequences, and trusting his moral intuition to discern which duty holds greater importance.

Acting from what motive gives an act moral worth for Kant?

- Duty An act has moral worth if it is done from duty, motivated by respect for the moral law, rather than from inclination, self interest, or any external motive

What is the only thing that can be regarded as 'good without qualification' for Kant?

- Good will. Other qualities (intelligence, courage) can be used for good or bas purposes, but a good will is unconditionally good.

Is intuitionism a universalistic or a particularistic moral theory? A formal or an intuitive moral theory?

- Intuitionism is generally a universalistic theory - Intuitionism is an intuitive moral theory.

Do aims, ends, or success impart moral worth to an action for Kant?

- No For Kant, the moral worth of an action lies in the intention (or motive) behind the action, not in its consequences or success. Morality depends on acting from duty, not achieving particular aims or ends. Therefore, they do not impart moral worth; only the motive matters

Is Kant a consequentialist? If not, what is he?

- No, Kant is a deontologist Ethics based on DUTY, not consequences.

Is virtue ethics a consequentialist or a nonconsequentialist moral theory?

- Nonconsequentialist, bc it focuses on character & virtues rather than the outcomes of actions

Which character from Out of the Silent Planet embraces Kantian deontological ethics and why think this?

- Oyarsa embraces Kantian deontological ethics. By prioritizing universal moral laws and rationality over personal inclinations or outcomes.

Is virtue ethics a perfectionistic or a formal moral theory?

- Perfectionistic, as it aims at achieving the full potential of human flourishing.

What are the primary and secondary moral questions for virtue theorists?

- Primary: What kind of person should I be to live a virtuous and flourishing life (eudaimonia)? - Secondary: What actions are consistent with the character of a virtuous person?

Ransom seems to have knowledge of the moral order which he takes very seriously (even at the risk of his own life as when he treks to Meldilorn), but by what means does he derive knowledge of his duties in each case?

- Ransom derives knowledge of his duties through a combination of moral intuition, guidance from external sources (commands from Oyarsa and the eldil), reflection and experience (developed through his interactions with the hrossa). - Ransoms deep respect for the moral order and the authority of Oyarsa drives him to risk his life, illustrating his commitment to his intuitive sense of duty, even in the face of great personal peril.

Why do we have a natural inclination towards these four goods?

- Rooted in human nature and purpose. These goods are rooted in human nature and reflect the fulfillment of our rational and moral potential. Aquinas believed that they inclinations arise bc they align with our purpose (telos) as designed by God, ensuring that we flourish individually and collectively.

How does the natural law which each species participates in incline them (i.e., the hrossa, séroni, and pfifltriggi) to embrace both the same and different goods. Be sure to know which goods are the same for all Malacandrians, and which are different?

- Shared Goods for all Malacandrians: Reverence for Maleldil (the divine lawgiver), a commitment to living in harmony with the natural order, an appreciation for life & the dignity of hnau.

Is Kantianism a universalistic or a particularistic moral theory?

- Universalistic. Applies to all rational beings

Doctrine of the Mean

- Virtue lies between excess and deficiency. The doctrine of the mean holds that virtue lies in finding the intermediate state (mean) between excess and deficiency in feelings and actions, relative to us and determin

For Ross, how does one come to decide between conflicting prima facie duties (e.g., a duty of fidelity and a duty of justice)?

- When prima facies duties conflict, Ross says we must use our moral judgment to determine which duty has greater weight in the particular situation. For instance, if the duty of fidelity ( keeping a promise) conflicts with the duty of justice (ensuring fairness), we must evaluate the context and decide which duty takes precedence. This decision is situational and cannot be reduced to a strict rule or formula.

Why think that Ransom embraces deontological intuitionism rather than Kantian deontology?

-Ethical decisions based on immediate moral awareness. Ransom's ethical framework aligns more closely with deontological intuitionism because he relies on moral intuition rather than a formal reasoning process, like Kant's categorical imperative, to discern his duties. Kantian deontology emphasizes universal, logically derived maxims (act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law). In contrast, Ransom makes ethical decisions based on an immediate and situational awareness of what is morally required, reflecting intuitionist principles. His actions show a responsiveness to the specific moral context, rather than strict adherence to abstract, universal laws.

Innateness

-Natural law principles are universally accessible. Aquinas believes that the principles of natural law are innate and universally accessible to all rational beings.

What is the three-part test which Kant uses to determine whether an action is morally right or morally wrong?

1. Formulate a maxim. 2. Universalize it. 3. Check for contradictions or undesirability

What are the two types of Aristotelian virtue?

1. Moral Virtues: related to character and emotion (courage, temperance). These are developed through habituation. 2. Intellectual virtues: related to the intellect (wisdom, understanding). These are cultivated through teaching and learning.

What are the two characteristics of the final end/highest good for Aristotle?

1. Self-sufficient: it is complete and lacks nothing, making life worth living. 2. Final: desired for its own sake, not as a means to something else

Which actions of ours have maxims?

ALL deliberate actions have maxims.

Perfect duty

Absolute obligation requiring specific actions (no lying)

According to virtue ethics how do we figure out what to do in any specific situation?

According to virtue ethics, we should act as a virtuous person would act in similar circumstances. This requires practical wisdom (phronesis) and sensitivity to the context.

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Gratitude

Acknowledging benefits received.

What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?

Act according to universalizable maxims.

Proper duty according to Ross

Actual duty acted upon after weighing/considering conflicting prima facie duties.

Perfectionistic Theory

Aims for full potential of human flourishing.

How does Aristotle define good?

Aristotle defines good as 'that at which all things aim'. Each activity or pursuit seeks some end, and the ultimate good is the end toward which all actions ultimately strive.

Universalistic theory

Assumes duties apply to all rational beings.

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Non-maleficence

Avoiding harm to others.

Subjective Happiness

Based on personal feelings or satisfaction.

What does Ross mean by saying that our prima facie duties are 'self-evident'?

By 'self-evident', Ross means that prima facie duties are understood intuitively and do NOT require proof. Once we reflect on them, their validity becomes immediately clear to a rational and mature mind. EX: the duty to keep promises or not harm others is something we can recognize as morally binding upon reflection.

Moral Virtues

Character-related virtues developed through habituation.

Inclusivist Theory

Considers whole life including relationships and community.

Eternal Law

Definition: the divine wisdom & rational order established by God, governing the entire universe & all creation. Role: it's the foundation for all other types of law (natural & human)

Natural Law

Definition: the portion of the eternal law accessible to human reason. It comprises moral principles that are universal, objective, and innate to human nature. Primary precept: 'Do good and avoid evil'. This serves as the basis for all moral reasoning.

Moral judgment

Determining weight of conflicting prima facie duties.

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Self-improvement

Developing one's abilities and virtues.

Ergon

Distinctive function of humans; rational activity of the soul, which involves reasoning and living according to reason.

What is the distinctive function or telos of humans according to the function argument?

Distinctive human function: the rational activity of the soul, which involves reasoning and living according to reason.

Primary Precept

Do good and avoid evil; basis of morality.

Pfifltriggi

Emphasize craftsmanship and physical beauty.

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Justice

Ensuring fairness in moral obligations.

What are the three components of law according to Aquinas?

Eternal Law, Natural Law, Human Law

What is the final end/highest good according to Aristotle?

Eudaimonia (happiness)

Examples of duty for Ross:

Fidelity, Reparation, Justice, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Gratitude, Self-improvement

Eudaimonia

Final end; happiness, flourishing or living well.

Hrossa

Focus on poetry and beauty in life.

Nonconsequentialist Theory

Focuses on character rather than action outcomes.

According to Foot, with what can a secular natural law theorist replace eternal law in Aquinas' system?

Foot suggests that a secular natural law theorist can replace eternal law with human nature and reason.

Is Kantianism a formal or an intuitive moral theory?

Formal. Based on principles, not feelings or intuitions.

Moral Theory

Framework for evaluating right and wrong actions.

Imperfect duty

General obligation allowing flexibility in fulfillment (helping others)

Function Argument

Good lies in performing unique human function (Ergon) well.

Secular Natural Law

Grounded in human nature and reason.

Is virtue ethics a partialist or an inclusivist moral theory?

Inclusivist, considers the whole of life & includes relationships, community, & self development

Heteronomy

Influence by external factors, undermining moral agency.

Prima facie duty

Initial moral obligation binding unless overridden by a more pressing duty in a particular situation.

Intellectual Virtues

Intellect-related virtues cultivated through teaching.

Intuitionism:

Intuitionism is a moral theory stating that moral truths are self evident and known through intuition, not reason or observation.

For who does the categorical imperative hold? To who does it apply?

It holds universally for all rational beings and applies to everyone capable of reason.

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Fidelity

Keeping promises as a prima facie duty.

Moral order

Knowledge derived from intuition and external guidance.

What does natural law theory says about the nature of law itself (i.e., its three aspects)?

Law's source: law derives from a higher rational order (divine or natural order) Laws purpose: to guide beings toward their ultimate good and proper end Law's universality: it applies universally but is known through reason & participation.

Human Law

Laws created by human authorities to apply natural law to specific contexts in society.

Objective Happiness

Living in accordance with one's purpose or function (telos), achieving eudaimonia through virtuous living

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Reparation

Making amends for past wrongs.

What is a maxim and what are its two parts?

Maxim is a principle of action with a reason (why) and an objective (what)

Virtue Ethics

Moral theory focusing on character and virtues.

What is the relationship between morality and rationality for Kant?

Morality arises from rationality. Moral laws are grounded in reason.

According to the function argument, what does objective human happiness consist in?

Objective happiness consists in actively exercising the rational faculties in accordance with virtue over a complete life. It involves both intellectual and moral virtues.

How do perfect and imperfect duties relate to the two levels of rational consistency?

Perfect duties relate to logical consistency. Imperfect duties relate to practical consistency.

Phronesis

Practical wisdom needed for virtuous action.

What are the four goods towards which Aquinas thinks we have a natural inclination?

Preservation of life, Procreation & education of offspring, Community, Knowledge & truth

Ross identifies several prima facie duties, including: Beneficence

Promoting the good of others.

Self-evident duties

Recognized intuitively without needing proof.

How do the virtues relate to the human function according to Aristotle?

Relationship to human function: virtues are the qualities that enable a person to perform their rational function excellently. They allow individuals to act in accordance w/ reason consistently.

Intuitive moral theory

Relies on direct apprehension of moral truths rather than a formalized system of principles or rules.

Shared Goods

Reverence for Maleldil and harmony with nature.

Why does Ross think that 'right' is independent of consequences and how does he try to show this?

Ross argues that the rightness of an action is NOT dependent on its consequences but fulfilling one's duty. He illustrates this by pointing out that breaking a promise is wrong even if it leads to good outcomes because it violates a moral obligation.

According to Ross, how do we come to know our duties? Is it by means of some formal reasoning process like the categorical imperative or by some other means?

Ross argues that we know our duties through INTUITION rather than a formal reasoning process like Kant's categorical imperative. He believes that we possess a moral sense that enables us to recognize prima facie duties directly, without requiring deductive reasoning or empirical evidence.

Autonomy

Self-governance according to rational moral laws.

What is the first law of natural law?

The first law of natural law is to do good and avoid evil. Underlies all other moral principles.

How can the natural law for each of the Malacandrian species can possibly differ from the other given that they all derive from the same source: the divine law of Maleldil?

The natural law differs because it is adapted to the specific nature and roles of each species. While the source (Maleldil) and the overarching moral principles are universal, the expression of these principles is contextualized by the distinct capacities and functions of each type of hnau. This reflects a harmony of diversity under a shared divine order.

Malacandrian Species

Three species with unique roles and goods.

What is the notion of universalizability in Kantian ethics?

Universalizability: a maxim must be applicable universally without contradiction to be moral.

Seroni

Value wisdom and intellectual pursuits.

How do we acquire the virtues according to virtue ethics?

Virtues are acquired through habitual practice and deliberate effort, starting with guidance and progressing toward independent moral reasoning.

Why is it important to acquire the virtues, according to Aristotle's theory?

Virtues are essential because they enable individuals to perform their function well, leading to a flourishing life (eudaimonia). Without virtues, one cannot achieve the good life.

Different Goods for Each Species: Hrossa:

emphasize poetry, storytelling, and the celebration of beauty in life's rhythms.

Pfifltriggi:

focus on craftsmanship, artistry, and the creation of physical beauty.

Natural Law Theory

human beings possess intrinsic values that govern their reasoning and behavior

Seroni:

value intellectual pursuits, wisdom, and contemplative understanding.