Ch 7

Principle of Falsibility

Truly scientific theories must always be possible refutation if new disconfirming data are discovered

Psychological egoism

View that we are compelled by our psychological makeup always to pursue our self-interest above all else (Hobbes)

Hypothetical Imperative

a commandment of reason that applies only conditionally. Kant divides hypothetical imperatives into two subcategories: the rules of skill and the counsels of prudence. The rules of skill are conditional and are specific to each and every person to which the skill is mandated by.

Fascistic Hedonism

a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism

Categorical Imperative

an unconditional moral obligation that is binding in all circumstances and is not dependent on a person's inclination or purpose.

Thrasymachus

being unfair is often what is best for an individual

Contractualism

beliefs about the violation of written (or unwritten) laws

Appetitive

characterized by a natural desire to satisfy bodily needs

Spirited

full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination

Moral egoism

it is always moral to act in a manner that benefits self-interest

Dikaiosyne

justice; giving what you deserve; giving others what is due to them

Morality

motivation based on ideas of right and wrong

Hedonism

self indulgence; pleasure-seeking

Rational person

someone with well-defined goals who tries to fulfill those goals as best as he or she can

Platonic

spiritual; theoretical

Kantianism

the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher born in Königsberg, Prussia

Kant's theory

Bases Moral right and wrong on self derived,universal, moral duties, determined through reason

Altruism

Behaviors that benefit other people and for which there is no discernable extrinsic reward, recognition, or appreciation.

Bentham

British philosopher, jurist, and social reformer. He is regarded as the founder of modern utilitarianism. Bentham defined as the "fundamental axiom" of his philosophy the principle that "it is the greatest happiness.

Natural law ethics

Doing what comes naturally. Definition: A person is acting morally when they act in accord with the nature of reality. For example, a lie is bad because it is opposed to that which corresponds to reality. By understanding the nature of reality a person can better understand what is right and wrong.

Arête

Excellence

Rational

FUNDAMENTAL REASON

Metaethics

A culture's fundamental values are its: The study of moral theory and the meaning of moral terms and statements

Virtue Ethics

A perspective that goes beyond the conventional rules of society by suggesting that what is moral must also come from what a mature person with good "moral character" would deem right. Morals are internal

Utilitarianism

A theory associated with Jeremy Bentham that is based upon the principle of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number." Bentham argued that this principle should be applied to each nation's government, economy, and judicial system.