Foundations of Moral Character and Responsibility

From the study guide

Course Outline

  1. Etymological & character
  2. Morality & human acts
  3. Traditional & moral science
  4. Modern & creative responsibility
  5. Unqualified & absolute laws
  6. Graded & higher law
  7. Conflicting & lesser evil
  8. Ethics as norms & standards
  9. Human acts & moral accountability
  10. Situationism & love as law

1. Etymological & character

Key Concepts & Definitions

  • Etymology of Ethics: Derived from the Greek ethos, meaning custom, usage, or character; emphasizes the origin of moral principles rooted in cultural and societal habits.
  • Morality: The quality or character of human acts that determines their goodness, badness, or neutrality; often associated with the standards of right and wrong.
  • Traditional Ethics: A practical science focusing on the morality of human acts, analyzing what makes actions right or wrong based on natural law and duty.
  • Modern Ethics: A philosophical reflection centered on creative responsibility, emphasizing individual freedom, truth, and love in moral decision-making.
  • Unqualified Absolutism: The belief that multiple absolute moral laws exist and do not conflict, providing a fixed moral framework.
  • Graded Absolutism: The view that absolute laws may conflict, but higher laws take precedence, guiding moral choices in complex situations.
  • Conflicting Absolutism: The stance that absolute laws can conflict, requiring choosing the lesser evil when moral duties clash.
  • **Ethics as…
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Practice quiz preview

1. What does the term 'ethics' etymologically relate to, and what does it emphasize in its meaning?

2. What is the primary role of morality in relation to human acts?

3. How do traditional ethics and moral science differ or are similar?

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Flashcard preview

Etymology of Ethics β€” origin?

Derived from Greek *ethos*, meaning character or custom.

Morality β€” human acts?

The character of acts that determines their goodness or badness.

Traditional & moral science β€” focus?

Study of moral norms, character, and natural law guiding conduct.

Etymology of Ethics β€” meaning?

Derived from *ethos*, meaning custom or character.

Morality β€” definition?

Quality of acts that determines goodness or badness.

Traditional ethics β€” focus?

Morality of acts based on natural law and duty.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Foundations of Moral Character and Responsibility study guide cover?

It covers the core concepts of Foundations of Moral Character and Responsibility, organized by topic with the key definitions, explanations and takeaways, so it's easier to learn and remember.

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How many questions are in the Foundations of Moral Character and Responsibility quiz?

The practice quiz has 10 multiple-choice questions, each with an explanation. Use it to check what you know and find your gaps.

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How do I study Foundations of Moral Character and Responsibility with flashcards?

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