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Ad hoc moralizing
Definition
A haphazard approach to ethics that relies upon different (and expedient) variables to make decisions. It mitigates against moral autonomy.
Ethics of care
Definition
Feminist theory based on interdependence of all individuals for achieving their interests, belief that those vulnerable to choices and their outcomes deserve extra consideration, and the necessity of attending to the details of the situation in order to promote the actual specific interests of those involved. The theory challenges norms of justice, balance, and neutrality, claiming that these are perspectives promulgated by males or the privileged. (See “Feminist Ethics,” “Morality of Care”)
Epistemology
Definition
Branch of philosophy that studies the origin, nature, methods, validity, and limits of human knowledge. It deals with the creation and dissemination of knowledge in particular areas of inquiry. Source: Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Hierarchy of needs
Definition
A theory about psychological motivation, posited by Abraham Maslow in 1943. It describes five tiers of needs, from top to bottom: psychological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Humans cannot move to higher levels until lower needs are met.
Libertarians
Definition
Political activists motivated by legal rights such as privacy, intrusion, libel, fair trial, etc., rather than moral rights such as dignity, well-being, peace of mind, etc. Libertarianism is normally advocated as a theory of justice in the sense of what we owe each other. Source: Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Moral imagination
Definition
Expansion of a person’s notions of right and wrong, justice, etc., especially when feelings (such as empathy) and abstract intellect are stimulated.
Moral philosophy
Definition
The study of behaviors and whether they should be classified as right or wrong; ethics.
Prima facie duties
Definition
Rules or obligations that make intuitive sense “at first glance” or “on their face.” They play a role in determining what a person ought to do in any ethical situation. Being “prima facie,” they are subject to being overridden by other duties, i.e., it is a duty to do a certain act if no conflicting act carries a greater duty. These rules are general, deeply rooted, and intuitively apparent, according to philosopher W.D. Ross. A list of seven prima facie obligations proposed by Ross: fidelity, reparation, gratitude, non-maleficence, justice, beneficence, and self-improvement. (See “Actual Duty,” “Duty Proper,” “Ross”)
Socratic method
Definition
"A technique developed by Socrates in which a teacher does not give direct information to a student but instead asks a series of questions. The student comes either to the conclusion by answering the questions or enters a deeper awareness of the original question."
Theory of justice
Definition
Theory posited by John Rawls; he calls it “justice as fairness.” It is a method of determining the morality of an issue based upon fairness for everyone in the situation. The fairness of the original agreement transfers to the principles agreed to, so that whatever laws or institutions are required by the principles of justice are also fair. The principles of justice chosen in the original position are in this way the result of a choice procedure designed to “incorporate pure procedural justice at the highest level.” Source: Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (See “Veil of Ignorance”)
Utilitarianism
Definition
Philosophy viewing that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. Associated with consequentialism, the utilitarian view holds that one ought to maximize the overall good; that is, consider the good of others as well as one’s own good. Source: Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Virtue
Definition
A disposition, habit, quality, or trait of the person or soul, which an individual either has or seeks to have.
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