06/10 Comparing Ethical Frameworks Free Online FlashCards

What does consequentialism evaluate?

Consequentialism judges an action by its consequences, especially whether it produces a better overall outcome than the available alternatives.

What is the central focus of deontology?

Deontology evaluates actions through duties, rules, principles, or rights rather than only through their consequences.

What question does virtue ethics ask?

Virtue ethics asks what a morally excellent and practically wise person would do, emphasizing stable character rather than rules or outcomes alone.

How does consequentialist reasoning compare options?

A consequentialist weighs who will be affected, likely benefits and harms, their seriousness and probability, and which option yields the best overall balance.

What does it mean to treat persons as ends?

Treating persons as ends means respecting their dignity and agency instead of using them merely as tools to achieve another goal.

What role does practical wisdom play?

Practical wisdom helps determine which virtue is relevant, how strongly to express it, and how to respond when virtues conflict.

What does care ethics emphasize?

Care ethics emphasizes responsibilities arising from relationships, dependence, vulnerability, trust, empathy, and responsiveness.

What does justice-based reasoning examine?

Justice and fairness ask whether benefits and burdens are distributed fairly, whether similar cases are treated similarly, and whether relevant differences are recognized.

What is a prima facie duty?

A prima facie duty normally applies but may be overridden by a stronger duty in a particular situation.

Why is an ethical framework not a mechanical algorithm?

An ethical framework is not a mechanical algorithm; it organizes relevant considerations, but judgment remains necessary.

What is the first step in structured ethical analysis?

First state the issue as a choice involving moral values, rather than merely as a technical or legal question.

How should facts be established in ethical analysis?

Separate known facts from assumptions, and identify uncertainties, probabilities, time limits, and missing information.