Journal 5
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School
San Jacinto Community College *
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Course
2316
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by BarristerFishPerson590
Hilaria Heather Dominguez
Professor Joselito Coquilla
PHIL 1302-312 M
28 November 2022
Journal 5
1.
Describe ethical egoism as consequentialist ethics, its justification in psychological
egoism? Describe how human nature influenced the mind of ethical egoists?
A theory in ethics that promotes the interest of the self.
Ethical egoism
claims that I morally
ought to perform some action if and only if and because performing that action maximizes my
self-interest.
If the consequences of the act are beneficial to oneself, then that is good or right.
Hobbes, the founder of psychological egoism, said human is by nature selfish. This is how the
justification of ethical egoism. Many ethicists argue that this ethical theory is easy to follow
because it is very close to human nature.
2.
Compare Thomas Hobbes vs. Ayn Rand's resolution to the conflict of interests in this
ethical theory.
When everyone is selfish, will there be a possible conflict of self-interest? How to resolve
conflict?
A.
Thomas Hobbes’ Solution - each individual, must surrender their rights to the strong
central government, which could regulate our selfishness.
B.
Ayn Rand’s Solution – it is not the central government that can regulate our selfishness.
Instead, it is the maximum exercise of individual freedom to regulate others’ freedom.
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3. Describe the meaning of utilitarianism as consequentialist ethics, its justification in the
utility principle of human nature? Describe what is in human nature that influenced
utilitarian to think as the basis for right or wrong.
Utilitarianism: this is an ethical theory that
provides the greatest number of people
. This is also
called the principal theory. This theory wants the consequence of the act much benefit others.
The foundation of this theory is found in human nature as well. Seeking happiness or pleasure
and avoiding pain. This is easy to follow because it is closest to our human nature.
4. Compare act utilitarianism vs rule utiliarianism? which one provides long-term vs short
term happiness. (Watch the video to understand the difference).
Comparing the act of utilitarianism vs. rule utilitarianism, In the act of utilitarianism, we have to
choose an action that would provide the greatest pleasure of the greatest number. While rule
utilitarianism is to choose a rule or establish/promulgate a policy that will provide the greatest
pleasure to the greatest number. Another definition and comparison are that
the act utilitarian
considers only the results or consequences of the single act, while the rule utilitarian considers
the consequences that result from following a rule of conduct.
5. What is the Natural Law ethical theory? What is the foundation or ethical ground of this
theory? Ethical grounding means --is man's nature as the basis for this theory? or is it God
the creator as the basis for right or wrong?
Natural law is a theory in ethics that demands obedience to the plan of God in the universe.
Looking at creation is there a natural thing that needs to be respected. Trees need soil,
fish need
water, and humans need food, drink, and sleep.
Natural law is
a theory in ethics and philosophy
that says that human beings possess intrinsic values that govern their reasoning and behavior.
Natural law maintains that these rules of right and wrong are inherent in people and are not
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created by society or court judges. -- We need to respect the idea of God, also known as eternal
law. This ethical theory is from the eternal law of God demanding each of us to use our reason to
respect God’s creation – this becomes a moral law.
6. Give at least two examples of moral issues that violate natural law ethical theory?
Describe each and why is there a violation based on the ethical
groundings?
smoking cigarettes introduces known carcinogenic compounds which cause DNA mutation and
cancers to form in the bronchi and lungs. Smoking is thus an example of an action that “violates
natural law,” an action that stimulates certain laws of nature to produce undesirable
consequences. Another example of a law that violates natural law is the death sentence or capital
punishment, which I've read is mostly done in China. This is done to people who committed
grave sins such as murder, adultery, and rape; looking at it applying human law, practically, it is
considered the right thing to do.
7. What is Kant’s Duty ethics as a deontological ethical theory? What is the basis or ethical
grounding of this theory?
Duty ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes the right thing to be done no matter what due to
obligation, not by inclination. Even if the person does not like doing it the person must comply.
Duty-based ethics
teaches that some acts are right or wrong because of the sorts of things they
are, and people have a duty to act accordingly, regardless of the good or bad consequences that
may be produced. Some kinds of actions are wrong or right in themselves, regardless of the
consequences. This is called CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE it is doing what is called by duty,
unconditional. We call this Goodwill.
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8. Describe the "universality" principle as the first maxim of this theory? What does it
mean by being universal in my acting? (cf video on Categorical imperative crash course to
understand this concept?)
Maxims are principles that guide our actions. Universality is the first maxim -
think of an action
that it will become a universal law. All humans must be seen as inherently worthy of respect and
dignity, and
all morality must stem from such duties: a duty based on a consequences such as
pain or pleasure are irrelevant.
9. What is virtue ethics of Aristotle? Why is this also called "character building" moral
theory different from other theories?
Virtue ethics is a philosophy developed by Aristotle and other ancient Greeks. It is
the quest to
understand and live a life of the moral character. This character-based approach to morality
assumes that we acquire virtue through practice. It is called a character-building moral theory
because it is a more responsible ethical theory that aims to develop particular character or
personality traits thought to be amenable to good practice. Such traits are common part of ethical
parlance, including honesty, courage, and empathy. -- An ethical theory that develops moral
virtues or a virtuous person. It is a character of a person we try to develop. This kind of ethical
theory is different from all other ethical theories because it is not about what to act; instead it is
about what to become. In other words, this is a character-building theory. The starting point is to
develop a good habit. To develop a good habit a person must repeat and be consistent of the habit
they want to develop.
-- Becoming a good person is better than doing good things. Having a
good character is better than doing good things.
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10. Explain the goal of this ethical theory, eudaimonia? How to achieve eudaimonia?
Discuss "arete" as a way to eudaimonia? what does "arete" mean in building ethical
behavior?
Eudaimonia is
the highest human good, the only human good that is desirable for its own sake
(as an end in itself) rather than for the sake of something else (as a means toward some other
end). – IT IS THE EXPERIENCE OF FULFILLNESSS OR WELL BEING WHEN WE
ACHIEV HIGHEST CHARACTER OF GOOD PERSON. Eudaimonia was achieved
through
living virtuously
– or what you might describe as being good. This doesn't guarantee
'happiness' in the modern sense of the word. In fact, it might mean doing something that makes
us unhappy, like telling an upsetting truth to a friend. Virtue is moral excellence. Basically, well-
being (eudaimonia) is gained by proper development of one's highest and most human
capabilities, and human beings are "the rational animal". It follows that
eudaimonia for a human
being is the attainment of excellence (areté) in reason.
Arete
.
Usually translated as “virtue,” this
important term means something more akin to “excellence.”
Arete can be used to refer not only
to a person's moral or intellectual virtues but to any other kind of excellence, be it the fitness of
an athlete or even the sharpness of a knife.
-END-
Thank You Prof. Coquilla for sharing your knowledge and wisdom in our Philosophy class.
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