Chapter 13 - Notes- 002710960
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Georgia State University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1010
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by CommodoreMusicQuail32
Notes: Chapter 13 – Critical Thinking and Morality
If we are to be intellectually mature, we also must try to integrate the results of these moral analyses and deliberations into a comprehensive picture of reality, what is known as a __
worldview
_________________, … [which is] a philosophy of life, a set of beliefs and theories that helps us make sense of a wide range of issues in life. It defines for us what exists, what should be, and what we can know. We all have a worldview, and our notions about morality are an important part of it. A good critical thinker tries to ensure that his or her worldview contains no internal ____
contradictions
__________________ and that it offers reliable guidance in dealing with the world.
Moral Arguments
Moral arguments, however, differ from nonmoral ones in that their conclusions are __
moral
___________ statements, … [which are] statements asserting that an action is right or wrong (moral or immoral) or that something (such as a person or motive) is good or bad.
The standard moral argument is a mixture of moral and nonmoral statements. At least __
one
____ premise is a moral statement that asserts a general moral principle or moral standard. At least __
one
_____ premise makes a nonmoral claim. And the conclusion is a __
moral
________ statement, or judgment, about a particular case (usually a particular kind of action). Write your own example of a moral argument. Don’t use the examples provided in the textbook. Do not discriminate other races. Moral Premises
As noted in previous chapters, accurately assessing the truth of nonmoral premises depends mostly on your knowledge of the subject matter, including the results of relevant scientific research, the analyses of reliable experts, and the content of your background information. Gauging the truth of moral premises (moral principles)
mostly involves examining the support they get from three sources: (1) other moral principles
, (2) moral theories
, and (3) considered moral judgement .
In your own words, explain the meaning of the three things you listed above.
1. Moral principles guarantee that society lives according to certain guidelines by ensuring that things are done correctly.
2. Moral theories clarify what constitutes good and wrong in various contexts. The method it uses clarifies the best way to handle ethical dilemmas and provides the foundation for judging what is good and wrong.
3. When someone makes a moral judgment, they determine whether something or someone is good or evil. It entails drawing boundaries between what is ethically acceptable and unfavorable as well as between good and bad.
Moral Theories
As we have seen, theories of morality are attempts to explain what makes an action __
right
________ or what makes a person or motive __
good
__________. They try to specify what all right actions and all good things have in common. As such, they can give __
support
___________, ____
guidance
___________, or ____
validation
____________ to our moral decision making, shaping our moral principles, judgments, and arguments. Interestingly enough, we all have a _____
moral theory
______________. Whether we articulate it or not, we all have some kind of view of what makes actions right or persons good. Even the notion that there is no such thing
as right or wrong is a moral theory. Even the idea that all moral theories are worthless or that all moral judgments are subjective, objective, relative, or meaningless is a moral theory. The critical question, then, is not whether you have a moral theory but whether the theory you have is _____
a good one
_______________________.
Evaluating Moral Theories
All moral theories are not created __
equally
____________. Some theories are _____
better
___________ than others. In your own words, explain the following criteria of adequacy for moral theories
:
Consistency with considered moral judgments: Our moral theory is influenced by moral evidence. Given that specific evidence may be accepted or rejected as a result of moral philosophy.
Consistency with our experience of the moral life: Possessing a steady foundation of information. experiencing moral discussions, moral conflicts, and similar situations.
Workability in real-life situations: Need to be capable of finding solutions to issues like moral decision-making. A moral theory should be able to direct your behavior and provide support to others in certain circumstances.
Two Important Theories In your own words, explain how utilitarianism
decides whether an action is morally right or wrong. Then say how it fairs on each of the three criterion of adequacy. The straightforwardness and inclusivity of utilitarianism in situations where consequences are important are its main advantages. According to this ethical theory, an action is morally justified if it maximizes happiness or pleasure for the largest number of individuals while reducing pain or suffering for the fewest number of persons. Evaluation of Consistency with Common Moral Judgments:
When the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering are universally desired, utilitarianism may be consistent with accepted moral judgments. It falls short, nevertheless, in situations where morally dubious acts are permissible if they increase enjoyment in general.
Because utilitarianism depends on foreseeing the future and estimating the possible results of every course of action, it has certain difficulties with determinacy. Accurately calculating this may be challenging, particularly when the results of a decision are unclear.
It disregards people's rights and may result in the minority being sacrificed in order to benefit the majority. It lacks impartiality as a result.
In your own words, explain how Kantian Ethics
decides whether an action is morally right or wrong. Then say how it fairs on each of the three criterion of adequacy. According to Kantian Ethics, an action's morality is determined by how closely it adheres to a universal moral rather than by the results of the activity. Despite being unbiased and consistent, it could need some interpretation and application of reason, and it might ignore the larger social context in which acts are carried out.
Consistency with Common Moral Judgments
:Since Kantian Ethics places a strong emphasis on values like honesty, it is consistent with accepted moral beliefs. However, it may deviate when it gives greater weight to the purpose of an action than to its results, which might result in various moral judgments and conclusions. Consistency with Moral Experience:
The moral experiences of Kantian Ethics highlight the significance of treating individuals with dignity. However, it fails to convey the intricacy of circumstances in which taking outcomes into account may occur. Value in Resolving Moral Issues:
A methodical and understandable framework for moral decision-making based on universal principles is offered by Kantian ethics. However, it could demand moral precepts without taking the situation into account.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help