Absolutism.

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  • Created by: rachel
  • Created on: 05-03-13 18:27
What is moral absolutism?
The view that what is right or wrong does not vary from one person or situation to another.
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What are moral absolutes?
Universal rules that apply consistently to all people at all times & in all places.
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How do moral absolutes make decision making easy?
It provides a single correct answer to any moral dilemma. - Strict absolutists argue that if an action is wrong in one situation, it is wrong in all situations.
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Give an example of a moral absolute.
Kant always forbade lying.
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If order to be absolutist, an ethical theory must be objective. What does this mean & what advantage does it have?
Rules & principles are not based on peoples opinions which vary, but upon some independent standard of fixed point. This allows there to be moral rules that apply universally, regardless of peoples attitudes towards them.
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What do Absolutists argue that there must be behind moral values & rules? Give an example.
A universal source of authority. e.g. For christians, God is their universal source of authority behind moral values & rules - as creator of the wole world his judgements apply to all.
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What can absolutist theories do other than give general principles e.g. love thy neighbour? Give an example of this.
They can show us how to work out specific rules. Example: NL argues that we just live in line with the purpose for which God created us. By examining our inclinations, we arrive at the primary precepts. We can then use these to find secondary precept
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Are absolutist theories teleological or deontological?
Deontological.
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Describe a deontological theory.
Deontological theories look back & judge the act itself or the intention behind it - no matter what the consequences may be.
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Give an example of a deontological theory aimed at homosexuality.
NL considered homosexual relationships to be intrinsically wrong; this is, wrong in itself regardless of the consequences. So no matter how much happiness it would bring or how much suffering it would prevent, it would still be wrong.
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Is NL an example of a teleological or deontological theory? Why?
Deontological. Because, as well as judging the act itself, it judges the intention behind it again, without taking the consequences into account.
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Give an example of a deontological theory aimed at a man poisoning his wife.
If a man tried to poison his wife, his action is considered evil, whether it poisoned her or not. This would be the case even if it had the unexpected effect of making her happier.
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Card 2

Front

What are moral absolutes?

Back

Universal rules that apply consistently to all people at all times & in all places.

Card 3

Front

How do moral absolutes make decision making easy?

Back

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Card 4

Front

Give an example of a moral absolute.

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

If order to be absolutist, an ethical theory must be objective. What does this mean & what advantage does it have?

Back

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