PHL283H5 Chapter Notes -Cincinnati, Light-Year, Hypothetical Imperative
Document Summary
Morality concerns beliefs regarding morally right and wrong actions and morally good or bad persons or character. Ethics seeks to know whether an action is right or wrong, what moral standards should guide our conduct. Universality moral norms have universality: moral principles or judgments apply in all similar situations. E. g. if it is wrong to tell a lie in a particular circumstance, then it is wrong for everyone in similar circumstances to tell a lie. Autonomy (self-governance or self-determination) the ability to direct one"s own life and choose for oneself. Autonomous persons have intrinsic worth because they have the power to make rational decisions and moral choices. They therefore must be treated with respect, which means not violating their autonomy by ignoring or thwarting their ability to choose their own paths or make their own decisions. Beneficence we should do good to others. actively promote the wellbeing of others and prevent or remove harm to them.
