MIDTERMS

• Is it justifiable to let go of some rights for the benefit of the majority according to the greatest happiness principle?

  It is a matter of ethical debate whether sacrificing some rights for the majority's happiness is justifiable.
• What happens when legal rights are not morally justified according to the greatest happiness principle?

  These rights need neither be observed nor respected.
• What does Mill suggest about following unjust laws?

  Mill suggests it is morally permissible to not follow or even violate unjust laws.
• How does Mill view protests against morally objectionable government policies?

  He views such protests as morally obligatory actions.
• What does Mill think about enduring legal punishments for civil disobedience?

  He thinks it is commendable to endure such punishments for promoting a higher moral good.
• What are the extenuating circumstances Mill provides regarding moral rights?

  Some moral rights can be overridden for the sake of greater general happiness.
• What does the principle of utility imply about actions?

  It implies that actions may be justified if they produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
• In what situation might it be considered a duty to steal according to Mill's principles?

  It may be a duty to steal food or medicine to save a life.
• How does Mill view moral rights and justice?

  He views them as not absolute but justified by their consequences in promoting the greatest good.
• What are the three elements of human acts according to Natural Law?

  • Means or action
  • End / Intention or motive
  • Circumstances
• How can circumstances affect moral questions?

  Circumstances can influence moral questions by considering 'who', 'when', 'how much', or 'in what manner'.
• What is the Principle of Double Effect?

  It is used to judge the moral acceptability of an act that has both a good and an evil effect.
• What are the four conditions of the Principle of Double Effect?

  1. The action is good in itself or at least indifferent.
  2. The good effect must come first or at least simultaneously with the evil effect.
  3. The good effect must be intended.
  4. There must be a proportionately grave reason for the evil effect to happen.
• What does 'natural' refer to in the context of human goals and values?

  'Natural' refers to goals and values that are innate and not freely selected by individuals or communities.
• How does Aquinas view human nature and morality?

  Aquinas believes human nature does not change, and basic morality remains constant.
• What is Aquinas' view on the relationship between natural law and divine commands?

  Aquinas believes divine commands do not contradict natural law but rather further and develop it.
• What does Aquinas say about the moral life?

  Aquinas states that the moral life is lived according to reason.
• How does Aquinas view acts such as homosexuality and contraception?

  Aquinas considers these acts to be immoral actions.
• What is the ideal purpose of sex according to Aquinas?

  The ideal purpose of sex is for reproduction within the confines of marriage.
• What is the Catholic Church's stance on sexual acts not aimed at procreation?

  The Church considers such acts to be unnatural, sinful, and immoral.
• How does Aquinas relate human nature to sexual intercourse?

  Aquinas states that humans have a natural inclination towards sexual intercourse and caring for offspring.
• What is the Catholic Church's view on contraception?

  The Church upholds the sanctity of life and believes contraception goes against the natural order.
• What are the Catholic Natural Law Principles at play regarding life and procreation?

  • Sanctity of Life: Emphasizes the intrinsic value and dignity of every human life.
  • Intrinsic Value of Life: Asserts that human life is sacred and must be protected.
  • Procreation and the Marital Act: Promotes the idea that the primary purpose of sexual intercourse is procreation.
• How do natural law theorists view same-sex relationships?

  They argue that same-sex relationships deviate from the natural purpose of procreation.
• What is the definition of Utilitarianism?

  Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right behavior based on the usefulness or consequences of an action.
• Who are the two foremost utilitarian thinkers?

  Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
• What does Bentham equate happiness with?

  Bentham equates happiness with pleasure.
• What are the components of Bentham's Felicific Calculus?

  1. Duration: How long will it last?
  2. Intensity: How intense is it?
  3. Propinquity: How near or remote?
  4. Extent: How widely does it cover?
  5. Certainty: How probable is it?
  6. Purity: How free from pain is it?
  7. Fecundity: Will it lead to further pleasure?
• How does Mill's view of happiness differ from Bentham's?

  Mill believes happiness, not pleasure, should be the standard of utility.
• What distinction does Mill make between high and lower pleasures?

  Mill distinguishes high pleasures as intellectual and lower pleasures as bodily appetites.
• What does Mill argue about the quality of happiness?

  Mill argues that we must consider the quality of happiness, not merely the quantity.
• How does Mill view human pleasures compared to animal pleasures?

  Mill argues that human pleasures are qualitatively different from animal pleasures.
• What does Mill mean by being a human being dissatisfied?

  It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied, emphasizing the value of higher pleasures.
• What is the focus of utilitarianism regarding happiness?

  Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
• How does natural law theory relate to interpersonal relationships?

  Natural law theory offers an ethic of interpersonal relationships based on the inviolable value of human life.
• What is Aquinas' definition of law?

  Law is an ordinance of reason, for the common good, made by someone who cares for the community.
• What are the four types of law according to Aquinas?

  1. Eternal Law: The Designer's plan.
  2. Divine Law: A manual sent to us.
  3. Natural Law: What we observe.
  4. Human Law: What we write down.
• What does eternal law refer to?

  Eternal law refers to what God wills for creation and the ultimate source of all laws.
• How does human law relate to natural law?

  Human law is constructed by humans and should conform to natural law principles.
• What is the significance of Aquinas' view on unjust human laws?

  Unjust human laws that go against natural law are not properly laws and can be considered acts of violence.