EthicsEthics

Defining Terms

Key Terms of the Ethics UnitKey Terms of the Ethics Unit Moral Philosophy: The Search for the best way

to live and the right principles to guide our actions

Good Will: Acting on moral principles that are justifiable by practical reason

Morality: Set of principles that guide our actions Duty: Something one ought to do Good Life: ???? Help me define this! (pg.

245). It does refer to the end-goal, not simply the means of achieving this end.

Methods of Achieving a Good LifeMethods of Achieving a Good Life Hedonism (245):The Good life is getting as much

pleasure in one’s life and avoiding as much pain as possible. -Epicurius

Success (247): Achieving a decent social status and respectability in society (wealth usually a determining factor) -William James

Asceticism (248): The Good life is one of simplicity –oftentimes denying worldly pleasures

-Diogenes/Jesus/Buddha Freedom (249):The Good life is one free of

responsibility and social obligations. -Dostoevsky

Methods of Achieving a Good LifeMethods of Achieving a Good Life Power & Creativity (250): “Will to Power” Man

desires the power to grow as a person and to develop one’s talents, to create. -Nietzsche

Religion (250): Devoting one’s life to following religious dogma; “religion…permeates and dominates [all other desires].” –Paul Tillich & Kierkegaard

Happiness/Eudaimonia (251): That which is desired for its own sake and not for the sake of anything else –Aristotle

Your Method for the Good LifeYour Method for the Good Life After examining various attempts at living “the Good

life” it is time to for you to attempt to express your opinion on the Good Life. Before you leave today, write a 1 paragraph response to the following set of questions; do try to address each question:

What does it mean to live rightly (the Good Life)? What should we want out of life? What is worth Working for? What about life should we just accept and move on?