applied ethics
the debates that arise when ethical issues are considered
ethics
a study of the framework of guiding principles that direct an action
meta-ethics
the debates that arise when the nature of ethics are considered
moral
a term used to describe ethical behaviour.
normative ethics
the debates that arise when ethical theories are considered
absolutist
an ethical system that believes there exists a standard of right and wrong that is fully and totally binding on all human beings.
objective
a theory that is independent of personal view
subjective
a theory that is dependent on a personal view
relativist
an ethical system that believes there is no absolutes of right and wrong
consequentialism
an ethical theory based on considering consequences
deontological
a theory that explores obligation or duty
teleological
a theory concerned with the end purpose or goal of an action
Omni benevolence
God’s all-loving nature
arête
a Greek word meaning virtue
ethos
a Greek word used by Aristotle to describe a character of a person.
eudaimonia
human flourishing, fulfilment of an end goal. A life well lived.
hexis
a Greek word used by Aristotle to describe a persons’ manner of behaviour
akrasia
incontinent, that is, lacking self restraint and is uncontrolled.
akrates
one who is weak-willed and overcome by vices
enkrates
one who is tempted, but strong, and lives in the mean.
sophron
one who effortlessly lives according to the mean
beatitude
blessing given by Jesus for certain personal virtues
altruism
selfless concern for the wellbeing of others
ethical egoism
the normative view that holds that all action ought to be motivated by self interest.
psychological egoism
the descriptive view that all human action is motivated by self interest
einzige
ego
eigenheit
ownness; the idea of mastering oneself.
einzig
uniqueness; the freedom from all impositions leaving pure individuality.
bigotry
intolerance and narrow-mindedness
community ethos
the character of spirit of a community
casuistry
the art of applying key principles to an ethical case
agape
Greek word for unconditional love
beatific vision
the state of perfect happiness through supernatural union with God.
courage
a cardinal virtue involving physical, moral or spiritual endurance and strength of character.
justice
a cardinal virtue involving guidance in how we act towards others
prudence
a cardinal virtue involving sound judgement
temperance
a cardinal virtue involving balance and restraint
apparent good
an act that may seem good, but actually is a vice or sin that takes us further away from the ideal human nature that God had planned for us.
external act
an action that is seen to be good or bad but one that does not correlate with, nor is consistent with, the action behind.
internal act
an action that is consistent with intention whether good or bad.
real good
a characteristic or act that will help people to become closer to the ideal human nature that God has planned for us.