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Moral Philosophy Study Guide

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“What is moral philosophy and what would a satisfactory moral theory be like”? In, “The Elements of Moral Philosophy,” James Rachels states, “Moral Philosophy is the study of what morality is and what it requires of us” (p.1). Still today, the subject of ethics, morality, and the beliefs of what is right and wrong still perplex us, just as it baffled great thinkers since ancient times. Such as Aristotle and Socrates, whom were just some of the greatest philosophers in history. Regarding morality, Socrates said, “it’s about ‘how we ought to live’ and why” (p. 1). There is no such definition of what morality is, in response, noteworthy philosophers and scholars have come up with different moral theories. Some of which are: The Divine Command …show more content…

Such theories have attempted to explain what is right and what is wrong. Rachel states that each of these theories, presents a different idea of what it really means to live a moral life (p.1). Although these theories have opposing views, “the minimum conception is a core that every moral theory should accept” (p. 1). In the last chapter of his book, Rachel starts off by describing the beginning of the world as we know it. He describes it as it evolved, and also incorporates the theories as he continues. Rachels explains how human beings evolved as well as did our sense of rationality (p. 176). Consequently, we were able to reason and look into what choices we had in a situation and what was in our best interest (p. 176). From this thought, Rachel moves on to describe other ideas, such as how to treat people and that they should all be treated alike, with everyone’s interests in mind. He also describes virtues, justice, utilitarianism, and how non-human animals are sentient and worthy of moral consideration (p.183). According to Rachels, a satisfactory moral theory would be multiple-strategies utilitarianism. In which Rachel believes, “we should maximize …show more content…

These individuals will have the wisdom to follow through and do the right things when presented with a dilemma. Therefore, everyone would be benefited from such actions and have achieved happiness. In Rachel’s writing Aristotle say, “that the virtues are important because the virtuous person will fare better in life (p. 167). For example, if someone is needing help, a utilitarian would give the help, because by doing so it would maximize well-being (SEP). On the other hand, a deontologist would say that by helping that person in need, they would be following a moral rule of duty – “Do unto others as you would be done by” (SEP). In facing this moral dilemma, a virtuous person would put into practice the habit or virtue of benevolence. This virtue would be applied neither in excess nor in deficiency. They would be neither over kindly or indifferent to the needs of the person who is in need of assistance. Therefore, in essence,

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