Analogical Argument: A form of inductive argument which uses perceived similarities to draw comparisons between one case and another.
Categorical Imperative: The Kantian doctrine which insists that one should always act as though the maxim of their action were a universal law of nature.
Consequentialism: Utilitarian idea which insists that an actions ends (consequences) act as justification for the means by which it is achieved.
Deductive Reasoning: The opposite of inductive reasoning; using general observations to draw a specific conclusion.
Descriptive Relativism: Doctrine which proposes that the sense of morality varies amongst a vastly diverse set of cultures.
Empiricism: School of thought which proposes that knowledge is based on the evidence which our senses can perceive and physically interact with.
Ethical Relativism: The doctrine which proposes that there is no “right” or “wrong” in morality, only different cultures.
Eudaemonia: Greek word loosely translating to “happiness,” but often takes on other meanings such as prosperity and welfare.
Four Noble Truths: Four statements believed by the Buddha to be the only truths of life which lay out the truth of suffering, the truths of the causes, and the truths to the end.
Greatest Happiness Principle: J.S. Mill’s idea that given any set of circumstances, an individual should do that which creates the greatest amount of happiness for the most individuals.
Impartiality: J.S. Mill’s idea that every individuals happiness is equal to one another’s, so therefore no one should take priority when considering the Greatest Happiness Principle
Inductive Reasoning: the opposite of inductive reasoning; the use of specific observations in order to draw a general conclusion
Injustice: a treatment between an often authority-holding performer and a less powerful recipient which results in a short or long-term outcome considered negative or unfair by the recipient.
Kant: 18th-century Enlightenment philosopher who emphasized the importance of duty-motivated intention
J.S. Mill: Utilitarian philosopher who emphasized the importance of maximizing happiness and higher pleasures
The Noble Eightfold Path: The eight steps or habits laid out by the Buddha in the fourth noble truth which, if practiced, are believed to allow an individual to bring an end to their suffering.
Utilitarianism: School of thought which believes that an action is made moral by its consequence, and that human nature is derived from the seeking of long-term pleasure.
- Rule Utilitarianism: insists that one should act based on what would generally produce the greatest amount of happiness.
- Act Utilitarianism: insists that the morality of each action is based solely on the circumstances.
Virtue (Aristotle): a way of living which acts as a means to eudaemonia (happiness, welfare) via the practice of living morally by finding the middle ground between any deficiency and any excess (for example, courage is a virtuous quality, but too much courage makes an individual rash and a lack of courage makes an individual cowardly).
Noah's Blog: Part II 