Understanding Moral Action: Key Concepts and Conflicts

1. Analyze Briefly the Various Aspects of Moral Action:

• Moral Relativism: The belief that what is considered fair or unfair, good or bad varies across different societies. Each society has its own customs, religions, and norms.
• Skepticism: The view that it is impossible to know what is just or unjust, good or bad, because we cannot find any criteria to substantiate these claims.
• Subjectivism: Moral issues are subjective; unlike scientists, we cannot provide rational reasons to convince others of our beliefs. Accepted values are akin to faith.
• Emotivism: This theory expresses subjective feelings or emotions to influence others, aiming to elicit the same attitudes in listeners. For example, opposing the death penalty by stating it is morally untenable expresses my feelings of rejection and seeks to influence others.

2. Why Can Prudence Be Considered the Middle Ground of Morality?

Prudence is the virtue of moral rectitude of the will, guiding human actions. It helps to order and direct actions towards achieving specific good objectives in the right manner.

Why Can a Cautious Attitude Be Worthy of Happiness?

Those who know how to act prudently to achieve what is suitable for them are able to think and then act effectively.

3. The Conflict Between Universalism and Relativism Regarding Moral Values:

Relativism posits that moral truths are valid only for specific social groups, leading to conflicts. In contrast, universalism asserts that there are moral truths applicable to all.

4. Difference Between Ethics of Minimums and Maximums:

The ethics of maximums refers to the highest ideals of a good life, virtue, and excellence, which may not be universally applicable. In contrast, the ethics of minimums focuses on basic elements that most people can agree upon.

5. Summarize the Importance of the Political Issue:

The political issue is crucial as it examines the significance of liberty, property, justice, rights, and other fundamental aspects of human life, which are essential for a state to function effectively.