Practice Flashcards
Flip to reveal answersWhy doesn't one ethical theory simply win?
Track your progress — Sign up free to save your progress and get smart review reminders based on spaced repetition.
All 8 Flashcards — Weighing the three theories
Sign up free to track progress and get spaced-repetition review schedules.
Question
Why doesn't one ethical theory simply win?
Answer
Each captures something real (character, duty, results) but each has a blind spot — so the skill is weighing them.
Question
Virtue ethics: strength and blind spot?
Answer
Strength: realistic and human. Blind spot: vague when you're stuck — 'be good' doesn't say what to do.
Question
Deontology: strength and blind spot?
Answer
Strength: protects the individual. Blind spot: can be rigid and cold — keep the rule even when it causes disaster.
Question
Consequentialism: strength and blind spot?
Answer
Strength: takes outcomes seriously. Blind spot: can sacrifice one innocent person for the many.
Question
Dharma?
Answer
One's moral duty, fixed by one's role and situation (Indian thought) — closest to deontology.
Question
How might the three theories combine?
Answer
Good character to read the situation, duties to protect the vulnerable, an eye on outcomes — different parts of one ethical life.
Question
What does Section B (Evaluate) reward?
Answer
Arguing the claim both ways with more than one theory and reaching a reasoned conclusion — not describing.
Question
The topic's arc in one line?
Answer
What makes an act right? → virtue (character) → duty (rules) → results (teleology) → weigh all three.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Weighing the three theories
Topic 4.1 hub
Normative ethics
More from Topic 4.1
All flashcards in this topic
Philosophy exam skills
Paper structures & tips
Track your progress with spaced repetition
Sign up free — Aimnova tells you exactly which cards to review and when, so you remember everything before your IB exam.
Start Free