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Flip to reveal answersHow do we apply ethics? — the key question?
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All 8 Flashcards — How do we apply ethics?
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Question
How do we apply ethics? — the key question?
Answer
When virtue, duty and consequences conflict on a real case, how do we actually decide?
Question
What does applying ethics mean?
Answer
Turning a big theory into a verdict on one messy real case — where the theories rarely all agree.
Question
The three moves when theories clash?
Answer
Pick one theory strictly; balance duty, consequences and virtue; or start from the case and use theory as a guide — each has a weakness.
Question
Why can't we just pick one master theory?
Answer
No single theory gives answers that feel right in every case, so applying just one can go badly wrong.
Question
What does good applied ethics do instead?
Answer
Weighs the theories against the actual case and gives reasons others can test — not a fixed recipe.
Question
How is applied ethics 'one method on three problems'?
Answer
Biomedical, business and global poverty all set duty against consequences against virtue — only the case changes.
Question
The topic's arc in one line?
Answer
Biomedical ethics → business ethics → distribution of wealth → how we decide when theories conflict.
Question
What lifts a Section B answer to the top band?
Answer
Arguing a claim, testing it against the strongest objection, weighing them, and reaching a reasoned conclusion — not describing.
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Full study notes for How do we apply ethics?
Topic 4.3 hub
Applied ethics
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