Ethics Test 1 Terms

Front 1

hadith

Back 1

(ch. 1 - question of compromise)

The records of the pronouncements and behaviors of the Prophet Muhammad. Used as "proof" by those advocating female circumcision, although the subject is only mentioned three times and isn't directly commanded.

Front 2

fatwa

Back 2

(ch. 1 - a question of compromise)

A legal opinion according to the shari'a (the corpus of Islamic law). Muslims who lack the necessary competence and authority for interpreting legal injunctions may ask a scholar for a fatwa of the status of the case.

The action usually falls under one of the five categories: obligatory, recommended, neutral, undesirable, or forbidden.

In the case of female circumcision, there exists no Qur'anic pronouncement of desirability.

Front 3

makrama

Back 3

(ch. 1 - a question of compromise)

A mark of respect. This refers to female circumcision as quoted in the hadith. (used by those advocating female circumcision as "proof")

Front 4

Shulhan Aruch

Back 4

(ch. 1 - a question of compromise)

the condensed form of the code of Jewish Law written by Joseph Karo (still authoritative for Orthodox Jews). Used in response to illustrate the extremes within Judaism (and the controversies over male circumcision) --> orthodox Jews believe that all males should be circumcised, liberal Jews don't.

Front 5

pikuach nefesh

Back 5

(ch. 1 - a question of compromise)

"care of the body." Jews believe that man has a duty to preserve his life and his health. Female circumcision violates this duty, as well as that of sexual pleasure.

Front 6

brit milah

Back 6

(ch. 1 - a question of compromise)

The covenant of circumcision. This is the visible, living sign of the covenant with God, and the ritual came to be a sign of God's unique relationship to Israel.

Front 7

BMBC

Back 7

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

Black Missionary Baptist Churches. Independent organizations with no bishops, councils, or books of discipline. Each church is autonomous. Next to God and the Bible, the pastor is the authoritative figure.

They think that virginity is one element that should consummate a marriage, and that virginity is is one of the greatest possessions of a woman.

Front 8

Dinah

Back 8

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

A woman in the Bible that was raped. Her father and her brothers were upset because she was stripped of her dignity and body-rights, which affected the family because women were seen as the property of men.

Front 9

Tamar

Back 9

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

Another girl in the Bible that was raped. Supports the idea that women were property whose welfare was not important in itself, since nothing was done to redress their loss. By having sex with his girlfriend, Dan is compromising her virginity and her holiness, but ultimately her worth to her father.

Front 10

halakha

Back 10

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

Judaism's code of legal and ethical practice. There is no prohibition in the legal code that applies to premarital sexual relations between consenting adults.

Front 11

bogeret

Back 11

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

A mature woman (age 12 1/2) who is competent enough to act for herself. This indicates (in theory) that the mature woman is free to arrange her own affairs, including marriage, but also to engage in whatever relations she chooses, barring those that are prohibited. This would imply that Dan's girlfriend is a bogeret, and is therefore allowed to have sex if she wishes, as it does not break any rules.

Front 12

ketubah

Back 12

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

A marriage contract (in Judaism). According to the Mishneh Torah, a woman should not surrender herself without a ketubah and a betrothal so as not to be a harlot. This means that women who engage in intercourse without a ketubah and a betrothal (ie, Dan's girlfriend) are making themselves into prostitutes.

Front 13

Mishneh Torah

Back 13

(ch. 2 - sex and the single person)

A code of Jewish religious law (halakha) authored by the Maimonides in the 12th century. It involves a fully developed legal prohibition of premarital intercourse. It states that there are 4 commandments: 2 positive, 2 negative, basically saying that a woman who engages in sexual intercourse outside of marriage is a whore.

Front 14

samskara

Back 14

(ch. 4 - marriage is for life)

Rites of passage in Hinduism that allow members of the society to pass into the next stage of life. They enhance people's spiritual powers and facilitate personal achievement. Marriage is one of the samskaras (as is being born and dying). Sanjay has an obligation to his family and himself to get married and progress into the next stage of his life.

Front 15

asrama

Back 15

(ch. 4 - marriage is for life)

Ways of Life (stages of life). There are four asramas regarded as paths or as a ladder leading to the gods or to liberation. Marriage is one of those asramas. Marriage will allow Sanjay to advance spiritually and get him where he needs to be.

Front 16

madhuparka

Back 16

(ch. 4 - marriage is for life)

An ancient Hindu marriage ceremony. Means "offering honey by way of honor to a distinguished guest." Honey is to be poured into yogurt for the guests, their feet are to be washed, etc. Hindu wedding ceremonies are very elaborate, time-consuming, and often stressful for those involved - perhaps another thing Sanjay wishes to postpone for when he has more time in his life.

Front 17

Chalcedon

Back 17

(ch. 4 - marriage is for life)

An ancient city in Asia Minor which was the site of the Fourth Ecumenical Council. It indicates that women can contract their own marriages (if she is 40+ and not under the control of her family). It also gives the conflicting statements that "it shall not be lawful for any of them to take a wife that is heterodox," "nor give them in marriage to a heretic, or a Jew, or a heathen." Indicating both self-determined and arranged marriages?

Front 18

Chrysostom

Back 18

St. John Chrysostom, the author of "The Right Way for Parents to Bring Up Their Children" and "How to Choose a Wife." He writes about arranged marriages between families, but also indicates a measure of choice and selection by those persons seeking to marry.

Front 19

hijab

Back 19

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

"cover," "curtain," or "veil," generally describing the modest dress worn by Islamic girls, although the Qu'ran uses the word hijab only when it speaks of the wives of the Prophet and their distinctive position.

The French schools in the case study are growing increasingly upset/defensive with the Muslim population, leading to the ban of veils (or hijabs) in public schools.

Front 20

sitr

Back 20

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

"cover," "curtain," "veil," used synonymously with "hijab."

Front 21

khumur

Back 21

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

"The veil," but rarely used in the common language of Muslims. Women are advised to be modest and "draw their khumur over their bosoms."

Front 22

shari'a

Back 22

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

The Islamic law. This commands women to wear hijabs/sitrs as part of the religion/lifestyle.

Front 23

FLN

Back 23

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

"Front de Liberation Nationale." A 1954 movement that was organized with the goal of restoring an Algerian state while advocating social democracy within an Islamic framework.

Front 24

Vatican II

Back 24

(ch. 7 - a matter of veils)

The second Vatican council of the Roman Catholic church, which brought reforms such as greater participation of the laity, greater acceptance of other religious traditions, etc. It supports the idea that the modern alternative to notions of honor and social hierarchy are best.

Front 25

Confucius

Back 25

(ch. 8 - a bundle of joy)

A Chinese thinker and social philosopher who believed in the perfectability of all persons, stressing love and virtue, loyalty to nature, righteousness, and filial piety. In this case study, the fetus is not really considered a "person" because an individual works toward full-personhood. Chen Li-li is urged to make a moral decision taking into account her relationships with her husband and his family.

Front 26

Analects

Back 26

(ch. 8 - a bundle of joy)

A record of the words and acts of Confucius. States that one never really reaches the goal of full moral development. Also that a wife who does not act like a wife is not a "bad wife," but not a wife at all. --> Chen Li-li is right to be worried about her place in the family if she has a girl.

Front 27

Mencius

Back 27

(ch. 8 - a bundle of joy)

The famous Confucian thinker/philosopher. Talked quite directly about human nature and what it means to be human. Saw moral development as grounded in human nature, which included the "four sprouts" - benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom. Eradicating these tendencies results in losing all claim to be human. --> Chen Li-li and her baby are both on the road towards personhood.

Front 28

H. Richard Niebuhr

Back 28

(ch. 8 - a bundle of joy)

A Christian theologian who believed that values arise in the interactions between and among people. Also, that human beings orient themselves around God, the Center of Value. Chen Li-li realizes that she's not an independent agent; she is connected to those around her and needs to balance her relationships with what she ultimately judges as right.

Front 29

Vine Deloria

Back 29

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

A University of Colorado professor who thinks that the universe demands that everything in it should seek personal relationships with a moral content. --> complex understanding of relationship and responsibility. Margaret should recognize how everything is related when she makes her decision.

Front 30

James Treat

Back 30

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

Author of "Native and Christian." Acknowledges that it's difficult (if not impossible) to be Christian and Native American. Margaret is caught between two environments that both have many complex elements.

Front 31

moksa

Back 31

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

The Hindu version of psycho-social freedom. Itemizes essential components of reality that include the gross elements, sense perception, modalities of conditioning, and varying descriptions of the human consciousness. Indian thought places the human person at the critical juncture of the world construal.

Front 32

kaivalyam

Back 32

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

The Jainas version of psycho-spiritual freedom. Inter-relatedness of the world, human sensation and perception. Margaret needs to recognize relationships in the world to make her decisions.

Front 33

Devi

Back 33

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

The earth as a goddess in the Hindu tradition of India. She has multiple manifestations and empowers various priestesses to perform the rituals that ensure the smooth continuation of life. --> Margaret needs to make the choice that protects the earth.

Front 34

jiva

Back 34

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

the spark of one's soul. In Jain spirituality, harm to the earth results in the accrual of negative karma that impedes one's jiva. Margaret's decision should protect the earth or her jiva would be in danger.

Front 35

Atharva Veda

Back 35

(ch. 11 - a conflict of interest)

The foundation for the traditional system of Indian medicine. States the need to protect the earth.

Front 36

Laborem Exercens

Back 36

(ch. 14 - for the good of the children)

An encyclical letter written by John Paul II. It explains that that solidarity does not represent a struggle against a particular class or power; it reflects unity in a struggle "for" justice, not "against" a particular group. In this case, it is the lack of solidarity that is preventing a possible resolution.

Front 37

khalifa

Back 37

(ch. 14 - for the good of the children)

vicegerents or deputies. (Islam) Humans were created to be the khalifa of Allah on the earth. This gives humans both spiritual and secular responsibilities. --> humans have to labor in this world so they can succeed in this life and the next --> children 7+ can do work for their families, children 15+ can work "real" jobs.

Front 38

sabie mumaiz

Back 38

(ch. 14 - for the good of the children)

One who can easily distinguish between what is legal and illegal and between what is benevolent and detrimental. This occurs in the second stage of life (age 7 to age 18). The children in this case may or may not fall into this category (some are younger).

Front 39

Vairagi Vaishnavas

Back 39

(ch. 16 - an unlikely donor)

A sect in north central India that believes the goal of existence is to achieve liberation. They believe that the body is simply the container for the soul, and although one must take care of it, surgery (even the removal/ replacement of organs) is not considered to be defiling.

Front 40

Ramanuja

Back 40

(ch. 16 - an unlikely donor)

A South Indian philosopher that advocated devotion to a personal god. He felt one could train one's mind and one's senses to focus on god and develop a divine understanding of the Ultimate Reality. He would probably not advise the man to sell his organs because the focus needs to be on a personal god and not on material wealth.

Front 41

ahimsa

Back 41

(ch. 16 - an unlikely donor)

Translates to "nonviolence," but encompasses the entire range of words/thoughts/deeds capable of causing harm to others. Selling the man's organs will upset the Turkish economy, plus he may have been ill-informed for someone else's gain. The organ "donation" would not commit to ahimsa.

Front 42

pratityasamutpada

Back 42

(ch. 16 - an unlikely donor)

The Buddhist doctrine that states that we live in an interdependent world and that all beings and all things are mutually dependent. --> identity and responsibility to all things. The Turkish man has a responsibility to support his family, and also to help the sick patient who is in need of his working organ.

Front 43

ayamara

Back 43

(ch. 17 - parental rights in the age of AIDS)

A South American Indian people living mainly in Bolivia and Peru. They believe that all is alive and mutually connected, and the mentally retarded are seen as victims of evil superior forces. Some are considered close to god, so they lead rituals. They don't consider the neglect of the mentally ill to be cruel or unethical.

Front 44

karuna

Back 44

(ch. 17 - parental rights in the age of AIDS)

"compassion." One of the leading principles of Buddhist ethics. The deliberate disregard for a child's right to live is a violation of karuna.

Front 45

DCF

Back 45

(ch. 18 - parental rights in the age of AIDS)

Department of Children and Families. This organization is composed of case workers that make decisions regarding the care and placement of children in foster care. Their decisions are based on many things, including the health of the parent.

Front 46

malady bondye

Back 46

(ch. 18 - parental rights in the age of AIDS)

"Sickness from God," or a sickness with natural origins (much like a natural disaster). These can be treatable or untreatable depending on its higher purpose. AIDS is not considered to be a malady bondye.

Front 47

malady neg

Back 47

(ch. 18 - parental rights in the age of AIDS)

"Sent sickness," usually by sorcery. If the identity of the sorcerer is discovered, then he/she may become a target of a ritualistic counter-attack. AIDS is considered to be a malady neg (the sick individual is not blamed for the illness).

Front 48

syncretism

Back 48

(intro)

A blending of cultures. All religion is syncretic in that religious communities, both consciously and unconsciously, adopt beliefs and practices from other groups they come into contact with.

Front 49

diaspora

Back 49

(intro)

The dispersion of Jewish people to other lands. This occurred after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE and before the Roman destruction of Judea in 135 CE. Jews became concentrated in Europe and elsewhere as minorities.

Front 50

shari'a

Back 50

(intro)

Islamic law. Followers share a fundamental belief system and accept the law/teachings in the shari'a, the lived expression of the faith is not monolithic.

Front 51

sruti

Back 51

(intro)

"Scripture." The roots of Hinduism are in a very oral tradition, the Vedas, which are known as sruti. --> primary revelation.

Front 52

atman

Back 52

(intro)

(Hindu) An individual soul that is independent of the body it inhabits. The atman progresses through various bodies, but it becomes aware of itself in the human body.

Front 53

dukkha

Back 53

(intro)

"Suffering." The Buddhist belief is that life is dukkha, but there is liberation from suffering in nirvana.