Consistency refers to the quality of being logically and internally coherent, without contradictions or discrepancies. In the context of normative moral theories, consistency is a key requirement that ensures the principles and guidelines of the theory are applied uniformly and without contradiction.
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Consistency requires that a normative moral theory's principles and guidelines be applied uniformly, without exceptions or contradictions.
Inconsistent moral theories can lead to double standards, where the same actions are judged differently in different situations.
Consistency is closely related to the principle of universalizability, which states that moral judgments must be applicable to all similar cases.
Impartiality, or the ability to make moral judgments without bias, is a key component of consistency in a normative moral theory.
Rational justification is essential for ensuring consistency, as it allows moral principles to be applied logically and without contradiction.
Review Questions
Explain how the requirement of consistency relates to the principle of universalizability in normative moral theories.
Consistency is closely tied to the principle of universalizability, which states that moral judgments and principles must be applicable to all similar cases without exception. For a normative moral theory to be consistent, its guidelines and principles must be applied uniformly, without double standards or contradictions. This ensures that the theory's moral judgments can be universalized, treating all individuals and situations equally.
Describe the role of impartiality in ensuring consistency within a normative moral theory.
Impartiality, or the ability to make moral judgments without bias or favoritism, is a crucial component of consistency in normative moral theories. If a theory's principles are applied with partiality, it can lead to inconsistencies where the same actions are judged differently in different situations. Impartiality allows the theory's guidelines to be applied uniformly, treating all individuals and cases equally and without contradiction.
Analyze how the requirement of rational justification contributes to the consistency of a normative moral theory.
Rational justification is essential for ensuring consistency within a normative moral theory. By basing the theory's principles and guidelines on sound reasoning and logical principles, rather than emotion or personal preference, the theory can be applied consistently without contradictions. Rational justification allows the moral theory to be applied uniformly, with each judgment and decision flowing logically from the theory's foundational principles. This consistency is crucial for the theory to be considered valid and applicable across a wide range of moral situations.
Related terms
Universalizability: The principle that moral judgments and principles must be applicable to all similar cases, without exception or double standards.