Philosophical Ethics FINAL EXAM

Thomson, "A Defense of Abortion"

-Famous Violinist case (fetus' right to life does not show that abortion is morally impermissible) -The argument for the permissibility of abortion (and analysis of "right to life")

Critique of Rawls

-Idea of democratic legitimacy (special features in comparison to other types of government) -Two ways in which fake news undermines democratic legitimacy. o Thomson, "A Defense of Abortion"

Two ways in which fake news undermines democratic legitimacy.

-It makes them complicit in their own "befuddlement" → become worse decision-makers -We start to see others as less competent and lose our trust in fellow citizens' ability to govern effectively

*argues racial contract requires Epistemological Contract:

Agreement upon white people to be ignorant on race-related matters

Difference Principle (Rawls)

Any inequality that is permitted is only allowed on the basis that the worst off benefit

Main features of Racial Contract

Categorization Superior moral and political status for white people Purpose: accrue material privileges for white people

Equal liberties principle

Everyone has the same basic liberties (freedoms)

The main argument for thinking immortality is undesirable

Given enough time, any categorical desire (reasons to stay alive) will either be Satisfied or Lose its appeal

Singer's moral principle

If it's in our power to prevent something very bad from happening without thereby sacrificing anything of moral significance, we ought morally, to do it

Moral Arguments for Prioritizing Fellow Citizens:

People should give the interests of fellow citizens priority

Objections to Singer's view

Too demanding Role of government and powerful institutions

Singer's Conclusion

We ought to do more to help people suffering and dying from certain conditions of poverty

Original Position (Rawls)

a hypothetical scenario where people choose principles of justice without knowing who they'll be in society