Phil 2020 Exam 2
Presenting an exhaustive set of options (i.e., a set including all possibilities) and providing compelling objections to all but one, thereby leaving one as the undefeated option. (172)
argument by elimination
Generally understood as self-rule. In Kant's philosophy, also related to the idea of acting for the sake of duty, following the categorical imperative of morality. (226)
autonomy
Kant's deontology is taken to have influenced the development of which of the following philosophical theories? a) act utilitarianism b) moral nihilism c) rule utilitarianism d) virtue ethics
c) rule utilitarianism
According to Kant, right conduct or duty is based on hypothetical imperatives. true/false
False
According to utilitarianism, the standard of right conduct is the individual's own happiness true/false
False
Categorical imperatives only apply to some rational agents, not all true/false
False
In Bentham and Mill's conceptions of utilitarianism, pleasure is the only one of many things that are good, and pain is only one of many things that are bad. When performing a utilitarian calculus, we should weigh all of the possible goods and bads against one another, including happiness and pain. true/false
False
In Bentham and Mill's conceptions of utilitarianism, pleasure is only one of many things that are good, and pain is only on of many things that are bad. When performing a utilitarian calculus, we should weigh all of the possible goods and bads against one another, including happiness and pain. true/false
False (Both philosophers believe pleasure is only good thing and pain is only bad thing)
How does Harrod's rule utilitarianism address the concerns about scapegoating that emerge in Carritt and Foot?
It argues that general rules of behavior can better maximize utility than focusing on individual actions
What is the principle of autonomy formula of the categorical imperative?
So act that your will can regard itself at the same time as making universal law through its maxim
What is a categorical imperative?
The normative standard that states we ought to act only on those maxims that can be rationally willed as a universal law and to always treat humanity as an end-in-itself rather than a mere means.
What is Aristotle's golden mean?
The normative standard view virtue is a mean between two extremes, one of excess and one of deficiency
A maxim is a principle of action true/false
True
Defines right action in terms of following duties, rather than achieving desirable consequences. Deontological theories generally define the right independently of the good. Compare to consequentialism. (207)
deontology
A maxim is a principle of an action true/false
true
A disposition of character that leads a person to reason, feel, and act in a morally admirable fashion. (273)
virtue
An approach to morality that emphasizes the virtues of character that are necessary to achieve individual and collective human flourishing. (275)
virtue ethics
What is Hobbes' view of the state of nature?
According to Hobbes, the state of nature is a condition of "war of all against all" without any conception of justice or morality
* Means Im not positive the answer is right
.......
What is Rand's argument for ethical egoism?
1: The perfection of one's own abilities in a state of happiness is the highest goal for humans 2: We have a moral duty to attempt to reach this goal 3: The ethics of altruism prescribes that we sacrifice our interests and lives for the good of others 4: Therefore, the ethics of altruism is incompatible with the goal of happiness 5: Ethical egoism prescribes that we seek our own happiness exclusively, and as such it is consistent with the goal of happiness 6: Therefore, ethical egoism is the correct moral theory
What is a prima facia duty?
A prima facia duty is a duty of first appearance or first glance that may be overridden by another moral duty
According to Aristotle's virtue ethics, what is happiness?
According to Aristotle, happiness is a matter of eudaimonia or well-being and human flourashing
In the Rick and Morty episode, "Rick Potion #0," Morty gives Jessica a love potion to make her romantically attracted to him. According to deontology, is it morally permissible for Morty to give Jessica the love potion? Why or why not?
According to deontology, no, it is not morally permissible because doing so removes her rational capacities to consent and uses her as a mere means
What is the universal law of nature formula of the categorical imperative?
Act only on those maxim by which you can at the same time will that is become a universal law
What is a hypothetical imperative?
Conditional commands required to achieve a desired end, i.e. "If you want A then do B"
According to Rawls, what principles of justice would rational agents select in the original position? a) none b) According to Rawls, they would select the principle "from each according to his ability to each according to their need" c) According to Rawls, they would select the principles that all offices and positions are open to everyone equally, that everyone has the same basic scheme of liberties and opportunities, and that inequalities must be arranged to benefit of the worst off. d) According to Rawls, they would select the principle that "act so as to maximize happiness for the most people."
I think c
What is instrumental value?
Instrumental value is valuable only as a means to an end rather than valuable in and of itself or for its own sake
What is intrinsic value?
Intrinsic value is valuable in and of itself or for its own sake, regardless of whether or not it is valuable for achieving an end
What is normative ethical theory?
Normative ethical theory focuses on identifying and defending some standard of right conduct or good living
According to Pojman/Fieser, what is the main lesson of the prisoner's dilemma regarding morality?
Pojman/Fieser claim the main lesson of the prisoner's dilemma is that it is better for an agent to secretly violate society's rules of morality, regardless of what others do
What is the principle of ends formula of the categorical imperative?
So act as to treat humanity, whether in our own person or in that of any other, in every case an as end and never as merely a means
A major school of ancient Greek philosophy. The Stoics had views on a range of topics, but in moral philosophy they emphasized the importance of moral reason and the rejection of the emotions as an influence in moral decision-making. They also emphasized the importance of our inner state rather than outward show or achievement. (282)
Stoicism
What is the basic difference between a teleological moral theory and a non-teleological moral theory?
Teleological theories base moral right/goodness on achieving/producing an outcome or result whereas non-teleological theories base moral right/goodness on intrinsic features of the action itself
What is the greatest happiness principle?
The normative standard central to utilitarianism that states right action maximizes overall happiness for the greatest number of people
What is the golden mean?
The normative standard that states virtues are those character traits that are a mean between two extremes, one of excess and one of deficiency identifies vices and virtues, character traits
Which group of philosophers earned their wages by teaching wealthy young men how to argue
The Sophists
What is ethical egoism?
The approach to normative ethical theory that emphasizes the idea right conduct/goodness is based on self-interest
What is social contract theory?
The approach to normative ethical theory that emphasizes the idea that morality is based on agreed-upon rules that reduce social chaos and create peace
What is the problem of exceptionless rules?
The criticism claims deontology is a flawed moral theory because it implies there are absolute obligations that cannot be overridden
What is the "ends justifying immoral means" criticism of utilitarianism?
The criticism that claims utilitarianism implies we should use immoral means to achieve the end of maximizing overall happiness (i.e. the lying objection, integrity objection, justice objection)
What is psychological egoism?
The empirical, descriptive theory that human beings are, in fact, only motivate by self-interest
What is deontology?
The non-consequentialist approach to normative ethical theory that emphasizes universal obligations or duties binding on all rational beings regardless of their personal aims or projects
What is the modified principle of rational self-interest?
The principle that an act is reasonable to choose a life plan L, which includes the possibility of doing act A, then it must be in my interest (or at least not against it) to choose L, even though A itself may not be in my self-interest.
What is virtue theory or virtue ethics?
The teleological approach to normative ethical theory that emphasizes character traits, producing excellent persons, and human flourishing
What is rule-utilitarianism?
The view that an action is right if and only if it is required by a rule that is itself a member of a set of rules whose acceptance would lead to greater utility for society than any available alternative
What is act-utilitarianism?
The view that an action is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative
What is act-intuitionism?
The view that holds each act is a unique ethical occasion and that we must decide what is right/wrong in each situation by consulting our conscience or our intuitions apart from any rules
What is rule-intuitionism?
The view that holds we must decide what is right/wrong in each situation by consulting moral rules that we receive through intuition
What is a virtue?
Trained behavioral dispositions that result in habitual acts of moral goodness
What is a vice?
Trained behavioral dispositions that result in habitual acts of moral wrongness
In the Rick and Morty episode, "Auto Erotic Assimilation," what moral theory, if any, does Unity appeal to in order to justify her assimilation plan?
Utilitarianism; Unity claims that assimilating people makes society-at-large better off/happier
Another term for empirical. (232)
a posteriori
Known by a method, such as logic or pure reason, independent of sensory evidence. (232)
a priori
How does Aristotle define virtue? a) a state of character that privileges the well-being of others over oneself b) a state of character that produces the best outcomes for the majority c) a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean between two vices d) a state of character oriented around one's interpersonal relationships
a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean between two vices
After years of evading arrest, the serial killer known as "Jimmy the Deli Slicer," who executed his victims by slowly cutting off small portions of their bodies, is captured. Thanks in part to the meticulous notes that he kept, James is convicted of 31 counts of murder. As the sentencing phase of the trial approaches, some members of the public advocate for James to be executed. Others claim that killing him would make the community no better than James. What would Mill believe would be the right punishment? a) A speedy execution free from pain b) a long prison term involving public shaming c) an execution in keeping with the "deli slicing" methods that James used d) life in prison with hard labor
a) A speedy execution free from pain Mill believed capital punishment should be done only when it is significantly proved, not just a reasonable doubt because it maximizes everyone's happiness including the charged because a quick death is better than life in prison
What, according to Mill, is the "sole evidence it is possible to produce that anything is desirable"? a) that people actually desire it b) that people think often about it c) that people consume it frequently d) that people tout it to their friends and family
a) that people actually desire it
Gard is an artist who spends his days working on his paintings, spending time with family, and doing odd jobs to help pay the bills. Alexa is an investment banker who is quite financially well off, spends the bulk of her waking hours working, and has not had a vacation of any sort in five years. Based upon the limited information given here, who can be said to be close to a state of eudaemonia. a) Gard b) Neither c) Both d) Alexa`
a) Gard
Which of the following is an example of a categorical imperative, according to Kant's definition? a) If you want to act for the sake of duty, don't tell lies b) If you don't want to get in trouble, don't steal c) If you want to gain weight, eat more food. d) if you want to kill someone, give them poison
a) If you want to act for the sake of duty, don't tell lies
How does Harrod's rule utilitarianism address the concerns about scapegoating that emerge in Carrit and Foot? a) It argues that general rules of behavior can better maximize utility than focusing on individual actions b) it focuses on following directions in order to attribute moral responsibility to bosses as opposed to average citizens c) it provides rule on how to perform the utilitarian calculus justly d) it considers context whenever deciding how to determine the consequences of a particular action
a) It argues that general rules of behavior can better maximize utility than focusing on individual actions
What were the findings of the telephone booth study? a) Participants who unexpectedly found a dime almost always helped a conspirator in distress, while those who didn't almost always did not. b) Participants who had longer phone calls were proportionately less likely to assist a conspirator in distress. c) Participants who saw an attractive conspirator were more likely to assist than when the conspirator was unattractive. d) Participants were unlikely to use the payphone to call for assistance if the conspirator was dressed shabbily.
a) Participants who unexpectedly found a dime almost always helped a conspirator in distress, while those who didn't almost always did not. In this study, a conspirator dropped a bunch of papers outside of a telephone booth. Before leaving the phonebooth, some study participants would find a dime and some would not. The experimenters discovered there was an almost perfect correlation between study participants finding the dime and assisting the conspirator. This could be evidence for the importance of the importance of good mood over good character in assisting behaviors.
According to Mill's utilitarianism, which of the following, if any, is intrinsically valuable? a) Pleasure b) Rationality c) Eudaimonia d) Both A and B e) None
a) Pleasure
Hampton: "Consider what many have found a particularly ugly side to Hobbesian morality: its radical individualism ... Aristotlean critics contend that Hobbe's theory goes too far in trying to represent us as radically separate from others. their worries are also worries of many twentieth-century critics. Do not our ties to our mothers and fathers, our children and friends define, at least in part who we are? [...] So how can a moral theory that does not take this into account be an accurate representation of our moral life? It would seem that we must bring into our moral theory non-instrumental ties with others that are not based on our affections because it is through such ties that we become individuals." What is Hampton's point? a) Social contract theory is not an adequate moral theory because it only attributes mere instrumental value to potential partners in cooperation. Social contract theory cannot account for the intrinsic value of individuals. b) Social contract theory is not an adequate moral theory because it implies that individuals are not discrete but social beings c)Social contract theory is not an adequate moral theory because it only attributes intrinsic value to potential partners in cooperation d) Social contract theory is not an adequate moral theory because it implies it is more rational to adopt the knave/foole position. e) none
a) Social contract theory is not an adequate moral theory because it only attributes mere instrumental value to potential partners in cooperation. Social contract theory cannot account for the intrinsic value of individuals.
According to the textbook's author, why is it impossible to will the universalization of a maxim permitting casual theft? a) Such a maxim would result in the institution of owning property breaking down, and so there would be no such thing as theft b) Such a maxim would increase pain far more than pleasure c) such a maxim is inconsistent with human psychology, which could not condone repeated theft d) Such a maxim would return us to the state of nature, and would undermine the cooperation that results form a social contract
a) Such a maxim would result in the institution of owning property breaking down, and so there would be no such thing as theft
What type of universalization argument is described in the following passage? "Since the universality of the law according to which effects are produced constitutes what is properly called nature in the most general sense. . ., that is the existence of things so far as it can be determined by general laws, the imperative of duty may be expressed thus: Act as if the maxim of thy action were to become by thy will a universal law of nature" a) deontological universalization b) none c) Moral contractarian universalization
a) deontological universalization
Under what conditions did Locke suggest that one group could legitimately enslave another? a) if one group is the victor in a just war b) if one group has a longer history than the other c) if one group is physically stronger than the other d) if one group has demonstrated their cultural superiority over the other
a) if one group is the victor in a just war
What does Nozick think some consider 'local experiment machines"? a) psychoactive drugs b) reality television c) international travel d) video games
a) psychoactive drugs
In Mexico, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is observed every year. Families gather together to celebrate and remember those who have died by decorating graves, displaying photographs of the dead, telling stories of ancestors, and sharing food particular to the celebration-rolls decorated with bones, for example, and candy sugar skulls. This observation/celebration is an example of what aspect of life that is present in Confucius's thought but missing in Aristotle's? a) ritual b) focus on character c) acceptance of death d) self-examination
a) ritual Confucius's thought highlights the importance of ritual to human life and the participation in rituals as being part of a full life. In contrast, Aristotle's approach is silent on the need for ritual. The absence of ritual, it is suggested, points to the need of a modification of Aristotle's theory, rather than a wholesale rejection.
Which of the following is a possible translation of the term eudaimonia? a) existence b) function c) flourishing d) the good
c) flourishing
Jaslyn and her classmates in Ethics 101 are presented with an assignment to come up with potential rules and structures for society. They are to determine everything from if and how voting occurs to whether minimum wage for working will be instituted, all with a disregard for their own race, gender, class, etc. She and her class have been asked to place themselves in what? a) the original position b) the racial contract c) the kingdom of ends d) the prisoner's dilemma
a) the original position
What, according to Aristotle, is the function of human beings? a) to live a life in conformity with human excellence and virtue b) to discover scientific truths about the world c) to procreate and continue their family lineages d) to form social units and create governments
a) to live a life in conformity with human excellence and virtue
A version of utilitarianism that defines right action in terms of whatever action maximizes happiness or utility. (211)
act utilitarianism
The theory that an individual's moral duties will vary depending on personal factors, such as their relationships or values. (207)
agent-centered morality
Making a comparison between two areas of knowledge or investigation in the hope that what is known about one area will bring insight into the other. (191)
analogy
What are the only actions that have moral worth, in Kant's view? a) Actions that are consistent with virtuous character b) Actions that are performed out of duty c) Actions that are done out of inclination d) Actions that produce the best consequences
b) Actions that are performed out of duty
What is one way in which Aristotle fails to anticipate Christian morality? a) Aristotle does not think caring for others is important b) Aristotle does not advocate for poverty and self-sacrifice c) Aristotle does not see moral education as significant in moral development d) Aristotle does not believe virtue can be cultivated
b) Aristotle does not advocate for poverty and self-sacrifice
Which broad question is Aristotle interested in answering in the Nicomachean Ethics? a) Is it possible to act in accordance with the categorical imperative? b) How should I live? c) Is there universal truth? d) What is the morally correct way to act?
b) How should I live?
Which of the following is a reason why interpersonal comparisons of utility are problematic for utilitarianism? a) People tend to agree about what makes them happy b) It is not obvious how to compare one person's happiness to another's c) The intensity of happiness can be objectively measured d) intensity is not relevant to the utilitarian calculus
b) It is not obvious how to compare one person's happiness to another's
Why does Gilligan argue that moral philosophies like Kant's are gendered? a)v Philosophers like Kant explicitly deny equal capacities to women b) Kant's focus on rules as the basis for moral thinking ignores the typical ways that women think about moral problems c) Kant's emphasis on universal moral maxims is not realistic for mothers raising children d) Because Kant himself did not have many relationships with women, he didn't discuss their points of view directly in his writing
b) Kant's focus on rules as the basis for moral thinking ignores the typical ways that women think about moral problems
According to Kant's moral theory, which of the following, if any, is intrinsically valuable? a) Pleasure b) Rationality c) Eudaimonia d) A and B e) None
b) Rationality
What is the rule-utilitarian interpretation of universalizability? a) Rule-utilitarianism determines right conduct in terms of the universalizability of the maxim of an action, i.e. if the maxim of the action can be universalized without contradiction and without regard to consequence3s, then it is obligatory to act on it b) Rule-utilitarianism interprets universalizability in terms of consequences, i.e. the consequences of the universal adoption and following the rule under which the particular act falls c) Rule-utilitarianism interprets universalizability in terms of interest, i.e. if the action is in everyone's rational, self-interest then it is morally obligatory d) none of the answers are correct e) Rule-utilitarianism does not include universalizability
b) Rule-utilitarianism interprets universalizability in terms of consequences, i.e. the consequences of the universal adoption and following the rule under which the particular act falls
Which justification does Aristotle offer for his view that some non-Greeks are "slaves by nature"? a) Some non-Greeks have not embraced the principles of equality that were hallmarks of Greek culture. b) Some non-Greeks have lower powers of deliberative rationality than Greeks. c) Some non-Greeks are less likely to be religious than Greeks. d) Some non-Greeks are less successful in battle than Greeks.
b) Some non-Greeks have lower powers of deliberative rationality than Greeks.
Which of the following is one of the primary criticisms levied against virtue ethics? a) Virtue ethics makes living a good life independent of external factors, so it is unrealistic in modern society. b) Virtue ethics rests on a false assumption if social psychology is correct in suggesting that character doesn't impact our action as much as external factors. c) Virtue ethics offers no clear guide for how to decide what counts as moral virtue or vice. d) Virtue ethics does not account for the fact that people receive moral educations from their parents, teachers, etc.
b) Virtue ethics rests on a false assumption if social psychology is correct in suggesting that character doesn't impact our action as much as external factors. Because virtue ethics is a character-based ethical system, it rests on the assumption that character impacts our actions. However, if social psychology shows that this assumption is false, the legitimacy of this view would be undermined.
Which of the following is a reason Nozick offers for saying that one would not want to plug into the experience machine? a) It would be boring, because we would always know what was coming b) We want to do things, and not just have the experience of doing them c) We would not know what other experiences we might be missing out on d) We would not enjoy the experiences we were having
b) We want to do things, and not just have the experience of doing them
What are the two sub-theories into which utilitarianism can be divided? a) a theory of rights and a theory of law b) a theory of good and a theory of right c) a theory of thought and a theory of action d) a theory of pain and a theory of pleasure
b) a theory of good and a theory of right
What type of universalization principle is the best match for the following passage? "Each act, in the moral life, falls under a rule; and we are to judge the rightness or wrongness of the act, not by its consequences, but by the consequences of its universalization - that is, by the consequences of the adoption of the rule under which this act falls." a) moral contractarian universalization b) consequentialist universalization c) deontological universalization d) none
b) consequentialist universalization
For Kant, the only actions that have genuine moral worth are done from what? a) desire b) duty c) inclination d) pleasure
b) duty
Which of the following is an argument offered by Mill in support of the equality of women? a) If women are equal, Men will pursue more conventional occupations b) employing women would double the amount of people available to contribute to humanity's greeter good c) Even though oppressed women experience less pleasure and more pain, overall utility in humanity increases under oppression d) The belief of male superiority leads to happiness among men even though it is false
b) employing women would double the amount of people available to contribute to humanity's greeter good
What does Aristotle take to be the final end of human activity? a) beauty b) happiness c) chastity d) divinity
b) happiness
What is one reason that suicide is impermissible, in Kant's view? a) it disregards the moral virtue of bearing suffering b) it violates a perfect duty to oneself. c) it overall decreases utility d) it brings pain to those who love the one who has died
b) it violates a perfect duty to oneself.
For what hypothesis is Darley and Batson's Good Samaritan experiment thought to provide evidence? a) moral hypocrisy b) situational ethics c) cultural relativism d) experimental philosophy
b) situational ethics The Good Samaritan experiment had the result that theological students who were in a rush were less likely to assist a suffering collaborator than those who were not. This result provided evidence for the view that what matters in ethical dilemmas is not one's character, but rather the situation one is in.
What is the name of Kant's supreme moral principle? a) the golden rule b) the categorical imperative c0 the imperative of the mean d) the principle of utility
b) the categorical imperative
Which of the following, for Aristotle, is an element of habituation into virtue? a) the duty b) the knowledge why c) the origin d) the social pressure
b) the knowledge why
Which of the following is a moral position Bentham considers in his argument by elimination? a) the principle of virtue b) the principle of sympathy and antipathy c) the principle of social equality d) the principle of forms
b) the principle of sympathy and antipathy
In New York state, as in many other places, automobile license plates are manufactured by inmates in the state prison system. They are paid 65 cents an hour for their work. What would Kant likely say about this and similar situations? a) The prisoners are having their autonomy recognized b) the prisoners are being used merely as means to an end c) the prisoners' talents are being developed d) the prisoners are being treated with intrinsic value
b) the prisoners are being used merely as means to an end
Manzura is a resident of Middleburg and is happy that the town offers so many opportunities for recreation. She can play with her children at town parks, walk along a hiking trail on a refurbished former train track, attend annual art festivals in the town square, and more. What she is not happy with is the property taxes that she pays to the town. Manzura is confronting which of the following? a) The Raskolnikov effect b) the public goods problem c) the original position d) the state of nature
b) the public goods problem
In Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life, there is a scene where residents of the town of Bedford Falls are frightened that they will lose all their money if they do not withdraw it from the savings and loan. Several characters insist upon getting all of their money immediately, in violation of the agreement they signed when opening the account. In contrast to this, Ms. Davis asks for only $17.50-far less than others request. While not exactly the same, the actions of Ms. Davis are comparable to which example from the chapter? a) the woman making a difficult abortion decision b) the widow's sacrifice c) the seminary students who stopped to help another d) the telephone booth user who helped a woman pick up papers
b) the widow's sacrifice The widow's sacrifice, relative to her means, was understood as greater than the sacrifices of the rich. Ms. Davis's withdrawal was similarly smaller than many of the other townspeople's withdrawals and, in comparison to the other withdrawals, is seen as her being willing to share in a temporary sacrifice.
Which of the following is an example of a morally wrong action from the textbook offered by Kant? a)pursuing one's self-interest b) bragging about one's talents c) making false promises d) failing to reward others who help you
c) making false promises
Another name for a circular argument. (192)
begging the question
Which of the following thought experiments, if any, is Rawls's original position? a) "He that is nourished by the acorns he picked up under the oak, or the apples he gathered from the trees in the wood, has certainly appropriated them to himself. Nobody can deny but the nourishment is his. I ask, then, when did they begin to be his-when he digested, or when he ate, or when he boiled, or when he brought them home, or when he picked them up?" b) none c) "Thus we are to imagine that those who engage in social cooperation choose together, in one joint act, the principles which are to assign basic rights and duties to determine the division of social benefits.... This original position....is understood as a purely hypothetical situation characterized so as to lead to a certain conception of justice. Among the essential features of this situation is that no one knows his place in society, has class position or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of nature asserts and abilities, his intelligence, strength, and the like. I shall even assume that the parties do not know their conceptions of the good or their special psychological propensities. The principles of justice are choice behind a veil of ignorance. This ensures that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged in the choice of principles by the outcome of natural chance or the contingency of social circumstances. Since all are similarly situated and no one is able to deign principles to favor his particular condition, the principles of justice are the result of a fair agreement or bargain" d)"Two men are shipwrecked on an island. One works hard. He plows the ground, plants seed, weeds his field, chases the birds away, waters the crop through the heat and the dryness of summer, builds a shed to store the grain through the blizzards of winter, builds himself a cabin to survive the cold, and then harvests the crop. The other man, by happenstance formerly a hit man, acts differently [does not work]. This man neither makes a crop, thereby earning his keep, nor has the good in his heart. Now to whom, in this hypothetical situation, does that store of grain rightly belong?"
c) "Thus we are to imagine that those who engage in social cooperation choose together, in one joint act, the principles which are to assign basic rights and duties to determine the division of social benefits.... This original position....is understood as a purely hypothetical situation characterized so as to lead to a certain conception of justice. Among the essential features of this situation is that no one knows his place in society, has class position or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of nature asserts and abilities, his intelligence, strength, and the like. I shall even assume that the parties do not know their conceptions of the good or their special psychological propensities. The principles of justice are choice behind a veil of ignorance. This ensures that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged in the choice of principles by the outcome of natural chance or the contingency of social circumstances. Since all are similarly situated and no one is able to deign principles to favor his particular condition, the principles of justice are the result of a fair agreement or bargain"
In George Orwell's 1945 novella Animal Farm, the animals on a neglected farm in Willingdon, England, revolt against their abusive and irresponsible farmer. Over time the initial belief that "ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL" is changed to the slogan "ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS." This revised slogan is in conflict with which of Bentham's beliefs? a) Any pain now will be rewarded in later pleasure b) The ultimate good sought after by all is happiness c) All individuals are to be equally valued d) Humans are more important than animals
c) All individuals are to be equally valued
What does the Greek term phronesis mean? a) universal law b) from the earlier c) practical wisdom d) of the people
c) practical wisdom
What feature marks out humans as ends in themselves and not mere means? a) physical strength b) desire c) reason d) cunning
c) reason
Why does Bentham suggest that asceticism is actually a form of utilitarianism in disguise? a) Asceticism suggests one must seek truth in earthly life in order to live an authentic afterlife, which ultimately maximizes pleasure b) Asceticism suggests one must be solitary in earthy life in order to live a communal afterlife, which ultimately maximizes pleasure c) Asceticism suggests one must suffer in earthly life in order to live a blissful afterlife, which ultimately maximizes pleasure d) Asceticism suggests one must serve God in earthly life in order to live an independent afterlife, which ultimately maximizes pleasure
c) Asceticism suggests one must suffer in earthly life in order to live a blissful afterlife, which ultimately maximizes pleasure
How do Mills and Pateman extend Rousseau's critique of the social contract? a) Because the notion of a "human being" in the social contract has always been consequentialist, the rules of the contract have been to the detriment of those who make up the minority of a population. b) Because the notion of a "human being" in the social contract has always been a property owner, the rules of the contract have been to the detriment of renters and those in public housing. c) Because the notion of a "human being" in the social contract has always been a wealthy white male, the rules of the contract have been to the detriment of not only the poor, but also women and people of color. d) Because the notion of a "human being" in the social contract has always been assumed to be rational, the rules of the contract have been to the detriment of those who lack the ability to reason
c) Because the notion of a "human being" in the social contract has always been a wealthy white male, the rules of the contract have been to the detriment of not only the poor, but also women and people of color.
Who is regarded as the founder of utilitarianism? a) Mill b) Rawls c) Bentham d) Plato
c) Bentham
Which of the following moral theories, if any, is a non-teleological theory? a) Utilitarianism b) Virtue ethics c) Deontology d) Ethical egoism e) none
c) Deontology
What is one reason that suicide is impermissible, in Kant's view? a) It disregards the moral virtue of bearing suffering b) It brings pain to those who love the one who has died c) It violates a perfect duty to oneself d) It overall decreases utility
c) It violates a perfect duty to oneself
Why does Schopenhauer suggest that Kant smuggles a religious conception of ethics into his moral theory? a) Moral rules, for Kant, are given to man by God b) Human beings, for Kant, have reason only through God, and reason is required to discover the moral law c) Morality, for Kant, takes the form of a law or command d) Kant was raised as a Lutheran Protestant, and could not escape the influence his upbringing had on his philosophy
c) Morality, for Kant, takes the form of a law or command
Why does Kant think that the only thing that could be considered good without limitation is a good will? a) One's talents and temperament can only be intrinsically valuable, and not instrumentally valuable b) A good will is given to mankind by God c) One's talents and temperament can be evil if accompanied by an evil will d) A good will is the product of reason and reflection
c) One's talents and temperament can be evil if accompanied by an evil will
Which of the following, if any, is an argument against ethical egoism? a) The argument from self-deception, which claims we are deceived by our conscious motivations and are actually motivated by self-interested desires b) The argument from self-satisfaction, which claims that human beings always act on self-interest c) The argument from counterintuitive consequences, which claims ethical egoism implies altruistic acts are immoral d) none
c) The argument from counterintuitive consequences, which claims ethical egoism implies altruistic acts are immoral
What is Bentham's elimination argument? a) The elimination argument is the argument that the only possible proof for the principle of utility is that people actually, in fact, desire their own happiness; and thus the aggregate of happiness b) The elimination argument is the argument that attempts to prove there are no objective moral truths by showing it is possible to eliminate moral facts as a necessary feature of explanations of our observations of the world c) The elimination argument is the argument that attempts to disprove or eliminate the principles of asceticism and sympathy/antipathy, leaving utilitarianism as the only remaining and correct moral theory d) the elimination argument is the argument that we ought to eliminate pain and suffering
c) The elimination argument is the argument that attempts to disprove or eliminate the principles of asceticism and sympathy/antipathy, leaving utilitarianism as the only remaining and correct moral theory
What is the paradox of morality and advantage? a) The paradox that arises as result of the principle of rational self-interest, which implies both that we act to satisfy our own desires and that satisfying our desires is not our only goal b) The paradox that arises as a result of the principle of rational self-interest, which implies that one ought both cooperate with others and ought not cooperate with others c) The paradox that arises as a result of the principle of rational self-interest, which implies that it is both reasonable and in one's own self-interest to act morally and that it is sometimes unreasonable and against self-interest to act morally d) The paradox that arises as a result of the principle of rational self-interest, which generates moral dilemmas such that it is both morally correct and morally incorrect to perform a particular action e) none
c) The paradox that arises as a result of the principle of rational self-interest, which implies that it is both reasonable and in one's own self-interest to act morally and that it is sometimes unreasonable and against self-interest to act morally
Which of the following best describes Aristotle's conception of virtue? a) Virtue is the product of human rationality and introspection b) Virtue is whatever makes humans happiest c) Virtue is the mean between two vices d) Virtue is something we learn by following others
c) Virtue is the mean between two vices
What is the doctrine of volenti non fit injuria? a) Where there is suffering, there is diminished utility b) Where there is duty, there is obligation to follow c) Where there is consent, there is no injury d) Where there is reason, there is morality
c) Where there is consent, there is no injury
Utilitarianism is one example of what kind of ethical theory? a) deontology b) determinism c) consequentialism d) compatibilism
c) consequentialism
Which of the following traits would Aristotle likely consider a vice? a) temperance b) pride c) extravagance d) modesty
c) extravagance because extravagance is an excess of magnificence the others are all means
What moral theory is the best match with the following passage? "The above philosophers hold or seem to hold, that moral rules are mora than rules of thumb. In general, the rightness of an action is not to be tested by evaluating its consequences but only by considering whether or not it falls under a certain rule. Whether the rule is to be considered an acceptable moral rule is, however, to be decided by considering the consequences of adopting the rule. Broadly then, actions are to be tested by rules and rules of by consequences." a) moral contractarianism b) negative utilitarianism c) rule utilitarianism d) act utilitarianism e) deontology f) none
c) rule utilitarianism
Tammy's grandmother is a legend in her community. Every year she knits winter hats for the children in the neighborhood; she moves everyone's garbage bins back to their doors after the trash truck goes by: and she regularly takes those who can't drive to their medical appointments, Which of the following terms best describes her behavior? a) deontology b) paternalism c) supererogation d) transcendence
c) supererogation
Which of the following, for Aristotle, is an element of habituation into virtue? a) the origin b) the duty c) the knowledge why d) the social pressure
c) the knowledge why
What is moral contractarianism or Hobbesian social contract theory of morality? a) The normative view correct moral rules are determined by their consequences, i.e. correct moral rules maximize overall happiness for the most number of people b) the normative view correct moral norms derive their content and based on equal respect for rational agency c) the normative view correct moral norms derive their content and force from agreements between self-interested, rational individuals. d) none
c) the normative view correct moral norms derive their content and force from agreements between self-interested, rational individuals.
Which of the following is an example used in game theory to explain the idea of the social contract? a) the parent's paradox b) the poker player's buff c) the prisoner's dilemma d) the politicians debate
c) the prisoner's dilemma
Why does Sidgwik think that ration agents pursue excellence, if not for their won happiness? a) for self-gratification b) to please a higher power c) to bring happiness to others d) for social acclaim
c) to bring happiness to others
Which of the following is an example of using someone merely as a means and not an end in themselves? a) buying a train ticket from an employee at the rail station b) asking your child to do the dishes after dinner c) using laborers to produce goods without compensating them in any way d) requesting your professor to respond to emails outside of office hours
c) using laborers to produce goods without compensating them in any way
Mill was MOST concerned about equality for which of the following groups of people? a) minors b) racial minorities c) women d) the poor
c) women
In Kant's system, the fundamental principle, or command, of morality. (226)
categorical imperative
An argument that uses what is intended to be the conclusion as a premise in the argument. Because it assumes what it is attempting to prove, it does not prove anything. (192)
circular argument
Any theory that judges the morality of an action by its consequences. It normally defines the right (right action) in terms of the good. For example, utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory because it defines the right in terms of maximizing the good (happiness or utility). Compare to deontology. (205)
consequentialism
A truth is contingent if, although true, we can imagine circumstances in which it would have been false. (208)
contingency
Adarian has started a company selling painted scraps of wood that he claims came from a recently demolished sporting venue. in truth, he picks up old construction materials from work sites around the city. Which of the following maxims is Adarian violating? a) "Act in a manner that is legal" b) "Buyer beware" c) "Maximize profit" d) "Always behave honestly"
d) "Always behave honestly"
Which of the following, if any, is a counter-example to the law of nature principle? a) The law of nature principle mandates trivial actions b) The law of nature principle endorses cheating c) The law of nature principle prohibits permissible actions d) All of the above e) none
d) All of the above
Which of the following, if any, is a strength of utilitarian moral theory? a) Utilitarianism provides a single principle to potentially answer every moral question b) Utilitarianism focuses on a fundamental aspect of morality, human flourishing and reducing suffering c) Utilitarianism is well-suited to address the problem of prosperity d) All of the above e) None
d) All of the above
What is the difference between autonomy and heteronomy? a) An autonomous person acts according to sympathy, whereas a heteronomous person acts in accordance with reason b) An autonomous person is concerned with social welfare, whereas a heteronomous person is concerned primarily with her family's well-being c) An autonomous person is constrained by her relationships, whereas a heteronomous person acts independently d) An autonomous person acts freely, whereas a heteronomous person acts out of self-interest or concern for others
d) An autonomous person acts freely, whereas a heteronomous person acts out of self-interest or concern for others
Which of the following criticisms, if any, do virtue ethicists level against action-based theories? a) Virtue ethicists criticize action-based theories for neglecting the development of character b) Virtue ethicists criticize action-based theories for overemphasizing autonomy and neglect community c) Virtue ethicists criticize action-based theories for presupposing the stability of character traits d) Both A and B e) None
d) Both A and B
Dante is a gifted scholar-athlete who is admitted to university on a full scholarship[. However, once he gets there, he turns his attention to partying and neglecting his studies, and he is cut from the athletics team. He ends up losing his scholarship and returns home in shame. From Kant's perspective, what was problematic about Dante's actions? a) By partying, Dante has put himself in a situation where he is required to lie b) By not practicing in order to stay on the team, Dante has placed himself in the role of lawgiver in the kingdom of ends c) By opting to party instead of study, Dante has acted in conformity with the categorical imperative d) By failing to cultivate his talents, Dante has failed to promote the value of life
d) By failing to cultivate his talents, Dante has failed to promote the value of life
If the social contract is a compromise agreement, why does Hobbes believe that people will be motivated to participate in it? a) It is a compromise that permits people to make their own rules within a society b) It is a compromise that enables individuals to pursue their own self-interests c) It is a compromise that aids in the pursuit of racial nd sexual equality d) It is a compromise that leads to the conditions of peace and stability, allowing human life to flourish
d) It is a compromise that leads to the conditions of peace and stability, allowing human life to flourish
What critique does Moore offer of Mill's suggestion that to be desirable is analogous to being visible? a) People can be blind, but they can't help but desire some things and not others b) Desiring is not one of the human senses c) Visibility is not relevant to questions of pleasure d) Something's being desirable means it merits desire, not that it is able to be desired
d) Something's being desirable means it merits desire, not that it is able to be desired
What critique does Moore offer of Mill's suggestion that to be desirable is analogous to being visible? a) Visibility is not relevant to questions of pleasure b) desiring is not one of the human senses c) People can be blind, but they can't help but desire some things and not others d) Something's being desirable means it merits desire, not that it is able to be desired
d) Something's being desirable means it merits desire, not that it is able to be desired
Why does Hursthouse believe that the prevailing central concerns in the abortion debate are inadequate? a) They focus too much on women's emotions instead of weighing the pros and cons of legally permitting abortion. b) They do not resolve the issue of whether or not fetuses are rightfully considered persons. c) They presume women are not capable of deciding whether to have abortions on their own. d) They do not get at the heart of the difficulty of the decision women contemplating abortion often face.
d) They do not get at the heart of the difficulty of the decision women contemplating abortion often face. Hursthouse suggests that the two primary concerns in the abortion debate are (1) adjudicating the right of a woman to choose what happens to her body, and (2) determining whether or not a fetus is a person. However, the right to choose still does not dictate what one ought to do, and the personhood of the fetus is a difficult metaphysical question that may not be resolved before a decision can be made.
Why does neglecting to nurture and grow one's talents fail the test of the categorical imperative? a) The happiness we get in the end is worth the struggle b) We will not be considered virtuous if we do not grow our talents c) We ought to do the tough things, even if we don't enjoy them d) We often require the help of others who should have nurtured their talents more
d) We often require the help of others who should have nurtured their talents more Think of universalizing the maxim here
DeeAnna is a volunteer firefighter in her community. As a part of her training she has learned a lot about when it is safe to enter a burning building and how to enter it safely. When she is called out to a fire one day, she rushes into a building without first considering whether it was safe. Her action, which some would call foolhardy, is one extreme of a possible virtue of bravery. Which other extreme would fit into Aristotle's understanding? a) wisdom b) friendliness c) thriftiness d) cowardice
d) cowardice
Fill in the blanks from the following John Stuart mill quote It's better to be a ________ dissatisfied than a _________ satisfied; better to be __________ dissatisfied than a ___________ satisfied. a) Socrates, human being; pig, fool b) pig, human being; fool, Socrates c) fool, pig; Socrates, human being d) human being, pig: Socrates, fool
d) human being, pig: Socrates, fool
Howe does Harrod's rule utilitarianism address the concerns about scapegoating that emerge in Caritt and Foot? a) It considers context whenever deciding how to determine the consequences of a particular action b) it provides rules on how to perform the utilitarian calculus justly c) it focuses on following directions in order to attribute moral responsibility to bosses as opposed to average citizens d) it argues that general rules of behavior can better maximize utility than focusing on individual actions
d) it argues that general rules of behavior can better maximize utility than focusing on individual actions
Which of the following is an example of a morally wrong action from the textbook offered by Kant? a) Pursuing one's self-interest b) Failing to reward others who help you c) bragging about one's talents d) making false promises
d) making false promises
Kant's deontology is taken to have influenced the development of which of the following philosophical theories? a) Act utilitarianism b) moral nihilism c) virtue ethics d) rule utilitarianism
d) rule utilitarianism
Which of the following is a formulation of Kant's categorical imperative? a) Act in accordance with the maxims of a member giving universal laws for a necessary kingdom of ends b) Act such that your behavior maximizes benefit for humanity c) Act never on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law d) so act that you use humanity always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means
d) so act that you use humanity always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means
Which characteristic does Plato consider irrelevant to the ability to rule? a) intelligence b) talent c) physical strength d) the ability to bear children
d) the ability to bear children Very surprisingly for his time, Plato argued that both men and women are capable of acquiring the skills necessary to lead, even though men have a better chance of success. He said, "If a critic can do no more than bring up the one distinction between man and woman-that the one begets and the other bears children-we shall see that for our purposes he has offered no proof of difference at all."
Anita has a longstanding feud with her neighbor who is extremely loud and disruptive. One day Anita learns that her neighbor was injured after being hit by a bus. Anita is concerned for his health but also experiences a twinge of pleasure that he got what he had coming. Which of the following would this feeling highlight? a) the narrowness objection b) the agency objection c) the irrelevance objection d) the evil pleasures objection
d) the evil pleasures objection
Which of the following is an example used in game theory to explain the idea of the social contract? a) the poker player's bluff b) the parent's paradox c) the politician's debate d) the prisoners dilemma
d) the prisoners dilemma
What is the name of the metaphor Rawls uses to illustrate the kind of thinking we ought to engage in when considering what kind of social contract we would make? a) the assumption of rationality b) the presumption of innocence c) the vision of equality d) the veil of ignorance
d) the veil of ignorance
Why does Sidgwick think that rational agents pursue excellence, if not for their own happiness? a) to please a higher power b) for self-gratification c) for social acclaim d) to bring happiness top others
d) to bring happiness top others
Which of the following is the only group to which Kant attributed the full capacity for rationality required of full moral subjects? a) European women b) Christian males c) nonwhite Europeans d) white males
d) white males
The idea that a second unit of a good typically yields less pleasure or happiness (utility) than the first, and so on. Typically used as part of an argument that maximizing utility favors equal distribution of goods. (202)
diminishing marginal utility
In moral philosophy, the idea that moral requirements are the commands of God. (263)
divine command
What is Mill's basic "proof:" for utilitarianism? a) Mills "proof" for utilitarianism is the argument that attempts to disprove or eliminate the principles of asceticism and sympathy/antipathy, leaving utilitarianism as the only remaining and correct moral theory b) Mills "proof" for utilitarianism is the argument that attempts to prove there are no objective moral truths by showing it is possible to eliminate moral facts as a necessary feature of explanations of our observations of the world c) Mills "proof" for utilitarianism is the argument that we ought to eliminate pain and suffering d) none e) Mills "proof" for utilitarianism is the argument that the only possible proof for the principle of utility is that people actually in fact, desire their own happiness; and thus the aggregate of happiness
e) Mills "proof" for utilitarianism is the argument that the only possible proof for the principle of utility is that people actually in fact, desire their own happiness; and thus the aggregate of happiness
Known through sensory evidence. (232)
empirical
In the context of feminist theory, normally used as an accusation that typical attributes of men and women are treated as if they are essential, unchanging features. Opponents of this view claim that such traits are the result of socialization, not essence. (266) Basically says that mean and women are fundamentally different
essentialism
Commonly associated with feminist approaches to ethics, this term emphasizes the importance of relationships between people and the complexities of particular situations, in opposition to the ethics of abstract principles that look to bring different situations under general rules. Compare to ethics of justice. (265)
ethics of care
Aristotle's notion of human well-being. Sometimes translated as "happiness," although "flourishing" may be a more accurate rendering. (272)
eudaemonia
When the outcome of an action is uncertain, its expected utility is calculated by looking at the possible outcomes and estimating their probability and utility. (186)
expected utility
What moral theory is the closet match with the following passage? "according to this doctrine, we test individual actions by their consequences, and general rules, like 'keep promises' are mere rules of thumb which we use only to avoid the necessity of estimating the probable consequences of our actions at every step." a) rule utilitarianism b) negative utilitarianism c) deontology d) none e) moral contractarianism f) act utilitarianism
f) act utilitarianism
According to Aristotle's virtue ethics, happiness is a matter of physical pleasure true/false
false
According to Aristotle, intellectual virtue owes its growth to habit, while moral virtue owes its growth to teaching. true/false
false
According to Hobbes, the state of nature is relatively peaceful. true/false
false
According to Kant, right conduct or duty is based on hypothetical imperatives. true/false
false
According to deontological moral theory, right conduct is determined by whether or not actions maximize overall happiness true/false
false
According to utilitarianism, the maxim of an action alone is the basis for determining whether the action is morally permissible or not true/false
false
According to utilitarianism, the standard of right conduct is the individual's own happiness true/false
false
Categorical imperatives only apply to some rational agents, not all true/false
false
Deontology is a consequentialist moral theory true/false
false
For Aristotle, it does not matter what reasons one has for acting in accordance with virtue; so long as someone consistently behaves virtuously, she is virtuous true/false
false
From an Aristotelian perspective, one can learn to be virtuous simply by reading a book or listening to one's elders true/false
false
If we know something a priori, it is knowledge we can acquire through experience or observation. true/false
false
Imagine that you are in Poland during the Holocaust, and you have been hiding Jews in your house to protect them from concentration camps. One evening, two Nazi soldiers knock on your door and ask if there are any Jews in your home. You know that if you tell the truth, the Jews will be killed. However, if you lie, the Nazis will leave, and you all will be safe. According to Kant, it is morally permissible to lie in order to save their lives. true/false
false
One important distinction between perfect and imperfect duties from a Kantian perspective is that the breach of a perfect duty could become a universal law, though it would be against our rational nature. true/false
false
Public goods tend to be oversupplied relative to demand, while public bads tend to be undersupplied true/false
false
Rawls developed a conception of social contract theory primarily as a theory of individual morality. true/false
false
The social contract theory approach to morality/politics emphasizes the idea that morality is based on divine commands true/false
false
Utilitarianism is a non-teleological moral theory true/false
false
Given Aristotle's commitment to equality, it is surprising that he thought women could not live the highest form of the good life. true/false
false Aristotle was not known for his egalitarianism. For example, he believed that it was easier for wealthier people to be virtuous than the poor. It might not be surprising, then, that he viewed certain genders or races as superior to others.
If someone is in a position of financials desperation, Kant would say that she is permitted to make a false promise in order to obtain money to help her family. true/false
false (because of universalizing the maxim)
For Kant, the only thing that has unconditional instrumental value is a good will. true/false
false (it has intrinsic value)
In Aristotle's moral philosophy, virtue lies as a mean, or half-way point, between two extremes. (281)
golden mean
Many religious texts propose version of the golden rule: do to others as you would have them do to you. (243)
golden rule
A concept in Kant's moral philosophy. A person has good will if they act for the sake of duty by following the categorical imperative, rather than because of the results their actions achieve. For Kant, the good will is the only thing that is unconditionally good. (226)
good will
The theory that although utilitarianism is true, happiness will be maximized if ordinary people are taught it is false; the truth is reserved for the moral elite. (214)
government house utilitarianism
The theory that the only thing that has ultimate moral value is the quality of human (or in some versions, human and animal) experience. (171)
hedonism
In Kant's system, to act heteronomously is to act on the basis of your desires, rather than on the basis of the moral laws. (252)
heteronomy
A conditional imperative, of the form "If you want to achieve x, then do y." According to Kant, the imperatives of morality are categorical imperatives (unconditional), not hypothetical. (233)
hypothetical imperative
Measuring and comparing the happiness of one person with that of another. (180)
interpersonal comparisons of utility
Something has intrinsic value if it is valuable in itself. Something has instrumental value if it is valued not purely in itself but because it is likely to help bring about something else of intrinsic value. It is possible for something to have both intrinsic and instrumental value. (228)
intrinsic and instrumental value
Knowledge that is a shorthand term for knowledge of a proposition: knowing that something is true. Knowledge how is knowing how to do something in a practical sense. It is generally thought that knowledge how can be acquired without a person's being able to articulate exactly what they know (e.g., knowing how to swim is a matter of acquiring a skill, not learning a set of propositions). (277)
knowledge that and knowledge how
In Kant's moral philosophy, every action has a "maxim" that might be thought of as the reason for taking the action. It is used to test whether an action is performed for the sake of duty. The test is whether the maxim of the action can be universalized. (227)
maxim of action
A theory of how human beings are to act if they are to do so in a morally correct way. (197)
theory of the right
The philosophical study of what, ultimately, exists in the universe. (226)
metaphysics
The idea that human beings are able to perceive right and wrong through some sort of built-in capacity. (176)
moral sense
The idea that certain laws exist independent of human action. Such laws are often believed to be discoverable by natural reason. (273)
natural law
The doctrine that if you are capable of doing good in the world you bear responsibility for doing so, even if you are not responsible for the bad situation that is need of attention. (206)
negative responsibility
The situation of people behind the veil of ignorance. (249)
original position
The objection that some moral theories, most notably utilitarianism, make demands on people that are impossible, or at least extremely difficult, to fulfill. (206)
over-demandingness
Overriding an individual's own choices on the grounds that another course of action would be better for them, as a parent might do for a child. (219)
paternalism
The distinction can be used in various ways, but it is most commonly understood in these terms: a perfect duty is one that applies in all circumstances, such as not to commit murder; an imperfect duty is one that is required from time to time, but not always in every case where it might apply, such as the duty to give to charity. (238)
perfect and imperfect duties
In Aristotle, the idea of "practical wisdom," or knowledge of how to act. (270)
phronesis
The pursuit or preservation of a person's own rational self-interest. (234)
prudence
An account of the good or desirable elements in the world. For example, the utilitarian theory proposes that happiness or pleasure is the sole good. (177)
theory of the good
An account of the good or desirable elements in the world. For example, the utilitarian theory proposes that happiness or pleasure is the sole good. (197)
theory of the good
A theory of how human beings are to act if they are to do so in a morally correct way. (177)
theory of the right
A version of utilitarianism that defines right action in terms of acting in accordance with rules that together would maximize happiness or utility. (211)
rule utilitarianism
The objection to consequentialist theories that they can permit such practices as punishing innocent people if the overall good is maximized. (208)
scapegoating objection
Another expression for duties to oneself, as used in Kant's moral philosophy. (237)
self-regarding duties
According to Hobbes, "the life of man" would be "solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short" in what kind of state?
state of nature
Doing more than is morally required. (206)
supererogation
Which thought experiment is associated with the agency objection to utilitarianism?
the experience machine
Elements of habituation
the knowledge that (understanding the rules), the knowledge why (knowing why the rules are what they are), the practice (knowing how), and the enjoyment (seeking pleasure from acting well)
What is the name of the "absolute sovereign" for which Hobbes advocates?
the leviathan
A motivation behind social contract theory is that in many contexts, it is rational for individuals to act in accordance with their own self-interest at the expense of others. However, we are all better off as individuals if we cooperate. true/false
true
According to utilitarianism, right conduct maximizes overall happiness for the most people true/false
true
Arguing for the moral permissibility of abortion from a social contract point of view is problematic. If the fetus is a person and thus party to the contract, abortion must typically be wrong. However, if the fetus is not a person, then it is not party to the contract, and so the contract cannot resolve the issue. true/false
true
Even though he was very progressive for his time in advocating for the equality of European women, Mill believed that despotism was a legitimate form of government for peoples he termed "barbarians" true/false
true
Following utilitarian theory, if it could be shown empirically that the subjugation of women actually increased overall happiness for them, Mill would need to argue against emancipation true/false
true
In Carritt's view, a utilitarian would be committed to putting to death an innocent person for a crime they did not commit, so long as doing so prevented further pain and increased overall happiness. true/false
true
In Kant's view, deception and coercion are morally unacceptable because they undermine the autonomy of the deceived or coerced party true/false
true
In what would have been an unusual position given his historical time period, Bentham believed that the pleasures and pains of all sentient creatures, not just those of humans had moral significance true/false
true
One objection to social contract theory is that it implies a minimal conception of morality. true/false
true
Rawls primarily developed socials contract theory as a theory of political justice, not individual morality. True/false
true
Teleological moral theories conceive of right conduct in terms of the outcomes or results of conduct. true/false
true
The "state of nature" refers to the human condition prior to the formation of any society or government true/false
true
The Stoics suggested that happiness could be achieved without external goods or outward success, in part to avoid the influence of luck in being able to live a good life true/false
true
The formulation of the categorical imperative as a kingdom of ends is intended to emphasize that each one of us is both ruler and ruled, and the system of moral law binds us together. true/false
true
Though you are able to select your life's experiences in the experience machine, you will not know that you are in the tank when you are actually in it. true/false
true
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory true/false
true
In Hursthouse's view, two women, in seemingly parallel situations, could make opposite decisions with respect to whether or not to have an abortion, and so long as they both deliberated adequately, both could be morally wrong. true/false
true According to Hursthouse, from the virtue ethics view, the salient virtue with respect to abortion is careful and serious deliberation. If a woman engages in such deliberation and does her own moral thinking, then she cannot be told that she is right or wrong.
Some philosophers have argued that empirical work in social psychology has shown that virtue ethics is false because character is inert with respect to decision-making about moral dilemmas. true/false
true Some philosophers have looked at evidence like the telephone booth experiment and the Good Samaritan experiment to show that the way people react in moral dilemmas depends on their situations, and not their character. As such, virtue ethics, with its emphasis on the cultivation of character, could not be the correct ethical theory.
Forms of utilitarianism that try to combine rule and act utilitarianism into a single view. (214)
two-level utilitarianism
A good that is not derived from or cannot be reduced to another good. (173)
ultimate good
The moral theory that the right thing to do in any circumstance is to bring about the greatest total balance of happiness over unhappiness. (171)
utilitarianism
A measure of subjective well-being, closely related to happiness and pleasure. (171)
utility
The opposite of a virtue. A disposition of character that leads a person to reason, feel, and act in a morally problematic fashion. (281)
vice