Ethics and Moral Theories Quiz - Opening Day Lecture

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of the "reality-based community"?

  • They believe that reality should always be consistent with their personal beliefs.
  • They seek to impose their worldview through coercion and force.
  • They prioritize the acceptance of facts and evidence in decision-making. (correct)
  • They believe in the complete dominance of their ideology over all aspects of life.

What is a key challenge facing the "reality-based community"?

  • Lack of adequate funding for research and development.
  • The increasing influence of pseudoscience and misinformation.
  • The prevalence of distrust and skepticism towards scientific institutions. (correct)
  • The difficulty in reconciling diverse cultural perspectives.

What is a key requirement for a liberal society to function effectively?

  • Unquestioning acceptance of authority figures and institutions.
  • A shared commitment to maintaining common institutions. (correct)
  • Complete agreement on all factual matters.
  • Absolute adherence to religious or traditional beliefs.

Which of the following is NOT considered a permissible activity for members of the "reality-based community" outside of their professional roles?

<p>Promoting conspiracy theories and denying established facts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of the "enemies of the reality-based community"?

<p>To undermine and discredit established institutions and facts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes the main claim of ethical subjectivism?

<p>Ethical subjectivism claims that moral judgments are purely personal and subjective, meaning there are no objective truths or wrongs in morality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the key difference between simple ethical subjectivism and emotivism?

<p>Simple ethical subjectivism reduces moral statements to expressions of personal approval, while emotivism views them as imperatives and expressions of attitude. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is a significant drawback of emotivism?

<p>Emotivism fails to explain the importance of reason in ethical decision-making. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best expresses the author's perspective on the nature of moral truths?

<p>Moral truths are neither simply facts nor subjective feelings but rather a distinct category of truths of reason. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the passage in relation to ethical subjectivism?

<p>To critique both simple ethical subjectivism and emotivism as inadequate explanations of morality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a common empirical indicator of practitioners within the reality-based community?

<p>They believe lying is a minor offense. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a common pattern of proper behavior in the reality-based community?

<p>Perspectivism - a rejection of universal standards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable knowledge base within the reality-based community?

<p>A balance between exclusion and inclusion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the role of "institutionalism" within the reality-based community?

<p>Maintaining and expanding the network of knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of "accountability" within the reality-based community?

<p>Maintaining a balance between leniency and punishment for errors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST captures the importance of "civility" within the reality-based community?

<p>Promoting a culture of collegiality and cooperation in discussions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a branch of the reality-based community as described in the text?

<p>The world of spirituality and religious belief. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases is NOT mentioned as a characteristic or pattern of proper behavior within the reality-based community?

<p>Perspectivism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point Hammersley is arguing against in his article, "Should Sociology be Normative?"

<p>The idea that normative judgments should be incorporated into sociological work. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Ethical Subjectivism, in relation to homosexuality?

<p>It focuses on individual feelings and attitudes towards homosexuality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about the "reality-based community" and its relation to "knowledge"?

<p>The &quot;reality-based community&quot; generates knowledge that is distinct from material things and subjective feelings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase "value-relevant", as used in the context of Max Weber's perspective on social science?

<p>Research should address the significance of its findings and answer the &quot;so what&quot; question. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arguments is NOT used to justify incorporating normative judgments into sociological work?

<p>The need for objective analysis in social science. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the text states that Ethical Subjectivism "seems to be going in the wrong direction"?

<p>Ethical Subjectivism ignores the role of reasoned arguments and evidence in ethical discussions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following is a valid criticism of Ethical Subjectivism?

<p>Ethical Subjectivism is too focused on individual experiences and feelings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between "value-neutral" and "value-relevant" in Max Weber's perspective on social science?

<p>Value-neutral social science avoids any normative judgments, while value-relevant social science acknowledges the significance of its findings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that has contributed to the "replication crisis" in psychology?

<p>Unethical practices within research, such as fabricating data (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do universities often defend research dishonesty?

<p>By suggesting that misconduct is justified if it leads to a socially desirable outcome (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize the role of social justice messaging in universities?

<p>Social justice messaging is often used to justify questionable scholarship and research practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's main criticism of research in universities?

<p>Research is often used for political purposes rather than for the pursuit of objective truth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why universities have lost public confidence?

<p>The rising cost of a university education and the diminishing value of a degree. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the text about the "replication crisis" in psychology?

<p>The replication crisis is a result of a systematic failure of ethical practices within psychology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text say many humanities departments are trying to "sell" students on the "unfounded hope" that the humanities will make them more effective activists?

<p>To encourage students to major in the humanities, as these departments face declining enrollment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the text's primary argument regarding affirmative action in university admissions?

<p>Affirmative action is a dishonest practice that often serves to mask the true motivations behind admissions decisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Nagel, what is the fundamental basis for morality?

<p>A direct concern for others' well-being. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nagel question the religious answer to the problem of why people should be moral?

<p>Because fear of punishment is a weak basis for moral action. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinction does Nagel make between 'rules' and 'morality'?

<p>Rules are specific and context-dependent, while morality is universal and abstract. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge raised by the religious answer to the question of why be moral?

<p>Morality seems independent of God's will in many cases. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between consequentialist and deontological moral theories?

<p>Consequentialist theories evaluate actions based on their consequences, while deontological theories evaluate actions based on their inherent rightness or wrongness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fact/Value Dichotomy

The distinction between facts (what is) and values (what ought to be).

Moral Theories

Frameworks that combine facts and values to guide human behavior.

Consequentialist Theories

Moral theories focusing on outcomes or consequences of actions.

Deontological Theories

Moral theories that emphasize duties and rules rather than outcomes.

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Postulate of Fundamental Human Worth

Nagel's idea that morality is based on concern for others' well-being.

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Enemies of the reality-based community

Groups that aim to undermine, discredit, or bypass institutions that rely on factual accuracy.

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Reality-based community

A group that relies on factual evidence and institutions to guide decision-making and understanding of the world.

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Limits of reality-based community

The reality-based community does not control personal beliefs or daily life outside its domain.

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Requirements for a liberal society

A liberal society needs a baseline agreement on facts and institutional trust, rather than complete uniformity in beliefs.

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Public trust in institutions

For the reality-based community to function effectively, there must be sufficient public trust in the institutions that uphold it.

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Replication Crisis

A situation in psychology where many published results fail to be reproduced by others, indicating poor research practices.

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Research Dishonesty

Conducting research in a misleading or unethical manner, such as fabricating data or misrepresenting results.

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Politicized Research

Research influenced heavily by political motives rather than a quest for truth.

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Cherry-Picking Data

Selecting only favorable data points to support a conclusion while ignoring others.

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Pre-Registration of Findings

The practice of publicly registering research hypotheses and methods before conducting a study to ensure transparency.

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Misleading Social Justice Messaging

Communications that claim to promote social justice but may be insincere or politically motivated.

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Affirmative Action Misrepresentation

The practice of portraying affirmative action in admissions as unrelated to demographic balancing, which many believe is untrue.

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Academic Free Speech Challenges

The difficulties faced by university presidents in defending free speech, often due to a biased institutional climate.

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Rachels's Argument on Homosexuality

Homosexuality does not harm societal institutions or individuals and contributes to personal well-being.

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Ethical Subjectivism

A view that morality is based on personal attitudes and feelings rather than objective reasoning.

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Normative Judgments in Sociology

Incorporating ethical values and judgments into sociological analysis and research.

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Perspectivalism

A multicultural approach to ethics that recognizes diverse perspectives and values.

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Value-Neutral Social Science

The concept that social science research should be free from personal values, yet relevant to societal values.

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Value-Relevant Knowledge

Knowledge produced by social science that is significant to societal values and norms.

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Max Weber's Ethics

Weber argued for value relevance in social science while maintaining methodological neutrality.

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Constitution of Knowledge

A framework supporting values like truth and freedom of expression.

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Simple Ethical Subjectivism

The idea that saying 'X is morally right' means 'I approve of X'.

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Emotivism

The theory that moral language expresses emotions and commands, not just facts.

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Moral truths of reason

Ethical philosophers argue moral truths are distinct from facts and subjective feelings.

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Fallibilism

An openness to admitting error and recognizing the possibility of being wrong.

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Objectivity

The practice of rejecting personal bias while seeking universal standards in research.

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Accountability

A balance between leniency and punishment for errors, ensuring integrity in research.

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Disconfirmation

The practice of critically examining and refuting weak claims.

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Civility

Maintaining respect and cooperation even in criticism within discussions.

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Pluralism

Welcoming diverse ideas and perspectives within the reality-based community.

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Institutionalism

The establishment and maintenance of norms and expertise within the community.

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Study Notes

Study Guide for Quiz #1

  • Opening Day Lecture (Facts and Values):
    • Fact/Value Dichotomy: Distinction between factual statements and value judgments.
    • Moral Theories: Systems for combining facts and values to create guides for human conduct.
    • Consequentialist vs. Deontological Theories: Two major types of moral theories; one focuses on outcomes and the other on duties.
  • Nagel, "Right and Wrong":
    • Rules vs. Moral Principles: Distinction between socially enforced constraints and abstract, universal moral principles.
    • Why Be Moral?: Examination of the reasons individuals should adhere to moral principles, including religious and naturalistic answers.
    • Moral Substitutability: Idea that different people's interests are equally important and deserve consideration, despite differences or relationships.
    • Limits of Moral Substitutability: How moral substitutability conflicts with ordinary human experience, highlighting the importance of empathy for loved ones.
  • The Postulate of Fundamental Human Worth and Equality:
    • "There is no substitute for a direct concern for other people as the basis of morality" (63).
  • The Economist's Objection to Morality: Questioning whether morality is simply the expression of individual preferences.
  • The Multicultural Objection: Consideration of whether universal moral principles apply across all cultures, given their diversity.
  • The Knowledge Illusion: People tend to overestimate their knowledge of how the world works.
  • Groupthink: The tendency for people to make decisions in a group based on the opinions of others rather than their independent judgments.
  • The "Reality-Based Community": Characteristics of a community dedicated to seeking the truth through empirical evidence
  • World of Law and Jurisprudence
    • Common Empirical Indicators of the Reality-Based Community: Shared traits of practitioners of law and public policy.
    • Traits of the Reality-Based Community: Aspects of accountability, objectivity, and civility within the community.
    • Moral Subjectivism/Relativism: Simple ethical subjectivism as a philosophical perspective, focusing on the idea that moral judgments are expressions of personal feelings and nothing more. A refined form is emotivism, which views moral judgments as expressions of feelings that motivate action rather than reporting a fact.
    • Moral Disagreement: Objections to the idea that morality is merely a matter of individual opinion, since morality often involves disagreements.
  • Should Sociology be Normative?
    • Rationale for Incorporating Normative Judgments into Sociology: Arguments for embedding normative judgments into the practice and thought of social research and social theory.
    • Discussion of Max Weber's position on the necessity for "value-neutrality" in social sciences
  • DEI Statements and the Conformity Gauntlet
    • Increased pressure on academic faculty to conform to specific values and perspectives
    • Implications of standardized and expected responses from academic institutions

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