Ethics: Nozick and Singer's Arguments
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Questions and Answers

What does the concept of the 'state of nature' primarily illustrate?

  • The triviality of human conflicts.
  • The inevitability of moral laws.
  • The purpose that governments serve. (correct)
  • The inherent goodness of humanity.

Which of the following is NOT one of the principal causes of quarrel in 'natural man' according to the content?

  • Competition
  • Diffidence
  • Glory
  • Admiration (correct)

What does Hobbes suggest about human actions in a state of nature?

  • They demonstrate a fundamental distrust of others. (correct)
  • They are guided by moral principles.
  • They are motivated by a desire for community.
  • They reflect a general trust in mankind.

In Hobbes's view, what are seen as the cardinal values in a state of war?

<p>Force and fraud. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What supposition underlies the concept of 'natural man' according to the content?

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

How is class primarily defined in relation to society?

<p>By one's relationship to the means of production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the labor relationship of serfs in feudalism?

<p>Serfs worked land owned by lords and were obligated to provide tribute for protection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What simplification occurred in the class structure with the rise of modern bourgeois society?

<p>Society became increasingly divided into two opposing classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of control, how did feudalism differ from capitalism?

<p>In capitalism, the ownership and control of means of production are concentrated in the bourgeoisie. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key effect of class struggle throughout history?

<p>It has driven historical changes based on the contradictions between social classes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Nozick's experience machine illustrate about intrinsic value?

<p>Pleasure is not the only thing intrinsically valuable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Singer, what constitutes absolute affluence?

<p>More than enough income for necessities and access to basic services. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral problem Singer highlights with discretionary spending?

<p>Spending on luxuries is morally equivalent to ignoring the suffering of others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of Singer's argument structure?

<p>If we can prevent suffering without significant sacrifice, we should do so. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Singer claim about our duty towards global and local suffering?

<p>We should significantly increase our efforts to alleviate suffering. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about luxury spending according to the content?

<p>It is morally wrong if it detracts from helping others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the sacrifice made by moral saints from other types of sacrifices?

<p>It has the character of a higher desire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Singer's view, what makes proximity irrelevant in moral considerations?

<p>The distance does not change the extent of suffering experienced. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can weaken the premise of Singer's moderate principle?

<p>Suggesting that suffering does not have inherent moral weight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Wolf suggest about the nature of moral saints and personal identity?

<p>Moral saints may suppress the existence of a personal self. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adjective does Wolf use to describe the ideal of the moral saint?

<p>Fanatical (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nonmoral virtues is true according to Wolf?

<p>There are nonmoral reasons for action that justify personal excellence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Wolf reach about moral saints?

<p>A person can be wonderful without being perfectly moral. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these aspects does not align with the characteristics of moral sainthood?

<p>A broad acceptance of diverse personal goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern about the moral saint's expectations in relation to society?

<p>The ideal encourages overlooking personal aspirations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which fundamental question is NOT part of political philosophy as outlined?

<p>How does one become a moral saint? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'moral saint'?

<p>A person striving to be as morally good as possible (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the argument, what does the term 'moral sainthood' imply?

<p>Prioritizing the welfare of others at all times (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of moral saints according to the content provided?

<p>They miss out on valuable non-moral experiences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of saint finds happiness in the welfare of others?

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

What does the phrase 'too good for his own good' refer to?

<p>Moral saints whose focus on virtue may limit their personal fulfillment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the individual level of donation relate to the economy according to the argument?

<p>Individual donations have little effect on the overall economy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the argument imply about choices between luxury items and inexpensive alternatives?

<p>Choosing luxury items is not morally significant when alternatives are available (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two personal experiences do moral saints reportedly neglect?

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

What practical obstacle do moral saints face according to the argument?

<p>Limited time for nonmoral pursuits (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a rational saint's approach to happiness?

<p>Sacrificing personal enjoyment for duty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major effect of technological advances on the bourgeoisie?

<p>They had more opportunities for activities in towns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical event contributed to the primitive accumulation of capital for the bourgeoisie?

<p>The discovery of America. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the rise of modern industry affect the traditional guild system?

<p>The division of labor began to happen within single factories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the state play in relation to the market in a bourgeois society?

<p>It acted as an umpire to secure uniform laws and protect private property. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of capitalist production according to Marx and Engels?

<p>It requires constant revolutionizing of production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'free' wage labor imply in a capitalist society?

<p>Laborers have complete freedom to choose their employment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the bourgeois revolutions in America and France?

<p>The emergence of the bourgeois class gaining political power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pauperization of the working class' refer to in the context of bourgeois society?

<p>The deteriorating conditions of the working class during capitalism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does globalization affect the power of the bourgeoisie?

<p>It allows for massive expansion in production and innovation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical factor contributed to the division of labor in modern factories?

<p>Technological advancements and increased production demands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nozick's experience machine

A thought experiment suggesting that pleasure is not the only valuable thing in life, as people might not choose a perfect, pleasurable experience if given the choice.

Singer's famine, affluence, and morality

Argues that extreme poverty and affluence generate moral obligations to alleviate suffering, even across great distances.

Absolute poverty

Severe deprivation of basic necessities like food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Absolute affluence

Having plentiful resources beyond the necessities of life, capable of mitigating suffering.

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Singer's moral problem

Spending on luxuries while others lack basic necessities is morally problematic.

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Singer's moderate principle

Preventing a bad outcome without comparable sacrifice is a moral obligation.

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Moral obligation from Singer

We are morally responsible to do more to alleviate global suffering.

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Irrelevance of proximity and responsibility

Geographic distance and personal responsibility do not diminish our moral obligation to help those in need.

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Moral Saint

A person who prioritizes moral goodness above all else, striving to maximize the well-being of others.

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Moral Sainthood

The pursuit of maximal moral goodness, often involving complete dedication to improving others' welfare.

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Moderate Donation

The idea of donating until a point where further donations would diminish your own or your family's well-being.

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Nonmoral Goods

Things of value that aren't directly moral, like hobbies, skills, and personal enjoyment.

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Loving Saint

A moral saint driven by empathy and happiness derived from others' welfare.

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Rational Saint

A moral saint motivated by duty to maximize the well-being of others, sacrificing personal interests.

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Economic Impact of Donations

Individual donations to charities won't noticeably impact the overall economy.

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Moral Sacrifice

Choosing the morally more valuable option, for example, donating to charity over purchasing an expensive item.

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Luxury vs. Inexpensive

The idea that choosing inexpensive options over luxuries is not a significant moral sacrifice.

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Social Ideal vs. Individual Level

Considering economic impact of donations on society vs. individual.

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Nonmoral virtues

Personal qualities like kindness, intelligence, creativity, and ambition, that are considered valuable but not directly related to moral obligations.

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Fanaticism (Moral Saint)

The extreme dedication to moral perfection, often at the cost of other values and a sense of self.

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Political Philosophy Questions

Core philosophical inquiries about government, authority, rights, justice, and flourishing.

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Political Authority

The legitimate power and right of a government to make laws and enforce them.

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Just Distribution of Resources

Fair and equitable allocation of resources within a society.

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Moral saint vs other pursuits

If we prioritize morality over personal interests, we will likely be sacrificing other desires, interests, and possible pursuits.

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State of Nature

A hypothetical scenario where there is no government or social order, and individuals are free to act as they please, driven by their own self-interest.

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Natural Equality

The idea that all individuals in the state of nature are equal in their capacity to harm one another, regardless of physical or intellectual differences.

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Scarcity

A key factor in the state of nature, leading to competition for resources, as there are limited resources available to meet everyone's needs.

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State of War

A constant fear and threat of violence in the state of nature, where individuals are constantly prepared to defend themselves from others.

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Force and Fraud

In the state of nature, these are the primary tools for survival, as individuals rely on their own power and cunning to protect themselves.

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Class Struggle

The historical conflict between social classes driven by their conflicting interests and relationships to the means of production.

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Means of Production

The tools, technology, resources, and labor power used to produce goods and services in a society.

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Class: Your Relationship to the Means of Production?

Determined by whether you own and control the means of production, or have your access mediated by others. This defines your economic position and power.

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Feudalism

A hierarchical social system where a lord owns the land, serfs own their tools and labor on the land, and both have specific rights and obligations.

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Capitalism: Two Opposing Classes

In capitalism, society is increasingly simplified into two main classes: the bourgeoisie (owners of the means of production) and the proletariat (workers who own only their labor power).

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Bourgeoisie's Rise

The bourgeoisie emerged through a series of revolutions in production and exchange, driven by technological advancements, new markets, and a growing need for labor.

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Feudalism's Fall

The rise of the bourgeoisie led to the decline of feudalism by creating new industries, dividing labor, and challenging the old guild system.

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Division of Labor

The bourgeoisie transformed production by dividing labor within factories, increasing efficiency and creating new markets.

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Modern World Market

The bourgeoisie created a global market through technological advancements in transportation, communication, and production.

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Superstructure

Marx and Engels argued that the 'superstructure' (beliefs, laws, institutions) is shaped by the 'base' (economic forces), hence the bourgeoisie's rise is reflected in new ideas and laws.

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Free Labor Force

The bourgeoisie created a 'free' labor force by driving people from rural areas into urban factories, seeking wages and often lacking alternative ways to survive.

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Pauperization of the Working Class

Marx and Engels believed that capitalism inevitably leads to the impoverishment of the working class, as their wages are squeezed by competition and profits go to the bourgeoisie.

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The Proletariat

The proletariat is the working class, the exploited labor force that Marx and Engels believed would eventually overthrow capitalism.

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Capitalism's Drive

Capitalism requires constant innovation and revolutionizing of production to stay competitive, which leads to new technologies and changes in the way things are made.

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Globalization's Power

The bourgeoisie's ability to shape the world comes from its massive expansion of production, innovation, and trade, leading to a global interconnectedness.

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Study Notes

Nozick's Experience Machine

  • Nozick argues that pleasure is not the only intrinsically valuable thing.

Singer's Argument

  • Suffering and death from lack of food and necessities are bad.
  • If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing something of comparable moral significance, we ought, morally, to do it.
  • It is in our power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance.
  • Therefore, we ought, morally, to do it.

Singer's Moderate Principle

  • Suffering and death from lack of food and necessities are bad.
  • If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance, we ought, morally, to do it.
  • This is an uncontroversial assumption.
  • This seems just as uncontroversial.
  • We can weaken the premise: If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without thereby sacrificing anything morally significant, we ought, morally, to do it.

Moral Saints

  • Someone who strives to be as morally good as possible.
  • Moral sainthood requires one's life being dominated by a commitment to improving the welfare of others.
  • Moral saints may be perfectly moral, but it is not an ideal.
  • A person can be perfectly wonderful without being perfectly moral.

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Description

Explore the philosophical arguments of Robert Nozick and Peter Singer in this quiz. Understand Nozick's critique of pleasure as the sole intrinsic value and Singer's moral obligations regarding suffering and resources. Test your knowledge on these significant ethical theories.

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