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Questions and Answers

What is one reason moral philosophers may overlook the ethics of risk?

  • They think utility maximization solves all issues.
  • They believe that risk does not affect values. (correct)
  • They are unaware of decision theory.
  • They believe risk is irrelevant to their philosophy.

In what way does utilitarianism handle risk?

  • By creating new moral principles about risk.
  • By eliminating risk from moral consideration.
  • By maximizing expected utility based on utility values. (correct)
  • By relying solely on intuitive judgments.

What does decision theory provide in the context of risk or uncertainty?

  • Utility definitions unrelated to risk.
  • Rational guidance based on values. (correct)
  • Emotional responses to risky situations.
  • Frameworks for moral considerations only.

What is a challenge when dealing with uncertainty in utilitarianism?

<p>Identifying subjective probabilities for outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is central to the utilitarian approach to decision-making under uncertainty?

<p>Maximizing expected utility and rational decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the content describe the role of the ethics of risk?

<p>To serve as a bridge between various branches of inquiry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does utility play according to the utilitarian approach?

<p>It serves as a basis for moral judgment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about moral philosophy concerning risk and uncertainty?

<p>It neglects the distinct moral aspects of risk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the difference principle specifically address regarding risk?

<p>It maximizes the long-run prospects of the least advantaged group. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does Hart have regarding the Rawlsian principle of liberty?

<p>It fails to consider the distribution of risk from liberties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Harsanyi's 'original position' differ from Rawls' concept?

<p>Harsanyi's model focuses on maximizing expected utility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example is used in the content to illustrate the risks associated with certain liberties?

<p>Drunk driving. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element missing in the difference principle's treatment of risk?

<p>Specific guidelines on permissible risk levels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the absence of risk represent in the context of the difference principle?

<p>A fundamental good to be maximized. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'veil of ignorance' in Harsanyi's model?

<p>Not knowing which individual one will be affected by a decision. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized regarding the general exercise of some liberties?

<p>It can raise overall levels of risk significantly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a genuine risk that is difficult to protect against while leading a normal life?

<p>Being killed by an aircraft dropping out of the sky (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes anxiety in relation to an additional risk?

<p>The level of risk being above a certain threshold (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a 'subliminal extra risk'?

<p>A risk that does not increase anxiety levels despite its presence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person be inclined to accept a subliminal extra risk?

<p>They have nothing to gain from rejecting it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to a person's loss of well-being when considering a risk?

<p>The possibility of losing expected utility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might motivate an individual to agree to a risk they do not benefit from?

<p>They recognize the possibility of worse outcomes if they don't agree. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the discussion imply about the degree of risk that causes anxiety?

<p>It varies among different individuals based on their personalities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a factor in the desire for agreement on principles of risk and uncertainty?

<p>The recognition of the possible consequences of non-agreement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily advocated by some members of the environmental movement?

<p>A frugal and regulated life in small communities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do detractors argue about the proposed society?

<p>It would be insufferably boring (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that creates intractable problems in differing attitudes towards risk?

<p>Conflicts of ideals rooted in value differences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a person consider when deciding if an activity is permissible?

<p>The value of engaging in it compared to the risks to others (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can parties reach an agreement regarding risky activities?

<p>By negotiating a level of precaution that is acceptable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might cautious individuals be willing to do for the sake of participation in an activity?

<p>Take on significantly more risk than desired (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stringent precautions in risky activities?

<p>They can limit risks to others depending on how the activity is carried on (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might compensate for short-lived fear according to the content?

<p>An award convincing them of their well-being (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is described as unable to substitute for a sense of security?

<p>Other goods or advantages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What generally leads to differences in how individuals perceive risk?

<p>Their personal experiences and attitudes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the more cautious individuals prefer over increased risk?

<p>A safer environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What argument do the cautious make against increasing risk?

<p>Risk can lead to personal harm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the cautious believe about benefits offered for additional risk?

<p>They are irrelevant to their fear (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how do the more cautious react to imposed risks?

<p>They experience insecurity and fear (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the disvalue recognized by cautious individuals concerning higher risk levels?

<p>It can adversely affect their well-being (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the less cautious individuals believe is harmed by the cautious's veto of activities?

<p>The prospects for happiness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the natural rights theorist assert regarding John playing Russian roulette with Mary as the target?

<p>It is his duty not to play Russian roulette with her. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates the concept of a rights violation despite no actual harm being done?

<p>John plays Russian roulette, and a blank is fired. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with applying a strict rule against actions with any positive probability of harm?

<p>It could lead to paralysis of human life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the magnitude of harm influence the acceptability of a risky action in the context of rights?

<p>The threshold probability of acceptable risk may vary depending on the harm's magnitude. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of trivial violation of rights is mentioned, and why can it be considered serious?

<p>Soiling a handkerchief, as it affects property rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the natural rights theorist prioritize in the context of rights and duties?

<p>Rights over duties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major challenge facing the idea of having a uniform threshold for acceptable risk?

<p>It may result in absurdity when applied to trivial matters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assumption underlies the natural rights theorist's view on John’s actions in the context of playing Russian roulette?

<p>The outcome of actions is less important than intentions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics of Risk Denial

The belief that situations involving risk do not require special ethical principles or considerations, leading to the idea that there is no distinct field of ethics of risk.

Risk-Neutral Moral Philosophy

A philosophical perspective that determines values and their relative importance without explicitly considering risk or uncertainty.

Decision Theory

A theory that focuses on making rational decisions in situations involving risk or uncertainty based on maximizing the expected value of outcomes, given preferences and probabilities.

Utility

The concept of measuring the value of different outcomes in terms of utility, which represents individual satisfaction or well-being.

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Maximizing Expected Utility

A principle that suggests maximizing the expected utility of actions, taking into account the probabilities of different outcomes.

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Utilitarianism

A philosophical framework that emphasizes maximizing utility or happiness by considering the overall consequences of actions.

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Subjective Probabilities

A method for handling uncertainty in decision-making where subjective probabilities are assigned to outcomes, even when objective probabilities are unknown.

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Utilitarianism and Risk

A system of ethics that does not require specific principles for dealing with risk, because all ethical considerations can be derived from maximizing utility.

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Violation of Rights Through Risk

A situation where an action, even if it doesn't cause harm, still violates someone's rights because it involves a deliberate risk of harm. This is illustrated by the example of playing Russian roulette, where even if a blank is fired, the act itself constitutes a violation of the person's right not to be subjected to such a risk.

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Rights Prior to Duties

The principle that rights exist independently of duties. This means that a person's right exists whether or not someone else has a corresponding duty to respect it. For example, a person has the right not to be harmed, even if the harm is unintentional.

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Zero Tolerance for Risk?

The idea that allowing any level of risk, no matter how small, to harm others would be unacceptable. This is because even a tiny probability of causing harm can still be considered a violation of someone's right not to be harmed.

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Acceptable Probabilities of Harm

The concept that individuals are allowed to engage in actions that carry a very low probability of harming others. This is necessary to avoid paralyzing society, as any action could potentially lead to harm.

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Thresholds for Risk

The question of whether the acceptable threshold of risk for harming others should be the same for all types of harm. Should the same level of risk be allowed for minor harm as for serious harm?

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Uniform Risk Threshold

The idea that the same level of risk should be allowed for all types of harm, even those that are very minor or trivial. This leads to an absurdity, as even actions like soiling someone's handkerchief without permission could be considered a violation of rights.

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Soiling a Handkerchief

An action that harms someone's property without their consent, even if the harm is minor. This is considered a violation of rights because it involves worsening the condition of their property without their permission.

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Frugal, Regulated Society

A society characterized by limited technology, careful resource management, and small communities, often advocated for by those seeking a safer, more sustainable way of life.

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Acceptable Risk for Personal Gain

The idea that in such a society, individuals might be willing to accept some additional risk in order to participate in activities that benefit them, even if those activities pose a risk to others.

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Safe Technology and Precautions

The belief that activities involving risk to others can be made safer by taking appropriate precautions, allowing for a balance between individual freedom and collective safety.

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Agreement on Risk Tolerance

The concept that even individuals with different levels of risk tolerance can come to an agreement on acceptable levels of risk, allowing for activities to proceed while minimizing harm.

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Intractable Problems of Risk

The potential conflict arising from differences in values and attitudes towards risk, particularly in situations where individuals may disagree on the acceptability of activities that could pose risks to others.

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Modus Vivendi for Risk

A proposed solution where individuals agree to live with a certain level of risk in exchange for the benefits of engaging in specific activities, even if those activities pose some risk to others.

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Varying Risk Levels

The idea that the level of risk involved in an activity can often be adjusted by implementing stricter precautions, making it more acceptable to those who are more risk-averse.

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Ethical Dilemmas of Risk

The realization that striking a balance between individual freedom and collective safety requires careful consideration of varying values and attitudes towards risk, leading to complex ethical dilemmas.

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The Right to Refuse Risk Despite Compensation

The belief that even if someone is compensated for a risky activity, they should still have the right to refuse to participate if the risk makes them feel insecure or afraid.

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Fear as a Form of Harm

The idea that being subjected to risks that cause fear or anxiety is a harm to someone's well-being, even if no physical injury occurs.

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Non-Anxious Risk

The potential for harm due to a risky activity that is too small to cause fear but still undesired by the individual.

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Harm Through Awareness of Risk

The idea that someone's well-being is harmed not just by direct negative experiences, but also by the knowledge that they are being subjected to risks that might harm them in the future.

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The Risk-Cautious Clash

The conflict between those who want to pursue risky but potentially beneficial activities and those who prioritize safety and want to minimize risk.

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Respecting the Cautious

The argument that people who are more cautious about risks should have their preferences respected, even if it means limiting the activities of those who are less cautious.

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Suppressed Desires due to Risk Aversion

The potential for someone's desires and aspirations to be restricted if they are prohibited from engaging in risky activities due to the concerns of others.

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Ethics of Imposed Risk

The idea that even activities that might not directly cause harm can still be considered unethical if they involve imposing a significant risk on others.

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Difference principle and risk

The difference principle dictates that the situation of the least advantaged group should be maximized, and one element of this is protection from harm. This means focusing on minimizing risks especially for those who are most vulnerable.

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Fair weight of risk

It's challenging to determine how much risk is acceptable when weighing the potential benefits against the potential harms. Even if everyone benefits from a certain activity (like driving), it's tricky to define how much risk is 'fair'.

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Difference principle limitations on risk

The difference principle helps control the inequalities in risk distribution, but it provides limited guidance on overall acceptable risk levels. It doesn't tell us how much risk is 'too much' in general, but rather focuses on fairness between different groups.

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Liberty vs. Risk

The 'priority of liberty' emphasizes individual freedoms. However, excessive liberty can lead to increased risk for everyone. This raises questions about balancing individual rights with the collective risks associated with unchecked freedoms.

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Excessive liberty and risk

Some freedoms can increase general risk levels to the point where the potential downsides outweigh any benefits. Drunk driving is an example where the risks to individuals and society are so high that restrictions on the freedom to drive drunk are justified.

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Harsanyi's veil of ignorance

Harsanyi's 'veil of ignorance' is a thought experiment where individuals choose moral principles without knowing their own position in society. This allows for unbiased judgment, but unlike Rawls, it assumes everyone has an equal chance of being anyone.

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Collective good vs. individual risk

Harsanyi's veil of ignorance encourages choosing principles that maximize overall well-being, even if it means accepting some degree of risk for some individuals. This approach prioritizes collective benefit over individual guarantees of safety.

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Subliminal Extra Risk

A risk that is so small it does not cause anxiety, even for someone who is generally nervous about risks. It doesn't trigger any negative emotional response even though it technically goes against a person's interests.

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Desire for Agreement

The idea that people are willing to agree to things, even if they gain nothing from it, simply because the act of agreeing itself carries a positive value or because the consequences of not agreeing are negative.

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Acceptable Level of Risk

A situation where an action involves a slight risk of causing harm, but the risk is so low that it does not cause anxiety or significantly diminish a person's well-being.

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Threshold of Nervousness

The idea that there is a certain level of nervousness about risks that is considered normal, while anything beyond that is classified as paranoia or pathological anxiety.

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Loss of Expected Utility vs. Actual Utility

When a person's well-being is not negatively affected by the thought of potential loss, even though the loss represents a reduction in expected utility.

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Interests Beyond Utility Maximization

The idea that a person's interests are not solely determined by their desire to maximize their own utility, but also by their willingness to accept certain risks as part of living a fulfilling life.

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Philosophical Approach to Risk

A philosophical perspective on risk that acknowledges the possibility of harm, but argues that some level of risk is unavoidable and acceptable within a reasoned framework.

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Weighing Risks and Benefits

The concept that some risks are not worth taking, even if they offer potential benefits, because the potential harms outweigh the potential gains.

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Study Notes

Ethics of Risk

  • Ethics of risk investigates moral principles for choices where outcomes are uncertain.
  • Two main categories exist: decision-making under risk (known possible outcomes and their probabilities) and decision-making under uncertainty (unknown probabilities of outcomes).
  • Risk and uncertainty are central to many personal and public decisions (e.g., marriage, careers, government policies).
  • Moral philosophy often overlooks the ethics of risk.
  • Utilitarianism prioritizes maximizing expected utility, handling risk by assigning subjective probabilities.
  • Natural rights theory focuses on avoiding harming others, leading to potentially impractical restrictions or complex calculations involving probabilities.
  • Contractualism emphasizes rational agreement, but struggles to account for differing risk preferences among individuals, especially when risks are imposed on others, not taken by them.

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Description

This quiz explores the moral principles and decision-making processes involved in the ethics of risk. Delve into the categories of decision-making under risk and uncertainty, and analyze the implications of various moral philosophies such as utilitarianism and contractualism. Engage with real-world applications to better understand how ethics shape personal and public decisions.

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