Exam 2 Study Guide: Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the core principle of utilitarian consequentialism?

  • The best action maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of individuals. (correct)
  • Ethical decisions should prioritize the fulfillment of religious doctrines and spiritual enlightenment.
  • The morality of an action is determined by its adherence to established societal norms.
  • Actions are moral if they align with one's personal desires and ambitions.

How would a utilitarian likely approach the decision of whether to donate to a charity that saves endangered animals versus one that provides clean water to a village?

  • They would donate to the charity that demonstrates the greatest potential to increase overall well-being, considering the number of individuals and animals affected. (correct)
  • They would donate an equal amount to both charities to ensure impartiality.
  • They would donate to neither charity, as charitable giving is a matter of personal preference.
  • They would donate to the charity that aligns with their personal values, regardless of impact.

In Singer's argument about our obligations to address world hunger, what is the significance of the 'Bob' example?

  • Bob illustrates our common indifference to preventable suffering when our own interests are at stake. (correct)
  • Bob represents an individual who actively seeks to alleviate suffering in the world, serving as a model for ethical behavior.
  • Bob demonstrates the limitations of utilitarianism in addressing complex global issues.
  • Bob highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over the needs of others in certain situations.

Which of the following best describes Kant's First Formula of the Categorical Imperative?

<p>Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal natural law. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might Kant's Second Formula of the Categorical Imperative be applied to the issue of deceptive advertising?

<p>Deceptive advertising treats consumers as mere means to an end, violating the Second Formula. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between Duties of Justice and Duties of Beneficence, according to O'Neill?

<p>Duties of Justice involve refraining from actions that harm others, while Duties of Beneficence involve actively promoting the well-being of others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do O'Neill and Singer differ in their views regarding the extent of our obligation to provide aid to those in need?

<p>O'Neill argues for a minimal level of aid based on respecting autonomy, while Singer advocates for giving until it significantly impacts one's own well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a categorical syllogism, which term appears in both premises but not in the conclusion?

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

Which of Aristotle’s rules for syllogisms is violated by the following argument: 'All cats are mammals. Some mammals are pets. Therefore, all cats are pets.'?

<p>The middle term must be distributed at least once. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the statement 'All dogs are mammals,' which term is distributed?

<p>Dogs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a conditional statement, such as 'If it rains, then the ground is wet,' what is the 'antecedent'?

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

Which of the following argument forms represents the fallacy of affirming the consequent: 'If it is raining(P), then the ground is wet(Q). The ground is wet(Q). Therefore, it is raining(P)'?

<p>Affirming the Consequent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a disjunctive syllogism?

<p>Either P or Q. Not P. Therefore, Q. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a 'cogent' inductive argument from an 'un-cogent' one?

<p>A cogent argument is both strong and has all true premises, while an un-cogent argument either lacks strength or has one or more false premises. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An argument concludes that 'the sun will rise tomorrow' based on the observation that the sun has risen every day in recorded history. How would you classify this argument?

<p>A strong induction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Consequentialist Ethics

An ethical framework where the morality of an action is judged by its consequences.

Utilitarian Consequentialism

A form of consequentialism where the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness, considering everyone affected.

Egoist Consequentialism

A form of consequentialism where the best action is the one that maximizes happiness for oneself.

Objective Theory of Ethics

Maintains that ethical principles are universal and apply to everyone, regardless of culture or personal opinion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Relativist Theory of Ethics

Claims that ethical principles vary depending on culture, personal opinion, or circumstances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

The Bob Example

A thought experiment by Singer illustrating our moral obligations to help those in need, even at personal cost.

Signup and view all the flashcards

First Formula of the Categorical Imperative

A principle stating that one should act only according to a rule that you would want to become a universal law.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Second Formula of the Categorical Imperative

Treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Duties of Justice

Moral obligations that require us to avoid harming others and to respect their rights.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Duties of Beneficence

Moral obligations that require us to act to promote the well-being of others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Major Term

The term in a syllogism that is the predicate of the conclusion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Major Premise

The premise that contains the major term.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Minor Premise

The premise that contains the minor term.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Modus Ponens

Affirming the antecedent leads to affirming the consequent. If P then Q. P, therefore Q.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Modus Tollens

Denying the consequent leads to denying the antecedent. If P then Q. Not Q, therefore not P.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • This study guide prepares for Exam 2.
  • The exam includes written response questions and multiple choice/short-answer logic questions.
  • Review all quiz questions and resource links posted on the home page, including slides and practice exercises.

Written Response Questions

  • Two written response questions are required, each worth 5 points and limited to 5-7 sentences.
  • Choose one question from a pair of options, twice.
  • Questions focus on Utilitarianism (Peter Singer) and Kantian Ethics (Onora O’Neill).

Utilitarianism and Peter Singer

  • Consequentialist Ethics: Understand what it means for utilitarianism to be a consequentialist ethics, differentiating it from egoist consequentialism.
    • Consider potential problems with both egoism and utilitarianism.
  • Objectivity vs. Relativism: Determine if utilitarianism is an objective or relativist theory of ethics.
    • Explain how utilitarians propose deciding what counts as a good action, using an example.
  • Singer's Argument: Summarize Singer's critique of Americans resembling the character Bob.
    • Explain Bob's actions, why they're wrong, and why Singer believes we are similar to Bob.
    • Understand Singer’s proposed solution to world hunger.

Kantian Ethics with Onora O’Neill

  • First Formula of the Categorical Imperative: Summarize and explain the meaning of the First Formula of the Categorical Imperative.
    • Apply the First Formula to a case of "insider trading," explaining whether it passes or fails the test and why.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the First Formula in capturing moral or immoral actions.
  • Second Formula of the Categorical Imperative: Summarize and explain the meaning of the Second Formula of the Categorical Imperative.
    • Provide an example of a case that fails this test and explain why.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Second Formula in capturing moral or immoral actions.
  • Duties of Justice vs. Duties of Beneficence: Explain the difference between Duties of Justice and Duties of Beneficence, according to O'Neill.
    • Provide examples of actions that satisfy Duties of Beneficence.
    • Consider whether these duties specify exactly how much or in what way we must help others during widespread need.
  • O’Neill vs. Singer on Charity: Explain the differences between O’Neill's and Singer's views on why and how much we should give to charity.
    • Evaluate whether either view captures the reason why we should give to charity.

Multiple Choice/Short Answer Logic Questions

  • Focus on Simple Syllogisms, Compound Syllogisms, and Induction.

Simple Syllogisms (Categorical Deduction)

  • Vocabulary: Minor term, middle term, major term, minor premise, and major premise.
    • Be able to identify terms in syllogisms.
  • Aristotle's Six Rules: Memorize and understand Aristotle’s Six Rules.
  • Distribution of Terms: Understand the distribution of terms.

Compound Syllogisms (Complex Deduction)

  • Vocabulary: Antecedent, consequent, modus ponens, modus tollens, fallacy of affirming the consequent, fallacy of denying the antecedent, hypothetical syllogism, disjunctive syllogism, constructive dilemma.
  • Memorize valid and invalid patterns.

Induction (or Probability)

  • Vocabulary: Strong, weak, cogent, un-cogent.
  • Understand how to determine if an argument is a valid deduction, a strong induction, or a weak induction.
    • All inductions are invalid and unsound.
  • Know what makes an argument cogent.

Appendix (for Simple Syllogisms)

  • Charts will be provided to assist with Simple Syllogisms.
  • Charts include "Correct Distribution of Terms" and "Candidates for Possibly Valid Combinations of Premises and Conclusions".

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser