Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary belief of subjectivism in moral valuations?
In ethical egoism, how are moral actions determined?
Which statement best describes psychological egoism?
What potential drawback arises from accepting cultural moral beliefs unquestioningly?
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What distinguishes internal authority from external authority in moral reasoning?
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What primarily drives external authority?
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What is a key distinction between legal and moral standards?
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Which of the following is an example of external authority?
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Cultural relativism claims that:
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What influences internal authority?
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Which scenario best illustrates a conflict between external authority and personal morality?
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Which statement about external and internal authority is accurate?
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According to cultural relativism, which perspective is emphasized?
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What does Rachels argue would be a consequence of accepting cultural relativism?
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According to the content, which of the following could NOT be criticized under cultural relativism?
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What is one absurd consequence of cultural relativism mentioned in the content?
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How does Rachels view moral progress in the context of cultural relativism?
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Which practice was specifically mentioned as being socially permissive regarding female babies?
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What would likely happen if a culture promoted murder, according to the critique?
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What stance does Rachels take regarding the assertion that moral beliefs are determined solely by culture?
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What system of racial segregation was referenced as an example in the content?
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Study Notes
External Authority
- Originates from societal norms, legal systems, religious doctrines, and cultural traditions.
- Influences behavior through established external rules and regulations that often rely on fear of punishment or desire for societal approval.
Law
- Defined as a system of rules established by governing authorities to regulate behavior within society.
- Important distinction: Not all legal actions are moral, nor are all moral actions legal.
- Example: Abortion's legality in the U.S. contrasts with its moral condemnation by the Catholic Church.
Religion
- Diverse moral standards across religions; polygamy is accepted in Islam but not in Christianity.
- Different religious views on specific practices, such as certain dishes being prohibited by some religions but accepted by others.
Culture
- Embraces cultural relativism, asserting that ethical judgments are subjective to specific cultural contexts.
- Challenges the idea of objectively right or wrong in ethics, emphasizing that cultures have distinct moral codes without a universal standard.
Internal Authority
- Emerges from individual values, conscience, and personal sense of morality.
- Influences behavior through internal convictions and ethical beliefs, driven by a personal moral compass.
Subjectivism
- Centers on the belief that individual perspectives define moral valuations.
- Each person is seen as the sole determinant of what is morally good or bad; subjectivity is paramount in ethical considerations.
Psychological Egoism
- Asserts that human actions are always motivated by self-interest.
- Suggests that individuals are inherently self-centered in all decision-making.
Ethical Egoism
- Advocates that individuals should prioritize their own interests when determining right actions.
- An act is deemed morally right if it serves the actor’s best interests, though it may also have benefits for others, but only if it ultimately aids oneself.
Cultural Relativism Critique
- James Rachels critiques cultural relativism, arguing it leads to moral stagnation and hinders ethical progress.
- Two central points of critique:
- It prevents individuals from criticizing other cultures' moral practices, even those deeply harmful.
- It obstructs internal critique of one’s culture and denies the potential for moral advancement, such as recognizing rights for women and children.
- Rachels posits that all cultures inherently reject murder, as a culture condoning it would not sustain itself.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of external and internal authority in ethical decision-making. It covers their origins, influences, and the roles they play in guiding behavior. Test your understanding of how societal norms and personal values shape moral frameworks.