Logical Positivism and Ethics
47 Questions
6 Views

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 is a principle of justice in transfer?

  • Involuntary ownership
  • Acquiring through force
  • Voluntary transactions (correct)
  • Welfare redistribution

The right to one’s body is considered a fundamental principle of self-ownership.

True (A)

What example illustrates voluntary transactions in the context of justice?

Wilt Chamberlain example

A holding is just if it is __________.

<p>voluntary</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ethical theories with their descriptions:

<p>Subjectivity = Depends on individual attitudes and minds Objectivity = Independent of individual attitudes Non-cognitivism = Moral statements cannot be true or false Nihilism = All moral statements are false</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with the Lockean Proviso?

<p>Clarity on what constitutes 'enough and as good' (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The distribution of grades is considered just only if they are earned by merit and effort.

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

What does the phrase 'all that matters is history' imply in the context of justice?

<p>Emphasizes historical processes over predetermined outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept argues that moral truths depend on individual attitudes?

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

Thomson's violinist example argues that women have a moral obligation to continue a pregnancy regardless of consent.

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

What does Thomson's argument primarily focus on regarding pregnancy?

<p>Bodily autonomy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thomson uses the example of a _______ to illustrate her point about moral obligation and consent.

<p>violinist</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does logical positivism assert about ethical statements?

<p>They can only be verified through empirical evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the philosophers to their respective arguments:

<p>Thomson = Bodily autonomy and right to life Shouten = Assumption about fetal rights Critics = Circumstances affecting rights Moral Realism = Objective moral truths</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the child-tank scenario, what is being questioned?

<p>The right of the child to life versus damaging others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Emotivism claims that ethical sentences reflect emotions.

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

Moral realism suggests that moral truths exist independently of individual attitudes.

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

What is the thesis of 'motivational internalism'?

<p>Recognition of a potential action as right motivates the person to engage in that action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What argument counters the idea that the right to life is absolute?

<p>Special circumstances can influence moral obligations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Mackie, there are no objective moral truths, a concept he refers to as _____ skepticism.

<p>moral</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which argument does Mackie use against the existence of objective values?

<p>Epistemological argument from queerness (A), Argument from relativity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethical realism posits that moral truths exist independently of cultural beliefs.

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

What does Mackie imply about moral codes across cultures?

<p>He acknowledges cultural and individual differences in moral codes but suggests there are no objective values.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theory suggests that the justice of a holding is determined by its history?

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

Moral facts are considered to be empirical and can be measured directly.

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

What is the Lockean Proviso in relation to the principle of justice in acquisition?

<p>A holding is just if one acquires it by mixing one’s labor with nature, leaving enough of the same quality for others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The notion that moral values are constructed by cultural norms is known as __________.

<p>anti-realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Moral Realism = Belief that moral truths exist independently Moral Anti-Realism = View that moral values are culturally constructed Nozick's Entitlement Theory = Justice determined by the history of acquisition Lockean Proviso = Requirement to leave enough and as good for others when acquiring property</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of truths does moral realism argue exist?

<p>Universal moral truths existing independently of human opinion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Moral facts are supposed to motivate actions intrinsically and exist outside the natural world.

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

What is the main objection considered against moral diversity?

<p>The existence of universal moral truths despite diverse moral beliefs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties does Warren consider necessary for having a right to life?

<p>Self-motivated activity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marquis believes that the right to life is based on an individual's current desires and preferences.

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

What is the potential issue Warren raises regarding infanticide?

<p>Warren's criteria for the right to life may make her argument inconsistent regarding infants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marquis's theory emphasizes that killing a fetus is wrong because it takes away their potential for a _____ human future.

<p>human</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their corresponding views on the right to life:

<p>Warren = Right to life depends on developed characteristics Marquis = Right to life is based on potential future Shouten = Legal action cannot resolve abortion debate Desire-based account = Right to life depends on personal desires</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Warren, what should not override the experiences of the mother?

<p>The potential happiness of the fetus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Warren believes that individuals with severe communication disorders do not have a right to life.

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

What is the discontinuation account as argued by Marquis?

<p>The discontinuation account grants a person the right to life regardless of their desires.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the veil of ignorance refer to in Rawls' theory of justice?

<p>Being unaware of various personal attributes that affect decision-making (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rawls asserts that the difference principle prioritizes the distribution of economic goods to the most advantaged individuals.

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

What is the maximin decision theoretic strategy?

<p>To maximize the position one would be in if they turned out to be in the worst situation possible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Rawls' theory, primary goods are those goods that everyone values regardless of their _______.

<p>conception of the good</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following principles of justice with their descriptions:

<p>Liberty principle = Each person should receive as much freedom as possible Difference principle = Economic goods should advantage the least advantaged Fair opportunity principle = Positions should be distributed equally to ensure fairness</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential problem of the basic theories of justice according to Rawls?

<p>The definition of primary goods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rational life plan involves a person's detailed understanding of their social status and abilities.

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

What argument is made about people's theories of the good when deciding on social principles?

<p>People should disregard their theories of the good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Logical positivism/empiricism

Ethical statements only have meaning if verifiable by empirical evidence.

Meaningfulness (Logical Positivism)

A statement is meaningful if verifiable through experience.

Emotivism/Expressivism

Ethical statements express emotions or attitudes (more complex than emotions).

Mackie's position on objective values

No inherent right or wrong; values are culturally influenced.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Internalism/Motivational Internalism

Recognizing something as right motivates action.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Argument from Relativity (Mackie)

Morality varies between cultures—no objective standard.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Skepticism

No objective moral truths exist.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mackie’s 3 Core Arguments

Arguments against the existence of objective moral values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Just transfer

A transfer of holdings is considered just if it's voluntary and consensual, like a gift or trade.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rectification of injustice

Obligation to correct unjust acquisitions or transfers, if something was gotten unfairly in the past.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mixing labor with nature

Applying effort, skill, or work to unowned resources to make them valuable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Self-ownership

The principle that individuals have control over their bodies and labor.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rejection of end-state patterns

Focuses on historical process, instead of aiming for a specific final outcome.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wilt Chamberlain Example

Illustrates that voluntary transactions do not violate justice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Subjectivity (Ethics)

Moral values and beliefs depend on our perceptions and attitudes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objectivity (Ethics)

Moral values and beliefs that are independent of our attitudes, not simply universal or unchanging.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Subjectivism

The belief that moral values are based on individual opinions or cultural norms, not objective truth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Moral Realism

The belief that moral values are objective and exist independently of human opinions or cultures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Epistemological Argument from Queerness

An argument against moral realism that suggests moral truths are mysterious and 'queer', unlike scientific truths.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Metaphysical Argument from Queerness

An argument claiming moral facts are unlike other facts (e.g., scientific) and therefore likely don't exist.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Entitlement Theory

A theory of justice in holdings where the justice of a holding is determined by its history, particularly acquisition, transfer and rectification.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Principle of Justice in Acquisition

Concept from the Entitlement Theory stating that holdings are just if acquired without violating others' rights

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lockean Proviso

A principle within the 'Principle of Justice in Acquisition' stating that acquiring something must leave enough and as good for others.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Principle of Justice in Transfer

A component of Nozick's entitlement theory of justice in holdings, concerned with principles governing legitimate transfer of ownership.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Bodily Autonomy

The right of individuals to control their own bodies and make decisions about their own lives, including regarding reproduction.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Thomson's Violinist Example

A thought experiment highlighting the conflict between a fetus's right to life and a pregnant woman's bodily autonomy, illustrating the argument that a woman is not obligated to continue a pregnancy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Right to Life

The ethical principle that every human being has the right to exist and not be harmed or killed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Overriding Rights

Exceptional circumstances may justify violating a right, like the right to life, prioritizing alternative values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Child-Tank Scenario

A thought experiment illustrating the potential conflict between a child's right to life and other potential risks to life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rape and Pregnancy

According to Thomson, rape presents a similar ethical dilemma to a pregnancy (unwanted child); the woman did not consent to the situation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Original Position

A hypothetical scenario where individuals decide on principles of justice without knowing their own social status, abilities, or personal values.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Veil of Ignorance

A state of unawareness about one's own social position, abilities, and personal values. It ensures impartiality in choosing principles of justice.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Maximizing the Minimum

The strategy of choosing the principle that would benefit the worst-off person in society.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Difference Principle

The idea that economic goods should be distributed to benefit those who are least advantaged.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Primary Goods

Things everyone values, regardless of their personal beliefs or goals. Examples include income, wealth, and liberty.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Theory of the Good

An individual's personal values, including religious beliefs, ethics, and identity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Rational Life Plan

A comprehensive plan for your life, including goals, activities, and how you want to spend your time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are the basic principles of Rawls' justice?

  1. Maximum individual liberty for all. 2. Economic benefits should favor the least well-off. 3. Fair and equal opportunities for all positions of power and authority.
Signup and view all the flashcards

Warren's Right to Life Criteria

Warren argues that consciousness, reasoning, self-motivated activity, communication, and self-awareness are necessary for a right to life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Discontinuation Account

The right to life is independent of a person's desires; a person has a right to life regardless, even if they don't have any desires.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Marquis's Theory

Marquis's theory focuses on a fetus' potential to have a human future, asserting that killing a fetus deprives it of this potential.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Desire-Based Account

A person's right to life is tied to their desires or preferences about their life.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problem with Birth Control (Marquis)

Even if the outcome of birth control is uncertain, Marquis argues that blocking potential human life is wrong.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Problem with Warren's Infanticide Discussion

Warren's unclear stance on infanticide creates inconsistencies in her argument for abortion based on the possession of certain characteristics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Shouten's Abortion Argument

Shouten believes that each pregnancy has unique circumstances and that abortion decisions should not be determined by law alone, but the specific situation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Warren's Solution to Infanticide Problem

Warren acknowledges the ambiguity of her position on infants, arguing that crucial characteristics for a right to life may develop over time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Logical Positivism/Logical Empiricism

  • An approach arguing that ethical statements are meaningful only if empirically verifiable.
  • Values associated include meaningfulness, emotivism, and expressivism.

Meaningfulness

  • A sentence is meaningful if it can be verified through experience.

Emotivism

  • Ethical sentences express emotions.

Expressivism

  • Ethical sentences express attitudes, more complex than simple emotions.

Non-Cognitivism

  • Ethical expressions aren't true or false, even if appearing declarative.

Mackie's View

  • There are no objective moral values. While humans feel compelled by values, there's no inherent "right" or "wrong".
  • Examples like monogamy are culturally defined, not inherently right or wrong.
  • Motivational internalism: recognizing something as right motivates action (although Mackie doesn't explicitly state this).

Ethical Realism

  • Moral truths are relative to cultures or individuals, recognizing cultural/individual differences.

Moral Realism

  • Objective moral truths exist independently of beliefs/practices.

Moral Skepticism

  • There are no objective moral truths, regardless of cultural contingency.

Argument from Relativity

  • Mackie leans towards ethical relativism.
  • Moral values are culturally constructed, subjective.
  • Diversity of moral beliefs doesn't preclude moral truths.

Epistemological Argument from Queerness

  • How do we know moral truths?
  • Moral truths are normative, not observable or measurable.
  • Moral facts are unusual compared to scientific facts.

Metaphysical Argument from Queerness

  • Moral facts have unfamiliar characteristics, unlike scientific facts.
  • Moral facts are supposed to motivate us independently of desires.
  • Moral facts exist outside the natural world.

Nozick's Entitlement Theory

  • Justice of a holding depends on its history, not pattern.
  • Three principles of justice: acquisition, transfer, and rectification.

Principle of Justice in Acquisition

  • Just acquisition involves mixing labor with nature, leaving "enough and as good" in common.

Principle of Justice in Transfer

  • Just transfer is voluntary exchange, inheritance, gift.

Principle of Justice in Rectification

  • Addresses unjust acquisition/transfer.

The Wilt Chamberlain Example

  • Illustrates that historical processes are crucial for determining justice, not end-state patterns.

Lockean Proviso

  • A new holding is just if one acquires it by mixing their labor with nature, leaving enough of the resource for others.

Right to One's Body

  • Nozick proposes self-ownership, where individuals have absolute ownership over their bodies.

Problems for Nozick's Entitlement Theory

  • Historical processes can generate unjust holdings.
  • Examples include slavery and unjust land acquisition.

Subjectivity and Objectivity

  • Subjectivity depends on individual attitudes.
  • Objectivity does not depend on attitudes, and is not necessarily universal or unchanging.
  • Something is objective if it is not subjective

Non-Cognitivism and Nihilism

  • Moral statements cannot be true or false.
  • Nihilism claims all ordinary moral statements are false.
  • Subjectivism says moral truths depend on attitudes.
  • Moral realism claims moral truths are objective and independent of attitudes.

Early Rawls

  • The original position and the veil of ignorance in creating principles of justice.
  • Rawls proposes maximizing the worst-case scenario.
  • The difference principle emphasizes helping those least advantaged.

Rational Life Plan

  • A set of basic plans outlining life goals and preferences.

Theory of the Good

  • Religious, ethical, and personal values guiding life choices.

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Ethics Final Exam Study Guide PDF

Description

Explore the concepts of logical positivism and logical empiricism in ethics. This quiz covers key concepts like meaningfulness, emotivism, non-cognitivism, and the perspectives of philosophers like Mackie on moral values. Test your understanding of how ethical statements relate to empirical verification.

More Like This

Logical Positivism: Concepts and Principles
12 questions

Logical Positivism: Concepts and Principles

AwesomeDerivative avatar
AwesomeDerivative
Logical Positivism Overview
34 questions

Logical Positivism Overview

CharmingGraph1619 avatar
CharmingGraph1619
Neobehaviorism and Logical Positivism
21 questions

Neobehaviorism and Logical Positivism

CharmingAntimony avatar
CharmingAntimony
Wetenschapsfilosofie
49 questions

Wetenschapsfilosofie

NiftyMoldavite2545 avatar
NiftyMoldavite2545
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser