Moral Philosophy: Relativism vs Realism

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of moral relativism?

It holds that there are objective moral truths.

It claims that morality is the same across all cultures.

It allows for the possibility of atrocities being considered acceptable. (correct)

It provides a universal code of ethics.

Which argument supports divine command theory?

God's commands offer guidance on how to live a moral life. (correct)

Divine command theory provides egoistic motivations for actions.

Moral principles are created by human consensus.

Morality exists independently of any deity.

What does the creator argument in divine command theory assert?

God is the creator of everything, including morality. (correct)

God created everything but morality is self-generated.

Human beings have the capacity to define morality through reasoning.

Morality can exist independently of God's existence.

Which of the following is a criticism of the divine command theory?

It leads to egoistic rather than altruistic moral actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the flourish argument claim in favor of divine command theory?

Only a moral theory that promotes societal well-being is valid. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of moral realism suggests that moral principles exist as objective truths?

Kantianism Signup and view all the answers

What does the motivation argument claim regarding divine command theory?

It is the only theory that ensures adherence to moral standards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the divine command theory's view on the source of morality?

Morality is determined by God's commands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethics as a branch of philosophy?

The examination of human conduct values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes moral realism?

There is an objective moral truth. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument supports the idea of moral relativism?

Morality is subjective and varies by individual feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant objection to the 'no proof' argument for moral relativism?

It presents a logical contradiction. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anti-realism argues that morality is a cultural opinion?

Cultural relativism Signup and view all the answers

What does the disagreement argument conclude about morality?

Disagreements indicate morality is subjective. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a flaw in the feeling moralities argument?

Not all moralities are influenced by feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How does moral anti-realism differ from moral realism?

Moral anti-realism rejects the existence of objective moral truths. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant objection to Divine Command Theory (DCT)?

DCT depends on the existence of God and the validity of different religious commands. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Principle of Utility state regarding moral actions?

The moral value of an action is determined by happiness produced. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a flaw in the argument against the flourish argument?

Some societies can flourish without adherence to DCT. Signup and view all the answers

What does utilitarianism emphasize as the primary goal of moral actions?

Maximizing overall happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly outlines a concern about the biblical argument for morality?

Some biblical directives contradict contemporary moral understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What does the trolley case example illustrate in utilitarian terms?

The need to weigh happiness against suffering in decision making. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a common misunderstanding of moral theories?

All moral theories agree on a single standard of rightness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of the variability in religious commands under DCT?

It complicates the understanding of right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of utilitarianism regarding individual rights?

It may justify the violation of rights for the greater good. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kantian ethics, what is not a guiding principle for moral actions?

Focus on the overall happiness produced by the action. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as having instrumental value?

Lottery ticket Signup and view all the answers

In Kantianism, which of the following is a fundamental requirement for a moral action?

It must be consistent and universalizable. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of value refers to things that have worth in themselves?

Intrinsic value Signup and view all the answers

What is a common objection to viewing a fetus and a newborn differently in moral discussions about abortion?

It assumes too much difference between the two stages of life. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be least supported by Kantian ethics?

Deceiving someone for a perceived greater good. Signup and view all the answers

Under which condition is abortion considered permissible according to the outlined ethical considerations?

If the mother’s life is in danger. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument claims that VAE fulfills the natural instinct to avoid pain?

Objections to natural instincts Signup and view all the answers

What is one major reason given against the purpose of medicine argument regarding VAE?

All purposes are subject to interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument states that VAE would create reasons for doctors to give up on patients too easily?

Bad effects argument Signup and view all the answers

What objection is raised against the self-interest argument in the context of decision-making?

Individuals should always choose possibilities over probabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument asserts that killing an innocent human being is inherently wrong?

Killing argument Signup and view all the answers

Which claim supports the idea that VAE does not violate anyone else's rights?

Arguments for VAE Signup and view all the answers

Which objection states that not all violations of natural instincts are necessarily wrong?

Objections to natural instincts Signup and view all the answers

Which argument strongly contends that VAE is wrong based on its impact on medical practice?

Purpose of medicine argument Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moral Relativism

Moral relativism is the belief that morality is subjective and there are no objective, universal truths about what is right or wrong.
It holds that morality is determined by individual or cultural beliefs and opinions.

Arguments for Moral Relativism

Disagreement Argument: People disagree about morality, therefore morality is just a matter of opinion.
Feeling Moralities: Morality is based on people's feelings, which are subjective and therefore opinions.
No Proof Argument: Morality cannot be proven, so it must be a matter of opinion.

Objections to Moral Relativism

Logical Objection: Asserting that all morality is just an opinion is itself a statement about morality, contradicting the claim that morality has no objective truth.
Atrocity Objection: Moral relativism cannot condemn atrocities like slavery because it claims there are no universally wrong actions.

Moral Realism

Moral realism is the view that objective moral principles exist. There are universal truths about what is right and wrong.

Divine Command Theory

Morality is determined by God’s commands. God’s commands define what is right and wrong.
If God does not exist, neither would objective morality.

Arguments for Divine Command Theory

Guidance Argument: Divine command theory offers clear guidance on how to live a moral life.
Motivation Argument: Divine Command Theory provides a strong reason for individuals to act morally. It implies that God will reward or punish behavior.
Bible Argument: The Bible, as a word of God, provides moral guidance and teachings.
Creator Argument: God is the creator of all things, including morality.
Flourish Argument: Divine Command Theory is the only theory that allows societies to flourish.
Purpose Argument: Divine Command Theory is the only theory that provides a purpose for human existence.

Objections To Divine Command Theory

Creator Objection: God may not be the creator of everything, and good may not be a created entity.
Motivation Objection: It does not provide a genuine moral motivation. Acting out of self-interest to avoid punishment or gain reward is not truly moral.
Bible Objection: The Bible’s moral teachings are not universally accepted. There is no proof that the Bible is a perfect source of morality.
God’s Existence Objection: The existence of God is not proven.
Religious Diversity Objection: Different religions have different sets of moral commands. Determining the true religion and its commands becomes a challenge.

Utilitarianism

Morality is determined by the consequences of actions in terms of happiness produced.
The principle of utility states that actions should aim to maximize overall happiness for the greatest number of people.

Principles of Utilitarianism

Equal Happiness: Everyone's happiness is equally valued.
Democratic: Maximizing happiness for the majority is the goal.
Quantitative: Morality is measured by the amount of happiness produced.

Arguments for Utilitarianism

Equality: It treats everyone equally by valuing happiness for all.
Democracy: It aligns with democratic principles by emphasizing the well-being of the majority.
Scientific: It makes morality measurable and objective.
Intuitive: Provides answers that align with common sense morality in many situations.

Objections to Utilitarianism

Rights Violation: Utilitarianism prioritizes overall happiness and can justify violating the rights of individuals or minorities if it increases overall happiness.
Impracticality: It can be difficult to measure and compare happiness across individuals.

Kantianism

Morality is determined by reason.
Actions are moral if they are based on principles that could be universally applied without contradiction.

Key Principles Of Kantianism

Consistency: Acting irrationally leads to contradictions, so moral actions must be consistent.
Reasoning: Reasoning is the foundation of morality. Those capable of reasoning have intrinsic value.

Moral Principles of Kantianism

Universal Rule: Act only on principles that you could will to be universal laws. We cannot accept others lying to us, so we cannot lie to others.
Humanity Rule: Always treat humanity as an end and never as a means. Treat all humans as having intrinsic value.

Objections to Kantianism

Consistency Objection: Principles based on consistency alone can sometimes lead to immoral conclusions.
Humanity Rule Objection: There may be situations where treating someone as a means to an end is justified, such as in self-defense.

Abortion

The intentional termination of a pregnancy by the destruction of the embryo or fetus.

Possible Reasons for Abortion

Parents do not want a child.
Parents cannot afford a child.
Pregnancy resulted from rape or incest.
The mother's life is in danger.

Objections to Abortion

Nature Argument: Abortion violates the natural instinct to live.
Self-Interest Argument: Abortion violates self-interest because it may eliminate potential future happiness, like a cure for a disease.
Bad Effects Argument: Abortion leads to negative societal effects such as doctors becoming more willing to end life easily.
Purpose of Medicine Argument: Abortion violates the purpose of medicine, which is to heal and preserve life
Killing Argument: Abortion kills an innocent human being.

Arguments for Abortion

Body Rights Argument: Individuals have the right to control their own bodies, including terminating a pregnancy.

Objections to Arguments Against Abortion

Nature and Self-Interest: It is not always wrong to violate a natural instinct or self-interest.
Bad Effects Argument: The negative effects raised are also possible with passive euthanasia, which is legal in many states.
Purpose of Medicine: The purpose of medicine can also encompass relieving suffering and ending pain.
Killing Argument: Killing a human being is not always wrong, such as when a terminally ill patient requests aid in dying.
Body Rights Objection: Individuals are not always granted unlimited control over their bodies, such as in cases of incompetence or when needing medical procedures.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of moral relativism and moral realism, focusing on key arguments for and against relativism. Test your understanding of how these philosophical theories approach the nature of morality and the implications of subjective versus objective moral truths.