Podcast
Questions and Answers
_____ is an eighteenth-century English philosopher who argued that there is no logical way to get from knowing what is to knowing what ought to be.
_____ is an eighteenth-century English philosopher who argued that there is no logical way to get from knowing what is to knowing what ought to be.
David Hume
If morality were subjective and knowing what is could never lead to knowing what ought to be, which of the following expectations could arise? (Select all that apply)
If morality were subjective and knowing what is could never lead to knowing what ought to be, which of the following expectations could arise? (Select all that apply)
What can be deduced about the concept of ought in ancient Chinese society from their moral prescriptions?
What can be deduced about the concept of ought in ancient Chinese society from their moral prescriptions?
Ancient Chinese society had clear distinctions between good and bad actions.
The Declaration of Independence presents a lengthy list of 'Injuries and Usurpations' allegedly committed by _____ against the colonists.
The Declaration of Independence presents a lengthy list of 'Injuries and Usurpations' allegedly committed by _____ against the colonists.
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In the scenario where a person considers hate crimes a moral outrage and favors punishing the perpetrators, what do they express?
In the scenario where a person considers hate crimes a moral outrage and favors punishing the perpetrators, what do they express?
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What did David Hume believe about the foundation of moral judgments?
What did David Hume believe about the foundation of moral judgments?
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At what point can one conclude that David Hume was mistaken about knowing what is and ought to be?
At what point can one conclude that David Hume was mistaken about knowing what is and ought to be?
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What can be deduced about the concept of ought in Hinduism from its moral prescriptions?
What can be deduced about the concept of ought in Hinduism from its moral prescriptions?
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The _____ begins with the moral judgments that 'all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.'
The _____ begins with the moral judgments that 'all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.'
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What was the name of the work by Aristotle in which Mortimer Adler found the solution to the problem of ought statements?
What was the name of the work by Aristotle in which Mortimer Adler found the solution to the problem of ought statements?
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Which scenario exemplifies an objective moral assessment?
Which scenario exemplifies an objective moral assessment?
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Which statement best describes the principle of contradiction?
Which statement best describes the principle of contradiction?
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Match the principles with their appropriate functions in bridging the gap between is and ought:
Match the principles with their appropriate functions in bridging the gap between is and ought:
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According to relativism, issues of right and wrong are _____?
According to relativism, issues of right and wrong are _____?
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What can be deduced about the concept of ought in ancient Chinese society from their moral prescriptions?
What can be deduced about the concept of ought in ancient Chinese society from their moral prescriptions?
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Identify the principle of conformity with right desire as stated by Aristotle.
Identify the principle of conformity with right desire as stated by Aristotle.
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_____ refer to the norms or principles that are true at all times and in all places and admit of no exceptions.
_____ refer to the norms or principles that are true at all times and in all places and admit of no exceptions.
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True or false: Contradiction is always blatant.
True or false: Contradiction is always blatant.
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According to the United States Declaration of Independence, how should people react when the government fails to secure their rights?
According to the United States Declaration of Independence, how should people react when the government fails to secure their rights?
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Contradiction is always blatant.
Contradiction is always blatant.
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What is the advantage of the principle of right desire and the principle of contradiction?
What is the advantage of the principle of right desire and the principle of contradiction?
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______ is the view that no obvious moral standard is possible.
______ is the view that no obvious moral standard is possible.
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According to Mortimer Adler, why is it impossible to get from is to ought?
According to Mortimer Adler, why is it impossible to get from is to ought?
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______ refer to the norms or principles that are true at all times and in all places and admit of no exceptions.
______ refer to the norms or principles that are true at all times and in all places and admit of no exceptions.
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According to relativism, issues of right and wrong are:
According to relativism, issues of right and wrong are:
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It is possible for a person to believe in moral absolutes and at the same time reject absolutism.
It is possible for a person to believe in moral absolutes and at the same time reject absolutism.
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Study Notes
Key Philosophers and Concepts
- David Hume, an 18th-century philosopher, posited that knowledge of "what is" cannot logically lead to "what ought to be."
- Hume suggested there is no foundation for making moral judgments, which has significant implications for ethical reasoning.
Subjectivity of Morality
- If morality is subjective, expectations arise:
- Only foolish or irresponsible individuals dictate what others should do.
- Statements from such individuals are perceived as shallow and irrelevant.
Ancient Moral Prescriptions
- Ancient Chinese society emphasized clear distinctions between good and bad actions, evident in sayings like "Never do to others what you would not like them to do."
- In Hinduism, similar moral prescriptions, such as "One should never strike a woman," also demonstrate clear moral guidelines.
United States Declaration of Independence
- Lists "Injuries and Usurpations" by King George against colonists.
- Asserts that people are endowed with unalienable rights: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Moral Assessments
- Objective moral assessments characterize reactions to profound moral issues; examples include condemning hate crimes as moral outrages.
- A person believing in the accountability of their partner for wrongdoing exemplifies an objective moral assessment.
Rational Principles
- The principle of contradiction asserts that an idea cannot be true and false at the same time.
- The principle of right desire suggests individuals should desire that which is genuinely good for them.
Relativism and Moral Absolutes
- Relativism argues that concepts of right and wrong are subjective, suggesting no universal moral standards.
- Moral absolutes are norms deemed true under all circumstances and have no exceptions.
Ethical Analysis
- Both the principle of right desire and the principle of contradiction contribute to confident ethical analysis and judgments.
Government and Rights
- If the government fails to protect individual rights, citizens have a duty to overthrow it as per the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
Understanding Contradictions
- The assertion that contradictions are always blatant is false; contradictions can be subtle and complex.
Mortimer Adler's Contributions
- Adler emphasized that "is" statements can be tested against reality, but no similar test exists for "ought" statements, making the transition from is to ought impossible.
Belief Systems
- A person can maintain belief in moral absolutes while rejecting outright absolutism, illustrating the complexity of ethical perspectives.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts from Chapter 6, which examines the philosophical foundations of judgment and morality. This quiz includes essential terms and definitions, focusing on the contributions of David Hume and the implications of subjective morality.
