3 Branches of Ethics Quiz: Normative Ethics Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the focus of Moral Philosophy?

Questions about the nature of morality

Questions about environmental ethics

Questions about scientific ethics

Questions about how we should live and act (correct)

Which term describes an action that is morally acceptable to perform?

Morally Forbidden

Ethically Imperative

Morally Permissible (correct)

Morally Required

What is the nature of Metaethics?

Questions about moral duties

Questions about the environment

Questions about the nature of morality as a whole (correct)

Questions about practical ethics

Which action is considered Morally Required?

An action that we have a duty to perform based on moral principles Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you are more than 15 minutes late for the exam?

You will not be allowed to sit the exam Signup and view all the answers

Why does Metaethics focus on questions about the nature of morality as a whole?

To explore the justification in ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a valid argument?

The premises lead to the conclusion logically Signup and view all the answers

Which statement illustrates an argument that is not sound?

All ducks are white. John is a duck. Therefore, John is white. Signup and view all the answers

What does soundness require in addition to validity?

True premises Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a sound argument?

If I do well on the midterm exam and final paper, I will pass my class. I did well on the midterm exam and final paper. I passed my class. Signup and view all the answers

In a valid argument, what must be true if the premises are true?

The conclusion could be false Signup and view all the answers

What is normative ethics trying to achieve?

Find general guidelines for how to act in various cases Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of ethics deals with applying normative ethics to specific moral issues like abortion or euthanasia?

Applied Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is a descriptive claim?

A claim about the way the world is Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a moral/normative claim?

"You ought not get an abortion." Signup and view all the answers

In ethics, what does the term 'normative' refer to?

What we should do or ought to do Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes normative ethics from applied ethics?

The consideration of general guidelines for action Signup and view all the answers

According to John Stuart Mill, why are higher pleasures considered more valuable than lower pleasures?

They are what distinguish human pleasure from animal pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a mental state according to Mental State Theory?

Actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Preference-based Theory regarding well-being?

The theory prioritizes achieving a person's desires or preferences Signup and view all the answers

Which theory of well-being is associated with the concept of hedonism?

Mental State Theory Signup and view all the answers

Why might desires be problematic according to Preference-based Theory?

Desires can be biased or irrational Signup and view all the answers

In Mental State Theory, what distinguishes the well-being of an individual according to Preference-based Theory?

Satisfying desires or preferences Signup and view all the answers

What does an illustrative example aim to do?

Give an example of a specific case that a claim applies to Signup and view all the answers

When is a counterexample used?

To show the opposite of a universal claim Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a broadly accessible example?

A concrete example that most people in the audience can understand and evaluate Signup and view all the answers

In standard form argument presentation, what comes after each essential premise?

The conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of articulating the premises in standard form argument representation?

To make the argument clear, accurate, and charitable Signup and view all the answers

What does a counterexample do to a universal claim?

Shows that it does not actually apply in a specific case Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Moral Philosophy

Focuses on questions about morality, moral principles, and moral values

Moral Acceptability

An action that is morally acceptable to perform is called "morally permissible"

Metaethics

Examines the nature of morality as a whole, focusing on questions about the foundation and scope of moral values
Tries to understand what morality is, how it arises, and what it is based on

Moral Obligations

An action that is considered morally required is called "morally obligatory"

Exam Protocol

If you are more than 15 minutes late for the exam, you will not be allowed to take it

Metaethics' Focus

Examines questions about the nature of morality because it wants to understand what morality is, how it arises, and what it is based on

Argumentation

A valid argument is one where the conclusion follows logically from the premises
A sound argument is one that is both valid and has true premises

Argument Soundness

Requires not only validity but also true premises
A valid argument is not necessarily sound if the premises are false

Argument Examples

An example of a sound argument is one where the conclusion follows logically from true premises
In a valid argument, if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true

Normative Ethics

Tries to achieve a comprehensive and systematic moral theory
Focuses on questions about moral principles, values, and obligations

Applied Ethics

Deals with applying normative ethics to specific moral issues like abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment
Tries to provide guidance on how to make moral decisions in specific contexts

Descriptive and Normative Claims

A descriptive claim is a statement that describes the world as it is
A normative claim is a statement that makes a value judgment or expresses a moral opinion

Normative vs. Descriptive

In ethics, "normative" refers to statements that make value judgments or express moral opinions
Distinguishes normative ethics from applied ethics, which focuses on specific moral issues

Moral Theories

According to John Stuart Mill, higher pleasures are considered more valuable than lower pleasures because they are more complex and involve higher human faculties
Mental State Theory holds that well-being is a mental state, such as happiness or satisfaction
Preference-based Theory holds that well-being is a matter of satisfying one's preferences or desires
Hedonism is a theory of well-being that associates it with pleasure or happiness
Desires might be problematic according to Preference-based Theory because they can be in conflict with each other or with moral values

Examples and Counterexamples

An illustrative example aims to illustrate a concept or principle
A counterexample is used to challenge a universal claim or principle
A broadly accessible example is one that is easy to understand and relatable to everyday life

Argument Representation

In standard form argument presentation, each essential premise is followed by a conclusion
The purpose of articulating the premises in standard form argument representation is to make the argument clear and easy to evaluate
A counterexample undermines a universal claim by showing that it is not true in all cases

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Description

Explore the concept of normative ethics which focuses on determining what actions are morally right or wrong. Delve into the theory behind normative ethics and how it provides general guidelines for ethical decision-making. This quiz does not address specific moral issues but instead focuses on overarching principles.

Three Branches of Ethics: Normative Ethics

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