Unit I-Lesson 5: Senses of the Self Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the problem with taking a subjectivist stance towards ethics?

  • It is too focused on the individual and neglects the needs of society.
  • It fails to recognize the importance of external moral authorities.
  • It is an irrefutable but useless theory, like psychological egoism.
  • It leads to moral relativism and undermines the objectivity of ethics. (correct)

What is the key idea behind the theory of psychological egoism?

  • The underlying dynamic behind all human actions is the pursuit of self-interest. (correct)
  • Individuals should make their own interests and ends the single overriding concern.
  • There is no objective basis for ethics, and individuals should rely on external authorities.
  • Moral standards are determined solely by the individual's subjective views.

What is the key difference between subjectivism and ethical egoism?

  • Subjectivism focuses on the individual's moral views, while ethical egoism prescribes that individuals should make their own interests the primary concern. (correct)
  • Subjectivism is a descriptive theory, while ethical egoism is a normative one.
  • Subjectivism leads to moral relativism, while ethical egoism upholds the objectivity of ethics.
  • Subjectivism rejects the use of external moral authorities, while ethical egoism embraces them.

What is the main challenge to ethics raised by the theory of ethical egoism?

<p>It suggests that individuals should make their own interests the single overriding concern, which may conflict with the needs of society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the three theories discussed in the text is described as 'irrefutable but useless'?

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

What is the starting point of the subjectivist stance towards ethics?

<p>The recognition that the individual is the sole determinant of moral values. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism?

<p>Psychological egoism claims that all actions are self-serving, while ethical egoism prescribes making self-interest the top priority. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, how does psychological egoism view apparently other-directed behavior such as acts of generosity?

<p>As driven by self-serving desires, even if not acknowledged by the person. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does ethical egoism differ from psychological egoism regarding the basis for human actions?

<p>Ethical egoism allows for actions that benefit others if it serves one's own interests, unlike psychological egoism which sees all actions as self-serving. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key idea behind psychological egoism as presented in the text?

<p>All human actions are inherently selfish, driven by self-serving desires. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does ethical egoism suggest individuals should prioritize their actions?

<p>By making their own interests the foremost consideration above all else. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might psychological egoism lead to a cynical view of humanity?

<p>Because it suggests that all seemingly altruistic acts are ultimately self-serving. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why subjectivism reflects how we use moral language?

<p>It provides an objective truth about morality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the simplest form of subjectivism, if someone approves of telling lies and says "Telling lies is good", what does this imply?

<p>Their statement is unarguably true from their subjective perspective. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the evaluative element of moral statements that subjectivism reflects?

<p>Moral statements make judgments about what is right or wrong. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the relationship between subjectivism and moral disagreements?

<p>Subjectivism suggests that moral disagreements are about personal preferences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the idea that "If I approve of something, it must be good" in the context of subjectivism?

<p>It suggests that moral statements are based on personal preferences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the contrast between moral statements and factual statements?

<p>Moral statements make judgments, while factual statements describe objective facts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental challenge posed by ethical egoism?

<p>Why should one be concerned about the welfare of others? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the nature of the world, according to ethical egoism?

<p>It is a competitive and self-centered environment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary concern for an individual following ethical egoism?

<p>The satisfaction of one's own desires and interests. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's personal experience related to ethical egoism?

<p>The author has struggled with the question of why one should care for others at some point. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core idea of ethical subjectivism?

<p>Moral opinions are based solely on feelings and emotions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical subjectivism claim about the existence of objective moral truths?

<p>There are no objective moral truths; morality is entirely subjective. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the ethical subjectivist view?

<p>If I feel something is morally right, it is right only for me and not a universal truth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the examples provided in the text, which of the following actions would be considered morally right from an ethical subjectivist perspective?

<p>Both (a) and (b) would be considered morally right. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best captures the criticism of ethical subjectivism presented in the text?

<p>Subjectivism lacks a rational or reasoned basis for moral decisions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, which of the following statements is true about ethical subjectivism?

<p>It rejects the existence of objective moral truths and considers morality to be entirely subjective. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Problem with Subjectivism?

It leads to moral relativism and undermines the objectivity of ethics.

Psychological Egoism Key Idea

The underlying dynamic behind all human actions is the pursuit of self-interest.

Subjectivism vs. Ethical Egoism

Subjectivism focuses on the individual's moral views, while ethical egoism prescribes that individuals should make their own interests the primary concern.

Challenge to Ethics by Ethical Egoism

It suggests that individuals should make their own interests the single overriding concern, which may conflict with the needs of society.

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'Irrefutable but useless'?

Psychological egoism

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Subjectivism's Starting Point

The recognition that the individual is the sole determinant of moral values.

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Psychological vs. Ethical Egoism

Psychological egoism claims that all actions are self-serving, while ethical egoism prescribes making self-interest the top priority.

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Egoism on Generosity

As driven by self-serving desires, even if not acknowledged by the person.

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Ethical vs. Psychological Egoism (Actions)

Ethical egoism allows for actions that benefit others if it serves one's own interests, unlike psychological egoism which sees all actions as self-serving.

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Key Idea of Psychological Egoism

All human actions are inherently selfish, driven by self-serving desires.

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Ethical Egoism: Prioritize Actions?

By making their own interests the foremost consideration above all else.

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Why Egoism Leads to Cynicism

Because it suggests that all seemingly altruistic acts are ultimately self-serving.

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Why isn't this a reason Subjectivism reflects our moral language?

It provides an objective truth about morality.

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Subjectivism: 'Lying is Good'

Their statement is unarguably true from their subjective perspective.

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Evaluative Element Reflected by Subjectivism

Moral statements make judgments about what is right or wrong.

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Subjectivism & Moral Disagreements

Subjectivism suggests that moral disagreements are about personal preferences.

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'If I Approve, It's Good' & Subjectivism

It suggests that moral statements are based on personal preferences.

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Moral vs. Factual Statements

Moral statements make judgments, while factual statements describe objective facts.

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Fundamental Challenge of Ethical Egoism

Why should one be concerned about the welfare of others?

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World According to Ethical Egoism

It is a competitive and self-centered environment.

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Primary Concern of Ethical Egoism

The satisfaction of one's own desires and interests.

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Author's Experience & Egoism

The author has struggled with the question of why one should care for others at some point.

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Core Idea of Ethical Subjectivism

Moral opinions are based solely on feelings and emotions.

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Subjectivism: Objective Truths?

There are no objective moral truths; morality is entirely subjective.

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Subjectivism Represented

If I feel something is morally right, it is right only for me and not a universal truth.

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What is Subjectively Morally Right?

Both (a) and (b) would be considered morally right.

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Criticism of Ethical Subjectivism

Subjectivism lacks a rational or reasoned basis for moral decisions.

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True Statement About Ethical Subjectivism

It rejects the existence of objective moral truths and considers morality to be entirely subjective.

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Study Notes

Subjectivism and Morality

  • Subjectivism: Moral statements reflect personal approval or disapproval, making them true or false relative to the individual making the statement.
  • Challenge of Subjectivism: It implies that moral disagreements are merely differences in taste, undermining the potential for reasoned moral discourse.
  • Moral Relativism: Subjectivism allows for different moral values across individuals, leading to subjective moral truths, which may clash.
  • Example: If someone says, "Lying is good," according to subjectivism, they are simply expressing their own opinion, not making a objective truth claim.

Ethical Egoism

  • Focus on Self-Interest: Ethical egoism asserts each individual should act solely in their own self-interest.
  • Rejection of Altruism: It challenges the idea of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, viewing such actions as irrational.
  • "Irrefutable but Useless": Ethical egoism, while seemingly unchallengeable in its logic, lacks practical usefulness in guiding real-world moral actions.

Psychological Egoism

  • Motivational Basis: Psychological egoism suggests that all human actions, even apparently altruistic ones, are ultimately driven by self-interest.
  • Hidden Self-Interest: Actions perceived as selfless are argued to be motivated by a desire for personal gain, such as social approval or a sense of self-worth.
  • Cynicism: This view can breed cynicism about human nature, questioning genuine altruism and attributing all actions to self-serving motivations.

The Difference Between Subjectivism and Ethical Egoism

  • Subjectivism focuses on the individual's feelings and opinions about morality, while Ethical Egoism prescribes a specific moral rule: act in your self-interest.
  • Subjectivism is a descriptive theory about how we use moral language, while Ethical Egoism is a prescriptive theory about how we should act.

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