Urmson's Challenge to Moral Theory
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Questions and Answers

What does P1 suggest about moral theories that fail to categorize moral worth correctly?

  • They should be revised or rejected. (correct)
  • They are adequate if they address some moral actions.
  • They must be redefined in a different context.
  • They should be accepted as they are.

    • Which of the following does P2 assert about standard versions of moral theories?

  • They account for supererogatory actions.
  • They only consider moral actions as permissible.
  • They recognize four types of actions.
  • They only recognize three types of actions. (correct)

    • What type of actions are described as lying beyond what duty requires?

  • Prohibited actions
  • Obligatory actions
  • Supererogatory actions (correct)
  • Permissible actions

    • How does Urmson support his claim regarding supererogatory actions?

    <p>By using examples of saints and heroes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the three types of actions recognized in standard moral theories?

    <p>Required, permissible, and wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context do we typically evaluate people as 'saints' and 'heroes'?

    <p>When they exhibit abnormal self-control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion does the argument derived from Urmson's premises lead to?

    <p>Standard moral theories should be revised or rejected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied by the classification of 'wrong' actions in standard moral theories?

    <p>They are actions that ought not to be done.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes actions that are far beyond what duty requires?

    <p>Actions that have high moral worth but are not strictly duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of supererogatory actions?

    <p>They are praiseworthy yet not required by morality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is categorizing supererogatory actions as 'required' considered a mistake?

    <p>Because they exceed the moral demands placed on individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example best illustrates a supererogatory action?

    <p>A doctor volunteering in a war-torn city.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'going the extra mile' signify in the context of moral actions?

    <p>Undertaking actions that exceed basic moral duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the problem with standard moral theories regarding supererogatory actions?

    <p>They categorize them merely as permissible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly differentiates between permissible actions and supererogatory actions?

    <p>Supererogatory actions can be done but are not morally required.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes high moral worth actions from obligatory actions?

    <p>High moral worth actions go beyond what individuals are expected to do.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher denies the high moral worth of supererogatory actions?

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

    What notion does Urmson suggest regarding duties and expectations?

    <p>There is a clear line between what can be demanded and what should be hoped for.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is NOT a requirement for duties?

    <p>Duties should reflect supererogatory actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the stance on pressuring individuals regarding duties versus supererogatory actions?

    <p>One should pressure individuals to fulfill their duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are supererogatory actions viewed in traditional moral theories?

    <p>They are often overlooked or inadequately accommodated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might it be problematic to deny the existence of supererogatory actions?

    <p>It conflicts with common sense intuitions about morality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated about the moral complexities of actions beyond duty?

    <p>Moral life is more nuanced than traditional categories suggest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key feature of duties according to the presented content?

    <p>Duties must be achievable by everyone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Kant's view of moral actions from the notion of supererogatory actions?

    <p>Kant sees duty as the only expression of moral value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Aristotle, how should one determine the correct course of action?

    <p>By acting in a way that reflects virtuous behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main premise that challenges standard moral theories regarding action classification?

    <p>Standard moral theories fail to recognize supererogatory actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion can be drawn if premise P3 is accepted in the given argument?

    <p>New moral theories need to be developed to cover supererogation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a response to the argument against standard moral theories?

    <p>Deny the existence of supererogatory actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does intuitive acceptance of premise P3 suggest about moral theories?

    <p>It indicates that moral theories should incorporate additional action types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might Aristotle classify supererogatory actions as?

    <p>Required actions reflective of virtue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key aspect does the argument suggest standard moral theories overlook?

    <p>The existence of optional moral actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Urmson's Challenge to Moral Theory

    • Urmson argues that standard moral theories fail to account for supererogatory actions, that is, morally commendable actions exceeding duty requirements.
    • He proposes that these actions have moral worth and are not simply permissible, as traditional theories suggest.

    Arguments for Supererogatory Actions

    • Urmson supports the existence of supererogatory actions through examples of saints and heroes.
    • He identifies three categories of saintly and heroic actions:
      • Actions that exhibit exceptional self-control in fulfilling duties.
      • Actions that fulfill duties effortlessly.
      • Actions that vastly exceed duty requirements.

    Supererogatory Actions and Standard Theories

    • Urmson argues that utilitarian, Kantian, and Aristotelian frameworks struggle to categorize supererogatory actions.
    • Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing good, leaving no room for actions exceeding what is required for optimal outcomes.
    • Kant's focus on duty as the sole source of moral value does not readily accommodate actions beyond duty's mandate.
    • Aristotelian ethics, emphasizing virtue and a good life, might classify these actions as either wrong or required, failing to capture their unique moral worth.

    Potential Responses to Urmson's Challenge

    • To counter Urmson's argument, one could deny the existence or value of supererogatory actions, which contradicts common intuitions.
    • Alternatively, one could revise existing moral theories to incorporate a category for supererogatory actions.
    • Another option is to develop entirely new moral theories that accommodate the complexity of moral actions.

    Revising Moral Theories

    • Urmson suggests differentiating between duties, which are minimal requirements, and supererogatory actions, which are actions exceeding expectations.
    • Duties are expected and enforceable through pressure and censure.
    • Supererogatory actions are praised and appreciated but should not be enforced or criticized.
    • This approach acknowledges the distinction between necessary moral obligations and praiseworthy actions beyond duty.

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    Description

    Explore Urmson's critique of standard moral theories regarding supererogatory actions. This quiz covers his arguments, examples of exceptional actions, and how traditional frameworks like utilitarianism and Kantian ethics fail to accommodate these moral commendable acts. Test your understanding of moral philosophy and supererogation.

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