Ethics Final Exam
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Questions and Answers

What, according to Gerald Dworkin, is paternalism?

Interference with the liberty or autonomy of another person, with justifications referring to the promotion of the person's good or the prevention of harm to the person.

Where does the term "paternalism" come from?

The duty of benign parenting

Paternalism only applies to private relationships.

False

Paternalism is justified when it is a matter of law or coercion.

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

According to the provided text, what is the main problem with exceeding the key values of liberty and autonomy?

<p>This overrides the key values of liberty and autonomy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of government paternalism?

<p>Legislation requiring seatbelts in cars</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of anti-paternalists on personal responsibility?

<p>People must take responsibility for their own actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" defend the principle of maximum liberty?

<p>He argues for maximum liberty as long as it is &quot;self-regarding&quot; and does not harm others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major problem with the view that maximum freedom is justified as long as it does not harm others?

<p>Many (if not most) actions affect others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

One philosophical argument against the welfare state suggests that supporting the poor and downtrodden ultimately decreases freedom for everyone else.

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

The debate in the philosophical literature regarding recreational drugs is portrayed as a simple choice between legalization or prohibition.

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

All illegal drugs are equally risky and addictive.

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

Scientific research can be used to separate fact from fiction when analyzing drug laws and policies.

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

Voters in Oregon supported Ballot Measure 110, which decriminalized several drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and LSD.

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

Oregon's Ballot Measure 110 remained successful and was not repealed.

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

The author believes that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to drug policies is the best option.

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

Why does the author acknowledge the need for a more serious approach to the question of legal responses to drug use?

<p>Because different drugs have different properties, risks, patterns of usage, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author believe that legalizing drugs would pull the rug out from organized crime?

<p>Because those who profit from illegal drugs would no longer be able to evade taxes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the figure cited by Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron for federal taxes that could be collected from legalizing marijuana?

<p>$8.7 billion</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much does California spend annually on each juvenile detainee?

<p>$216,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why, according to the text, would legalized drugs reduce crime?

<p>Because addicts would have less incentive to steal and commit crimes to get their drugs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author argues that drug legislation and law enforcement disproportionately target the poor and ethnic minorities.

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

What is one example given in the text of vastly different penalties for the same drug?

<p>Crack cocaine vs. powder cocaine; methamphetamine vs. d-amphetamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the argument for quality control when legalizing drugs?

<p>Legalization would make drugs safer by eliminating bad drugs, tainted drugs, and unknown levels of potency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that legalizing drugs would increase the number of users and addicts.

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

What is one example given in the text regarding the human nature to self-medicate?

<p>Elephants and baboons love to eat fermented fruit, koalas spend their lives intoxicated on eucalyptus leaves, and lab rats, mice, guinea pigs, and even pigeons prefer cocaine to food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the 'war on drugs' is doomed to fail.

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

The author believes that drug use is not only a problem for users, but also has a significant impact on society.

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

What is one example given in the text regarding the actual benefits of drug use?

<p>Fighter pilots fly on strong amphetamines, steroids enhance the performance of athletes, artists claim that drugs make them more creative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the 'war on drugs' is a dismal failure.

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

What is one ethical controversy to focus on?

<p>The debate on the legalization of recreational drugs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the death penalty has been abolished in most Western liberal democracies.

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

Public opinion polls consistently show a global opposition towards the death penalty.

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

The author argues that the death penalty, even when used in a just and fair manner, is still morally wrong.

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

What is the counter-argument raised by some proponents of the death penalty against the notion that life imprisonment without parole is a more humane alternative?

<p>Life imprisonment without parole deprives convicts of autonomy and dignity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the power to execute is often abused by governments.

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

The author fully supports life sentences without parole, concluding it to be a more ethical option compared to the death penalty.

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

The author believes that the use of DNA evidence has strengthened the argument against the death penalty due to its potential for exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is 'cruel and unusual punishment' and therefore unconstitutional.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is state-sponsored murder.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a justifiable means of achieving retributive justice.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is cost-effective.

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

Why do the supporters of the death penalty argue that it is justified by the notion of "retributive justice"?

<p>It is unfair and unjust that a mass murderer convicted in a fair trial can eat, laugh, play, search for love, marry and enjoy conjugal visits, hope, enjoy, read, watch TV, etc. when his victims are forever denied these pleasures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the death penalty has been effective in deterring crime.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is an effective way to protect the innocent.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a morally just way to deal with criminals whose crimes are deemed beyond forgiveness or redemption.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is an outdated concept that is no longer necessary in a modern society.

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

How many people in the United States were exonerated from death row thanks to DNA evidence?

<p>20</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author believes that the existence of modern prisons makes the death penalty unnecessary for protecting society.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a necessary and ethical punishment for individuals who commit heinous crimes.

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

The author believes that social inequality and racial disparities are significant problems facing the judicial system, but argues that they are not directly related to the death penalty.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a just and effective way to address the issue of crime in the United States.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a necessary and just punishment, even if it means that some innocent people might be executed.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is a legitimate means of achieving justice, as long as it is carried out fairly and with humane methods.

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

The author believes that the death penalty is an outdated and inhumane practice that should be abolished.

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

What is the current status of the death penalty in the United States?

<p>19 states and Washington, D.C. have abolished CP. 26 states retain it, and 4 have declared a moratorium on its use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The death penalty is a global issue, with numerous countries still actively carrying out executions.

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

Euthanasia is a recent concept that has only become an issue in modern times.

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

The author believes that euthanasia should be viewed as a form of 'good death' or 'mercy killing' for terminally ill patients.

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

Euthanasia is currently legal in most countries around the world.

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

The author believes that the debate surrounding euthanasia often parallels the ethical debate surrounding abortion.

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

The author believes that the pursuit of achieving a 'good death' is a selfish desire.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'assisted suicide' falls within the ethical framework of euthanasia.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'mercy killing' is always ethically justifiable.

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

The author believes that the right to choose one's own death is an essential liberty right.

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

The author believes that the concept of euthanasia raises complex ethical dilemmas.

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

The author believes that the legal justifications for euthanasia are straightforward and clear.

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

The author believes that the widespread use of euthanasia could lead to abuse and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

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

The author believes that the use of euthanasia should be restricted to cases of terminal illness.

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

The author believes that euthanasia should be a purely personal decision, with no role for the state or government.

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

The author believes that euthanasia is an ethically sound practice.

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

The author believes that euthanasia is a necessary evil for ensuring that individuals can end their suffering in a humane way.

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

The author believes that the concept of immortality would create a more meaningful and fulfilling life for individuals.

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

The author believes that the success rate of organ transplants depends heavily on the definition of 'death.'

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

The author believes that the concept of 'assisted suicide' is morally equivalent to murder.

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

The author believes that passive euthanasia is more ethically acceptable than active euthanasia.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'double-effect' is a useful way to justify morally ambiguous actions in healthcare.

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

The author believes that the ethics of war are a relatively straightforward and clear subject.

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

The author believes that the principles of 'Jus ad bello' and 'Jus in bello' should be equally applied to conventional warfare and unconventional warfare.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'war crimes' is a subjective and politically motivated label.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'war crimes' is a clear and objective legal standard.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'war crimes' is a powerful tool for promoting justice and accountability in international conflicts.

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

The author believes that the concept of 'war crimes' is a necessary and just way to ensure that international conflicts are conducted ethically.

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

Study Notes

Paternalism

  • Defined as interference with a person's liberty for their own good.
  • Gerald Dworkin's more precise definition: interference with the autonomy of another person, with justifications referring to the promotion of the person's good or the prevention of harm to that person.
  • George's actions toward Louis are an example of paternalism.
  • Paternalism is different in parenting than in other forms, such as the government or religious authority.
  • Paternalistic actions within private, personal relationships (e.g.: employer/employee, husband/wife) are not necessarily problematic.
  • Paternalism is problematic within the public domain, specifically when governmental or other institutional authorities limit personal choices or informed consent.

Recreational Drugs and the Criminal Law

  • The debate about recreational drugs is often framed as a false dilemma: legalization or maintaining the status quo.
  • Recreational drug laws vary considerably regarding specific drugs.
  • Different illicit drugs include varying degrees of dangers, addictiveness, and overdose potentials
  • A nuanced approach to drug policy should consider specific drug properties, risk factors, and usage patterns.

Arguments for Legalization

  • Anti-paternalism: American values emphasize liberty and minimal government interference; recreational drugs are sometimes viewed as essential for happiness.
  • Cost/benefit analysis: a substantial financial burden is accrued to enforcing drug laws. Legalizing drugs could bring in substantial revenue.
  • Reduced crime: legal drugs can likely lead to a reduction in crime because obtaining drugs legally would be far less expensive than obtaining them illegally.
  • Reduced inequality: drug policies can disproportionately disadvantage the poor and ethnic minorities. Legalization may mitigate this,
  • Quality control: legalizing drugs may allow greater control over the quality of the product, rather than allowing the sale of unsafe or impure products sold on the black market.

Arguments Against Legalization

  • Danger and harm: Illegal drugs can cause harm to individuals, families, and society; some drugs are extremely dangerous.
  • Increased drug use and addiction: Legalization could lead to more drug use, addiction, accidents, and long-term health problems.
  • Social costs: Money and resources needed for public health and education could become stretched if drug use increases.
  • Loss of revenue from illegal drug trade: a substantial loss of tax revenue resulting from the suppression of the illegal drug trade.

The Death Penalty

  • The moral issue of the death penalty revolves around its justification in certain cases, and the appropriateness of its application.
  • In many countries the death penalty is not used very much or is no longer used; however, it is still an issue in several countries.
  • There is a strong opposition to the death penalty.
  • Arguments against include:
    • That it belongs to a barbaric age.
    • That it is cruel, inhumane, and inconsistent with the sanctity of life and human dignity.
    • It is irreversible and can be misused.
    • It does not prevent crime.
    • Unequal distribution based on economic status and race and ethnicity in the legal system.
  • Arguments in favor include:
    • Retributive justice (punishment for wrongdoing).
    • That it is unfair that a convicted murderer can engage in life's activities, such as pursuing love, enjoying marriage and conjugal visits, or watching TV, whilst victims and their loved ones are deprived of those things from the act committed against them.

Euthanasia

  • Euthanasia is the act of causing a swift and painless death, usually to relieve suffering.
  • Different types of euthanasia exist including; voluntary active, voluntary passive, involuntary active, and involuntary passive.
  • The ethical issues surrounding euthanasia relate to defining death and personhood, as well as distinguishing between assisted suicide, voluntary death and acts requiring consent, and acts imposing a decision on another in the case of a person who cannot make a decision themselves.
  • The moral questions can include; the role of the state in life and death decisions, and the values of freedom and autonomy.
  • The utilitarian view looks at reducing suffering/pain and savings on medical costs. The sanctity of life view considers that it is not permissible for humans to decide when someone is better off dead.

Ethics of War

  • Rules and principles of war include jus ad bellum (when war is permissible), and jus in bello (how to conduct war justly).
  • Important concepts in these discussions include just cause, right intentions, last resort, proportionality, and the principle of noncombatant immunity, and issues like the use of force appropriate to the situation and the distinction between combatants and non-combatants etc.
  • The appropriateness of war has been debated across various cultures and throughout history.

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