146 Final - Ethical Theories

Question 1

John Stuart Mill

Answer 1

Wrote the subjection of Women, On Liberty, and considerations of representative government.

Question 2

Consequentialism

Answer 2

Certain normative properties depend only on consequences.

Question 3

Utilitarianism

Answer 3

Subject of Consequentialism, Source of moral reasons is the welfare of sentient beings, Aggregate and maximize wellbeing.

Question 4

Hedonism

Answer 4

The view that well being exists in the absence of suffering and existence of happiness.

Question 5

Subordinate Principles

Answer 5

Rules to follow that promote happiness , We all care about our own happiness.

Question 6

Partiality

Answer 6

Biased towards people you know

Question 7

Impartiality

Answer 7

Not being bias

Question 8

Arguments for Hedonism

Answer 8

Everybody wants to be happy

Question 9

Arguments Against Hedonism

Answer 9

No time to calculate

Question 10

Mill’s Proof of Utilitarianism

Answer 10

Something is seen when it can be seen, something is heard when it can be heard, something is desired when it can be desired ? No, desirable means worth wanting.

Question 11

Immanuel Kant

Answer 11

Believes we are rational beings (Theoretical and Practical Reasonings (when see this study the two reasoning)).

Question 12

Categorical Imperative

Answer 12

Binding on you no matter what you want …
- Tells us what to do in order for our act to have moral worth
- We must act only according to principles we think should apply to everyone
- An absolute command regardless of what your goals are

Question 13

Hypothetical Imperatives

Answer 13

Not biding, if you want to go law school then study for LSAT, doesn’t have moral worth

Question 14

Maxims

Answer 14

The action you are performing and why

Question 15

Acting in Accordance with Duty vs. Acting from Duty

Answer 15

It’s categorical vs. Hypothetical imperatives

Question 16

Formula of Universal Law

Answer 16

Act in such a way that you can will that the maxim of your action should become universal law
- Stealing to get rich; produce a society with no rich people

Question 17

Formula of Humanity

Answer 17

Treat with respect

Question 18

Kant’s Arguments Against Lying Promises and Against Stealing to Get Rich

Answer 18

Lying is morally wrong, All persons born with an “intrinsic worth” that he called human dignity. If everyone stole from rich everyone would be rich … People would have no incentive to produce

Question 19

The Arm-Chopping Maniac

Answer 19

The lying promise … if everyone was allowed to make a lying promise, then it would not work… Only has a chance of working because most people wouldn’t engage… You can’t chop anyones arms off if you don’t have any arms yourself

Question 20

The Aesthetic Ear-Chopping Maniac

Answer 20

This is fine because he wants the whole world to look as so

Question 21

The Choice of Profession

Answer 21

The considerations individuals face when deciding where to apply their talents

Question 22

The Car Ornament

Answer 22

If everyone did it, would be ineffective in finding your car

Question 23

The Toy Train

Answer 23

Impossible to universalize (ask group)

Question 24

Using Someone as a Means

Answer 24

This person is using another person simply to get what they want out of the situation … Kant says this isn’t wrong because they’re not using as a mere means

Question 25

Using Someone as a Mere Means

Answer 25

Involve them in a scheme of action to which they could not in principle consent (Deception, Coercion)

Question 26

Kantian Understanding of Benevolence as an Imperfect Duty

Answer 26

Kant says we all have a duty to help others without expecting personal gain, but how much we help depends on our abilities and resources. While we should make sacrifices for others, this duty isn’t unlimited, and its extent varies for each person

Question 27

Rule-Utilitarianism

Answer 27

Accommodate and adjust the rule … first figure out what rules would have the best outcome … then follow them EXCEPT … Break any of the rules to prevent total disaster .

Question 28

Act-Utilitarianism

Answer 28

Act utilitarianism judges each action individually, choosing the one that creates the greatest happiness or best outcome in that specific situation. It doesn’t rely on general rules but focuses solely on the consequences of the act itself.

Question 29

The Disaster Clause

Answer 29

Part of rule utilitarianism philosophy that the moral code should be written so as to maximize utility including exceptions to prevent less literal/physical disaster

Question 30

Killing vs. Letting Die

Answer 30

Utilitarianism doesn’t distinguish between killing people and letting them die

Question 31

Killing as a Side Effect

Answer 31

One dies as a result of inaction or Domino effect ( Switch train tracks and it kills another person )

Question 32

Killing as a Means

Answer 32

Killing someone to prevent something else ( Pushing suspicious man reaching in back pocket onto train tracks )

Question 33

Accommodation vs. Reform as Strategies for Defending Utilitarianism

Answer 33

Accommodation : Try to fit the theory to avoid the disturbing theory
Reform : Utilitarians try to persuade people that their intuitions are unreliable

Question 34

The Elevator Button

Answer 34

Elevator is going to fall and crush people under it , to save them you must push someone into a button thats unreachable for you in order to save the people. Kant would say this isn’t okay because you would be using someone as a mere means

Question 35

The Switch and Footbridge

Answer 35

In the footbridge the worker with the backpack is being used a means … Collateral damage … The guy in the backpack has to be there otherwise you can’t save the other five.

Question 36

The Inhospitable Hospital and the Wilderness Medical Outpost

Answer 36

(Unsure ask group or study)

Question 37

The circular Trolley Track

Answer 37

A case that as used to critique the footbridge case … If the man with backpack manages to unite himself than the five is not saved … Being used as a means, morally just like the basic switch case