Chapter 12

Question 1

What is the definition of ethics?

Answer 1

The field of study that deals with discovering what is morally right and wrong

Question 2

What is the core understanding of a naturalistic view of ethics?

Answer 2

It rejects the possibility of having an absolute standard by which to judge what he right and wrong

Question 3

What is the position of utilitarianism

Answer 3

It argues that long range consequences determine what is right and wrong

Question 4

Name two proponents of utilitarianism and what is the difference in their views?

Answer 4

1. Jeremy Bentham- pleasure is all equal

2. John Stuart mill- some pleasure intellectual and sophisticated are a higher quality

Question 5

What is ethical relativism and who is a proponent of it?

Answer 5

Jean Paul sartre - each person must determine their own ethics of right and wrong. There is no absolute laws that can be applied to all people

Question 6

What is conventional is and what other name does it go by?

Answer 6

The concept that right and wrong are merely determined by the culture in which a person lives

Cultural relativism

Question 7

What is the definition of a theistic view of ethics?

Answer 7

An ethic of absolute truth that flows from a morally perfect God who is the foundation of ethics

Question 8

What is absolutism and who is a proponent of it?

Answer 8

There are absolute laws that should never be broken in any situation

Saint Augustine
Two books: on lying and against lying

Question 9

What is conflicting absolutism and what verses seem to support this position?

Answer 9

We should choose the lesser of 2 evils

Romans 2:6 greater evil=greater punishment
Matthew 5:22 Raca/fool

Question 10

What is graded absolutism and what verses seem to support this position?

Answer 10

Choose the greater good

Ezra 10- rahabs choice

Question 11

How does Hardy compare the ethical views with the difference theories of truth?

Answer 11

Utilitarianism resembles pragmatism; ethical relativism resembles the subjective theory of truth; and conventional is,/cultural relativism is a result of the coherence theory of truth. None of these affirm the absolute theory of truth

Question 12

According to Schaefer, Shay she the problem with being finite? Who does he quote and what is the quote?

Answer 12

He has no sufficient integration point in himself

Satre- no infinite reference point means everything is meaningless and absurd

Question 13

In regard to morals, if there is an impersonal beginning, what are two consequences?

Answer 13

1. Morals disappear- morals and ontology (being) are one

2. There is no ultimate fulfillment in the universe

Question 14

What does Schaefer mean by his term moral motions?

Answer 14

The sense that things are right and wrong

Question 15

What is the problem with Hindu paneverythingism?

Answer 15

Nobility and cruelties are of equal value; there is no difference between the two

Question 16

According to Schaefer, relativism is based on what kind of process? What example does he use to suggest that this is a relevant mechanism for cultural values and morality?

Answer 16

A statistical process (majority rules)

Question 17

Schaefer’s discussion concerning the continuity and discontinuity of humankind is crucial in his argument for a good God, from which proceeds a moral foundation. What are at least 2 important results there is in discontinuity?

Answer 17

1. Man is cruel without God being a bad God

2. There us hope of a solution for this moral problem

Question 18

According to the text, does lind believe that even a heinous act is by its very nature intrinsically wrong?

Answer 18

No because value had no value apart from an evaluator

Question 19

According to the text, values are contingent upon what?

Answer 19

The existence of a conscious being Dutch feelings, concerns, desires and purposes

Question 20

In addition to contingency which makes possible values, what is required for there to be moral or immoral behavior?

Answer 20

A second individual with the properties of the first individual

Question 21

What is the difference between value subjectivism and value objectivism?

Answer 21

Subjectivism- a contribution of the subject of the experience, not found in the object itself

Objectivism- value statements do describe the objects to which they refer

Question 22

When does a personal value become an aspect of morality?

Answer 22

When you apply your preferences as a standard to which others ought to follow

Question 23

How is utilitarianism defined?

Answer 23

The greatest happiness for the greatest number of people

Question 24

Utilitarianism is what kind of theory?

Answer 24

Consequentialist theory

Question 25

How is Kant's deontological theory defined? Why is this theory opposite to utilitarianism?

Answer 25

It is a rejection of the consequentialist theory; the only thing that is good without qualifications is good will - people have intrinsic value

Question 26

What are some of the glaring weaknesses of utilitarianism?

Answer 26

It puts emphasis on the greatest good for the greatest numbers the happiness liberty of the minority is sacrificed for the majority : slavery

Question 27

According to Lund, what is r summation of seeking to synthesize utilitarianism and deontological theory?

Answer 27

Generally, decisions of morality should be based on consequences with the overriding principle being the value/moral rights of others

Question 28

While the relativist position is said to be strong, what are two problems with accepting a society's moral norms?

Answer 28

1. Societies have engaged in certain practices that were morally wrong (according to who is the question) 2. By grounding to morality in preference, there is no higher court of appeal

Question 29

What are some of the issues raised regarding the case that people should be moral?

Answer 29

1. By being moral, people get something else they value 2. We should be moral out of love for God, not personal gain 3. Morality doesn't necessarily mean it is in need of religion as a foundation 4. It enables us and others to be treated well

Question 30

According to Lund is religion essential for the establishment of a foundation for morality?

Answer 30

No

Question 31

What is a substitute for God if morality has an alternative foundation?

Answer 31

Other people (humanism)

Question 32

What is stace's definition of relativism?

Answer 32

Any ethical position that denies there to be a single moral standard equally applicable to all people at all times

Question 33

What are the two definitions regarding standards?

Answer 33

1. What people think is right | 2. What is right distinct from what people think

Question 34

What is stace's view of the anthropological science in support of morality among various societies?

Answer 34

It has a psychological effect, but adds nothing to the argument for ethical relativism

Question 35

Does stace believe that affirming the commands of God is an adequate foundation for absolute moral values?

Answer 35

No

Question 36

According to stace, what are three problems with ethical relativism?

Answer 36

It renders meaningless all propositions which attempt to compare these standards with one another It is not possible to compare individuals with the same moral code No one person's moral opinion or even a majority view is an adequate standard for morality

Question 37

What is the definition of the morality trap?

Answer 37

The belief you must obey a moral code created by someone else

Question 38

What are three different kinds of morality and their definitions?

Answer 38

1. Personal: act in a way that brings the best consequences to you 2. Universal: a code of conduct that is supposed to bring happiness to everyone that uses it 3. Absolute: a set of rules to which an individual is expected to surrender their own happiness

Question 39

What is the unselfishness trap?

Answer 39

The belief that you must put the happiness of others above your own happiness

Question 40

According to maciver (like Browne) morality must be situated where?

Answer 40

In your own values

Question 41

Name four reasons maciver is so enthusiastic about the golden rule?

Answer 41

1. It is the only rule that stands by itself I'm light of its own reasoning in the face of warring systems 2. instead of attacking the silk of other people, it offers a new dimension 3. It goes deeper to show how morality establishes relationships with other people rather than isolating them 4. It weakens those who use moral laws to inflict evil on other people

Question 42

According to maciver, what is a glaring weakness of the golden rule?

Answer 42

It does not solve ethics, problems but only offers an approach. It does not prescribe our treatment of others but on,y the spirit in which they should be treated