Ethics In Class paper 1

Question 1

formalize Mackie’s argument from relativity

Answer 1

1. People and cultures hold varying moral beliefs.
2. The best explanation for these variations is that they reflect varying ways of life rather than the perception of objective values.
3. Therefore, probably our moral beliefs are caused by our ways of life, not by perception of objective values.

Question 2

formalize midgely’s argument

Answer 2

1. If we can praise people in other cultures, then we can also criticize them.
2. We can praise people in other cultures.
3. Therefore, we can criticize people in other cultures.

Question 3

midgely objection to premise 1

Answer 3

Praising people in other cultures does not automatically imply the ability to criticize them, as praise may arise from admiration, while criticism requires a deeper understanding of moral or cultural standards.

Question 4

midgely objection to premise 2

Answer 4

We cannot always praise people in other cultures accurately because our understanding may be biased or incomplete, leading to misinterpretations based on cultural differences.

Question 5

midgely counter objection to premise 1

Answer 5

Praise and criticism both require judgment based on values, so being able to praise others suggests we are also capable of offering criticism, bc we understand their actions.

Question 6

midgely counter objection to premise 2

Answer 6

Even if our understanding of other cultures is imperfect, we can still praise universal human traits, which provides a basis for both praise and criticism.

Question 7

Mackie objection to premise 1

Answer 7

People and cultures agree on broad moral principles.

Question 8

Mackie objection to premise 2

Answer 8

Moral differences are also due to varying application of these broad
principles in different circumstances.

Question 9

Mackie counter objection 1

Answer 9

According to this view, specific moral judgments are objectively true,
but only contingently.

Question 10

Mackie counter objection 2

Answer 10

Most people don’t make specific moral judgments by applying broad principles at all; they just make “intuitive” responses.