FINAL EXAM

Question 1

the ethical theory which holds that actions are good if and only if they are performed with the intent to conform to universal moral duties derived by reason from the abstract concepts of moral duty and lawfulness.

Answer 1

deontology

Question 2

reason’s function in determining what we do/should do (our will)

Answer 2

practical reason

Question 3

a rule, originating in reason, governing all experience

Answer 3

principle

Question 4

a principle governing MY action in a particular kind of situation

Answer 4

a maxim

Question 5

a practical principle, a principle governing ALL actions

Answer 5

a moral law

Question 6

a principle taking the form of a command telling us what we OUGHT to do if we wish to achieve a certain end (these are non moral)

Answer 6

hypothetical imperative

Question 7

a principle taking the form of a command telling us what we must always do; this is the basis for all moral duties in Kant

Answer 7

categorical imperative

Question 8

1st formulation of categorical imperative

Answer 8

Act only on that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

Question 9

2nd formulation of categorical imperative

Answer 9

Act in such a way that you treat humanity (or rational beings in general), whether in your own person or in any other person, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.

Question 10

3rd formulation of categorical imperative

Answer 10

All maxims which stem from autonomous lawgiving are to harmonize with a possible kingdom of ends and with a kingdom of nature.

Question 11

A will that ‘gives the law to itself’ acting according to our own principles; kantian freedom = behaving morally

Answer 11

autonomy

Question 12

A will that is determined by its object

Answer 12

heteronomy

Question 13

the worth of things which are irreplaceable ex. human beings

Answer 13

dignity

Question 14

the worth of things which are replaceable ex. objects

Answer 14

price

Question 15

define: the original position

Answer 15

a “purely hypothetical situation” in which “no one knows his place in society, his class position, or social status, nor does anyone know his fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities.”

Question 16

define: the veil of ignorance

Answer 16

the limitations Rawls establishes on our knowledge of our own lives which are presupposed by the original position

Question 17

first principle of justice

Answer 17

Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others.

Question 18

second principle of justice or the difference principle

Answer 18

social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both a.) reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage and b.) attached to positions and offices open to all.

inequalities are only justifiable if they are better for the least advantaged than a position of complete equality would be

Question 19

the ethical theory that holds that the right action cannot be completely understood by means of universal or rational standards. At least part of ethics involves caring for others, which can only be understood in the context of relationships of mutual recognition.

Answer 19

feminist care ethics

Question 20

the idea that the self is fundamentally distinct from other people

Answer 20

atomistic self

Question 21

the concept if the self as essentially defined by its relationships to other ‘selves’ (people)

Answer 21

relational self

Question 22

Three things necessary for mutual recognition?

Answer 22

1) I recognize the other as a subject, a consciousness, as having dignity
2) I become an ‘other’ to myself - I see myself through the eyes of the other
3) I earn the other’s recognition and the other recognizes me

Question 23

a school of philosophy which holds that philosophy should begin with the study of the lived experience of the philosopher.

Answer 23

existentialism

Question 24

define: the absurd

Answer 24

the view that the human desire for meaning is always frustrated by a meaningless universe. the search for answers in an answerless world.

Question 25

define what Sartre means by: existence precedes essence?

Answer 25

Man is nothing else, but what he makes of himself. There is no innate human nature, we are born without essence and must create our own essence.

Question 26

define: radical freedom

Answer 26

the ability to define your own essence

Question 27

define: authenticity

Answer 27

freedom to make your own decisions, you give your own life meaning. No one can make decisions for you.

Question 28

define: the face

Answer 28

how the “other” appears to us. The experience or perception of the other when we are aware that the Other is a person, a true other.

Question 29

define: the other

Answer 29

another consciousness. When I experience a being which I understand to be a person and not an object, this is essentially the experience of a beyond.