Introduction to Ethical Reasoning

Question 1

Why is ethical reasoning important? 4 points

Answer 1

1. To understand / evaluate moral arguments
2. To know when to challenge
3. To help you make the right decisions
4. To be able to explain / justify decisions to others

Question 2

What are the conditions for a moral / ethical argument to be “valid”?

Answer 2

The conclusion follows logically from the premises. Premises do not need to be true

Question 3

What are the conditions for a moral / ethical argument to be “sound”?

Answer 3

The conclusion follows logically from the premise of the argument, and those premises are true

Question 4

What is the logical fallacy “Ad hominems”

Answer 4

Attack a person’s view not on the basis of their argument but rather on the basis of who is making that argument

Question 5

What is the logical fallacy “Appealing to Emotion”?

Answer 5

Manipulation of the recipient’s emotions in order to win an argument

Question 6

What is the logical fallacy “Begging the question”?

Answer 6

An argument’s premises assume the truth of the conclusion, instead of supporting it

Question 7

What is the logical fallacy “The straw man”?

Answer 7

Misrepresent the argument a person has in such a way it is easy to refute / reject it