Metaphysics Exam Review

Question 1

The prejudicial view that interprets all of reality through the eyes of one’s own cultural beliefs and values

Answer 1

Ethnocentrism

Question 2

Universal principles that apply to all people

Answer 2

Moral Objectivism

Question 3

The theory that there are no moral facts, moral truths, and moral knowledge

Answer 3

Nihilism

Question 4

The theory that moral principles gain their validity only through approval by the culture or the individual

Answer 4

Ethical Relativism

Question 5

The relativist view that all moral principles are justified by virtue of their acceptance by an individual agent him or herself

Answer 5

Subjectivism

Question 6

The theory that all moral principles are justified by virtue of their cultural acceptance

Answer 6

Conventionalism

Question 7

What is considered morally right and wrong varies from society to society, so there are no universal moral standards held by all societies

Answer 7

Diversity Thesis

Question 8

All moral principles derive their validity from cultural acceptance

Answer 8

Dependency Thesis

Question 9

The application of moral principles is determined by a culture

Answer 9

Weak Dependency Thesis

Question 10

Moral principles themselves are determined by culture

Answer 10

Strong Dependency Thesis

Question 11

The theory that there are nonoverrideable moral principles that one ought never violate

Answer 11

Moral Absolutism

Question 12

The theory that morality is a function of human nature and reason can discover valid moral principles by looking at the nature of humanity and society

Answer 12

Natural Law Theory

Question 13

A duty that is tentatively blinding on us until one duty conflicts with another

Answer 13

Prima Facie Duty

Question 14

The theory that objective moral principles are to be applied differently in different contexts

Answer 14

Ethical Situationalism

Question 15

A thing that is good because of its nature and is not derived from other goods

Answer 15

Intrinsic Good

Question 16

A thing that is worthy of desire because it is an effective means of attending our intrinsic goods

Answer 16

Instrumental Good

Question 17

The theory that all pleasure is good, that pleasure is the only thing good in itself, and that all other goodness is derived from this value

Answer 17

Hedonism

Question 18

The view that identifies all pleasure with sensual enjoyment

Answer 18

Sensualism

Question 19

The view that identifies all pleasure with satisfaction or enjoyment, which may not involve sensuality

Answer 19

Satisfactionism

Question 20

The moral and political theory that people collectively agree to behave morally as a way to reduce social chaos and create peace

Answer 20

Social Contract Theory

Question 21

A war of all against all where there are no common ways of life, no enforced laws or moral rules, and no justice or injustice

Answer 21

State of Nature

Question 22

an item that renders your whole existence invisible

Answer 22

Ring of Gyges

Question 23

Models of social interaction involving games in which players make decisions that will bring each of them the greatest benefit

Answer 23

Game Theory

Question 24

The answer, then, to the question “why should I be moral” is that I allow some disadvantage for myself so that I may reap an overall, long run advantage

Answer 24

Cooperate or Cheat

Question 25

The problem that sometimes the requirements of morality are incompatible with the requirements of self-interest

Answer 25

Paradox of Morality and Advantage