phi3 Flashcards
What is cultural relativism, and how does it differ from objectivism about morality?
Cultural relativism is the view that moral truths are determined by cultural norms, meaning what is right or wrong depends on the beliefs and practices of a particular culture.
Objectivism about morality asserts that moral truths are universal and not contingent on cultural perspectives, meaning some actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of cultural views.
Explain the cultural difference argument.
The cultural difference argument posits that different cultures have different moral codes, so there is no objective truth in morality—right and wrong are determined by cultural norms.
Explain one critique Rachels raises about the cultural difference argument.
Rachels critiques that just because cultures disagree on moral issues doesn’t mean there’s no objective truth. Disagreement on a topic doesn’t prove relativism; for example, people historically disagreed about the shape of the Earth, but that didn’t negate the objective fact.
Define validity.
Validity refers to a logical property of an argument where, if the premises are true, the conclusion must necessarily be true.
Define soundness.
Soundness is when an argument is both valid and all its premises are true, making the conclusion true.
What does Rachels think we can learn from cultural relativism?
Rachels believes cultural relativism teaches us to be open-minded and aware of the diversity of moral practices, helping us avoid ethnocentrism and better understand our own cultural biases.
What are the key differences between self-interested reasons and moral reasons?
Self-interested reasons are motivated by personal gain or benefit, focusing on how actions affect oneself.
Moral reasons are motivated by principles of right and wrong, emphasizing the welfare of others or adherence to ethical standards regardless of personal benefit.
According to Mozi, why do people act morally? What kind of reason is this?
Mozi argues people act morally because it benefits society by promoting order and reducing harm. This is a pragmatic reason, grounded in the utility of morality.
What is Glaucon’s challenge to Socrates in the Republic? How does this relate to Mozi’s argument?
Glaucon challenges Socrates to prove that justice is desirable not only for its consequences but also for its own sake. This relates to Mozi’s argument, as Mozi focuses on the practical, societal benefits of morality rather than its intrinsic value.
What is the difference between intrinsic and instrumental goods?
Intrinsic goods are valued for their own sake (e.g., happiness).
Instrumental goods are valued as a means to achieve something else (e.g., money).
Explain the purpose of the Ring of Gyges example.
The Ring of Gyges illustrates how people might behave immorally if they could act without consequences, questioning whether justice is valued intrinsically or only for its external rewards.
According to Mengzi (Mencius), are people inherently good (have innate virtue) or does acting morally require acting against human nature? Explain one of Mengzi’s arguments for this conclusion.
Mengzi argues people are inherently good, possessing innate moral tendencies like compassion. He uses the example of instinctively saving a child from a well to demonstrate that moral impulses arise naturally.
How is morality cultivated or harmed, according to Mengzi?
Morality is cultivated through nurturing innate virtues (e.g., kindness) via education, reflection, and moral practice. It is harmed by neglect or exposure to corrupting influences, which suppress natural tendencies.
Why do people prefer the social virtues (things that benefit society), according to Hume? Explain one of Hume’s arguments for this conclusion.
Hume argues people value social virtues like justice and benevolence because they recognize their utility in creating harmonious and cooperative societies. For instance, justice establishes stable property systems that benefit everyone.
Explain one critique Annas offers of the technical manual model of ethics (grounded in a theory of right action).
Annas critiques that the technical manual model reduces ethics to rule-following, ignoring the importance of moral development and practical wisdom in making ethical decisions.
