Week 6

Question 1

HUMANS AND COMMUNITIES

Answer 1

Humans do not exist in a vacuum.
We exist in the context of our communities and this should inform moral judgement.

Question 2

Moral relativism:

Answer 2

• There is no universal principle of morality.
• Right and wrong is a matter of culture.
• Ethical judgements depend on culture.

Question 3

COMMUNITARIANS

Answer 3

They are no moral relativists.

We are storytelling beings: Each of us is the protagonist in our own story, and this story defines our moral obligations.

Question 4

Normative Statement

Answer 4

is a statement is about what should be the norm. (Right/wrong)

Question 5

Descriptive Statement

Answer 5

is a statement that describes what is the case. (True/false)

Question 6

Normative ethics

Answer 6

the study of how people ought to behave. It aims at
identifying the best rules for
behaviour.

“Kant believed that you should never kill”

Question 7

Descriptive ethics

Answer 7

the study of how people do behave, and how they think they should behave.

Jeremy Bentham: “nature has placed mankind under
the governance of two sovereign masters pain and pleasure” “it is for them alone to point out what we ought to do”

Question 8

Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics

Answer 8

• Humans are naturally social beings.
• Individuals and communities (like city-states) rely on each other.
• Political deliberation is where virtuous people exercise and improve their virtues.
• The city-state needs virtuous people for decision-making and problem-solving.
• Both individuals and communities find fulfillment in their relationships.

Question 9

Critics of Rawls

Answer 9

• Communitarians like Sandel argue that Rawls’ theory overlooks the significance of individuals’ specific cultural and social contexts.
• Rawls assumes abstract, generic individuals rather than recognizing the diversity of real-world identities.
• Sandel suggests that moral and political judgments are deeply intertwined with personal narratives and community ties, which Rawls’ theory fails to fully consider.
• Critics contend that Rawls’ veil of ignorance doesn’t adequately address the complex social relations that shape individuals’ interests and rights.

Question 10

Defense of Rawls by Simon Caney

Answer 10

• Rawls acknowledges the importance of cultural attachments.
• His theory aims to protect cultural identities.
• Rawls values cultural diversity and recognizes its significance in moral deliberation.

Question 11

Issues with Communitarianism

Answer 11

Relying solely on narrative can lead to moral relativism.

Defining community boundaries and handling multiple identities is challenging.

The origin and legitimacy of community rules are ambiguous.

Question 12

Excerpt from “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga

Answer 12

The “Rooster Coop” metaphor illustrates social oppression and economic exploitation.

Cultural and social structures trap individuals in servitude.

Breaking free from societal norms requires extraordinary courage and sacrifice.