2024 Ethics Midterm Study Guide - REVISED NO PLATO
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PHIL2306: ETHICS – MIDTERM EXAM STUDY GUIDE
The midterm will cover readings and class discussions. For your convenience, the testable material from each unit has
been listed below. Material you have seen on previous quizzes and the first exam are also testable.
Exam format will include objective (multiple choice; true/false, fill in the blank), short answer, and essay. The essay will
evaluate your ability to put what you’ve learned into practice.
The exam will be timed. You will be given ample time to take the exam, but not enough time to look up answers with which
you are unfamiliar. An optional midterm exam study session, taking place during the class immediately preceding the
exam, will be offered for those interested.
"Morality & Moral Philosophy
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
Know the three-step argument Socrates employs to show that he ought not to break the laws by escaping.
Define and the know the difference between the following three approaches: descriptive empirical inquiry, normative thinking, and analytical/critical/meta-ethical thinking
"Right & Wrong
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
How do ideas of right and wrong relate to ideas of what is and is not against the rules? In other words, is “right and wrong” the same as following rules? (Hint
: See paragraph #4.)
For Nagel, what is the basis of morality? (Hint
: See final paragraph.)
"Subjectivism
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
How do you define “subjectivism?” (Hint
: Start with the summary paragraph; also look at the second full paragraph on the second page of the article.)
What’s the difference between a normative/moral claim and a descriptive claim? Be able to recognize the difference.
Why can individual belief about what is right and what is wrong not morally justify someone’s actions?
"The Challenge of Cultural Relativism
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
What question is James Rachels responding to in this article? (Hint
: It’s the first sentence in the summary paragraph.)
What is cultural relativism?
Be able to explain the “cultural differences argument.” (Hint
: It’s in the second paragraph on page 51.)
What are the three consequences of taking cultural relativism seriously?
Why is it a mistake to believe that when customs
differ, that means that values
differ?
What two lessons can be learned from cultural relativism?
"The Trolley Problem
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
What is the conceptual challenge illustrated by the Trolley Problem?
"Turning the Trolley
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
Why did Thomson’s student view the Trolley Problem as a “non-problem?”
"Crito
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
Be familiar with the conversation between Socrates and Crito.
Explain Socrates’ position regarding heeding popular opinion about moral matters.
What does Socrates believe about the “Laws of Athens” and what would happen if he were to escape?
"Phaedo
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
Be familiar with the conversation in Phaedo. What are the major issues that are addressed and how are they addressed?
"Because God Said So
"
(in “Readings” section of Blackboard)
What question does divine command theory answer?
Define divine command theory.
For proponents of DCT, why do they believe God can command everyone to follow his/her/its/their rules? (Hint
: There are two reasons)
Identify and explain the three potential problems with divine commands and how they conflict.
Explain the Euthyphro problem and its implications for divine command theory. "God and Morality
”
(in Exploring Ethics
)
Why does Cahn think that “belief in God” is an insufficient ground for morality?
How does Cahn respond to the Euthyphro problem?
"Doing Your Duty: The Ethics of Principle
"
(in “Readings” section of Blackboard)
What are the differences between rules and principles? Which does Kant favor?
What separates humanity from animals?
What’s the difference between inclination and duty? Does Kant think acting from inclination is always wrong? Does Kant
think acting from the motive of duty always make your actions right?
Be familiar with the shopkeeper example and why it is relevant.
What’s the difference between autonomy and heteronomy? How do these concepts relate to Kant’s ethics?
Kant believes that his categorical imperative qualifies as the principle that serves as the source of all ethical action because it meets what three criteria?
Which are more important – intentions or consequences? Why?
Explain the first and second forms of the categorical imperative.
What are the primary two objections to Kant’s ethics, according to the reading?
"The Categorical Imperative
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
How does Kant argue that the moral worth of an action is to be judged?
For Kant, why is a deceitful promise immoral?
What is Kant’s issue with making a promise you don’t intend to keep? Why is this not permissible?
"A Simplified Account of Kant's Ethics
"
(in Exploring Ethics
)
What is the “Formula of the End in Itself?”
What does it mean to use someone as a “mere means” and why is this wrong?
What is a maxim and how does Kant say they should be used?
"Utilitarian Ethics
"
(in “Readings” Section of Blackboard)
Explain utilitarianism and how it differs from Kantianism.
Why do consequences trump principles and character?
Identify the contributions of Mozi, Bentham and Mill to utilitarianism.
Explain Bentham’s hedonistic calculus.
Explain the concept of “equal consideration of interests.”
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How/why do utilitarians believe they can indirectly increase the good by following the rules?
Be familiar with Williams’ “Pedro and the Natives” thought experiment.
"Contemporary Utilitarianism
"
(in “Readings” section of Blackboard)
What is the difference between act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism?
Be familiar with Driver’s defense of utilitarianism. Specifically, how does she answer the four attacks (justice, demandingness, integrity and negative responsibility)?