Fundamentals of Reason
Identify the argument type and explain why its structure guarantees the conclusion.
What is a deductive argument, valid because the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises?
Which Principle is central to this theory?
Greatest Happiness Principle.
This principle states that you should act only according to maxims you can will as universal laws.
Categorical Imperative
This term describes the desirable character traits that virtue ethics seeks to cultivate.
Virtues
Is the following statement an example of a priori or a posteriori reasoning?
“Triangles have three sides.”
a priori reasoning, because it is known independently of experience?
Identify if the argument is deductive or indcutvie and evaluate the reliability of this argument and identify a key weakness in its reasoning.
What is an inductive argument that is weak because it relies on limited observation and ignores possible counterexamples?
A policy increases happiness for 80% of people but causes significant harm to 20%. Using the Greatest Happiness Principle, should the policy be adopted? Justify your answer.
What is yes, according to utilitarianism, because it maximizes overall happiness, though it raises questions about justice for the minority?
A student considers cheating on an exam. Use the Universalizability Principle to evaluate whether this action is morally permissible.
it is not morally permissible, because if everyone cheated, the value of exams would be destroyed?
Explain Aristotle’s concept of the Golden Mean using the example of courage.
What is courage is the mean between the extremes of recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency)?
A student argues, “If everyone acted selfishly, society would collapse. Therefore, you should always act for the greater good.” Which ethical theory is being used, and what logical fallacy might be present?
utilitarianism, and the argument may contain a slippery slope fallacy?
Is this argument valid, sound, or both? Justify your answer.
What is valid but unsound because the first premise is false?
Critically assess whether utilitarianism, as a form of consequentialism, can adequately protect individual rights.
What is utilitarianism may fail to protect individual rights if violating them increases overall happiness, which is a major criticism of consequentialist theories?
Explain the difference between treating someone as an “end in themselves” and as a “mere means to an end.”
treating someone as an end respects their autonomy and dignity, while treating them as a mere means uses them for your own purposes without regard for their interests
A student notices a classmate struggling with their work and decides to help, even though it means sacrificing some of their own free time. Which virtue is being demonstrated, and how does this action contribute to eudaemonia according to virtue ethics?
generosity (or kindness), and this action contributes to eudaemonia by helping the student develop moral character and flourish as a virtuous person?
valid, because the conclusion follows from the premises; sound only if both premises are true?
Evaluate the strength of this inductive argument and identify two factors that could undermine it.
What is strong if the sample is large and representative; weak if the sample is biased or too small?
Name three of the criteria of the felicis calculus
Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity (or Remoteness), Fecundity, Purity, Extent.
Assess whether Kantian deontology allows for exceptions to moral rules in extreme circumstances (e.g., lying to save a life).
Kantian deontology does not allow exceptions, as moral rules are absolute and must be followed regardless of consequences?
Evaluate whether virtue ethics provides clear guidance for resolving moral dilemmas compared to rule-based theories.
virtue ethics may lack clear rules, relying instead on moral exemplars and practical wisdom, which can make decision-making less straightforward?
valid, because the conclusion follows from the premises; sound only if both premises are true?
Kantian ethics supports the claim due to the Categorical Imperative, while utilitarianism might allow lying if it maximizes happiness?
Is this argument valid or invalid and why (must use terminology)
What is affirming the consequent, invalid because having a degree does not guarantee being a teacher?
Compare and contrast value theory in utilitarianism with the concept of eudaemonia in virtue ethics.
value theory in utilitarianism focuses on maximizing pleasure or happiness, while eudaemonia in virtue ethics emphasizes flourishing through virtuous living?
Compare the Categorical Imperative’s Formula for Humanity with the utilitarian approach to moral decision-making.
the Formula for Humanity requires respecting each person’s intrinsic worth, while utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness, even if it means sacrificing individual rights?
Discuss how the concept of eudaemonia in virtue ethics differs from the utilitarian focus on pleasure or happiness.
eudaemonia is about flourishing through virtuous living, not just experiencing pleasure, whereas utilitarianism prioritizes maximizing happiness or pleasure?
Compare how virtue ethics and Kantian ethics would approach the following scenario:
A student is tempted to cheat on an exam to achieve a scholarship. Discuss how each theory would evaluate the morality of this action, referencing at least one key term from each theory.
virtue ethics would focus on the student’s character and virtues like honesty and practical wisdom, while Kantian ethics would apply the Universalizability Principle and the idea of treating others as ends, not means?