Evaluating Arguments
This argument form guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true.
What is validity?
A set of views composed of hedonism, desire-satisfaction theory, and objective-list of meaning.
What are theories of well-being?
The class of theories that says an actions moral value comes from the outcomes it produces.
What is consequentialism?
A principle from which you act, in Kantian terms.
What is a maxim?
The thought experiment that asks you to weigh who to kill in various ways.
What is the trolley problem?
P1: If a student studies for the final, then they will do well on the final.
P2: Peter studied for the final.
C: ?
What is Peter doing well on the final?
Aristotle's view that the virtuous trait and action is between two extremes.
What the doctrine of the mean?
The notion in Utilitarianism that states the most moral action is the one that produces the best outcomes for the most people.
What is the greatest happiness principle?
A command we have to obey unconditionally, no matter what. / A command that we ought to follow to fulfill a specific end.
What is the difference between the categorical and hypothetical imperative?
The view that you should only do what is in your own self-interest.
What is ethical egoism?
P1: If it is raining, then the streets are wet.
P2: The streets are wet.
C: It is raining.
What is an invalid argument by affirming the consequent?
The sets of behavior Kongzi thinks we follow to cultivate virtue.
What is li?
An action is _______ if it is allowable but not required by a moral theory.
What is morally permissible?
*for discussion
Formula of Universal Law, Formula of Humanity, and Kingdom of Ends
What are the three formulations of the categorical imperative?
*quick lecture/ review
A contemporary movement that applies Peter Singer's idea of maximizing the good you can do to philanthropic projects.
What is effective altruism?
An instance that shows that even if the premises of an argument are all true, the conclusion is not guaranteed to follow.
What is a counterexample?
The name of Kant's book that you were required to buy and read for this class.
What is Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten?
(The Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals?)
What is optimific?
1) Identify the maxim (of the form “I will do A in order to E").
2) Universalize the maxim (imagine everyone acting on it).
3) Ask: Is there a contradiction in willing the world of the universalized maxim?
What is testing the Formula of Universal Law?
Nomy Arpaly uses a story from this book to critique Kant's view of moral worth.
What is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
A philosopher responds to a counterargument by accepting their opponent's claims, yet still affirming their own view.
What is biting the bullet?
The virtue between buffoonery and boorishness for Aristotle.
What is wit?
The reason Mill reminds us: 1) Utilitarianism does not care about an agent's intentions and 2) most of our actions only affect a small circle of people.
What is Mill's response to the too demanding objection?
The difference between using someone to bring you food with respect and without respect.
What is treating someone as a means vs. a mere means?
Who is John Taurek?