Moral Theories
This theory says that an action is good when it maximizes happiness for all concerned.
Utilitarianism
If Tom is taller than Katy, and Katy is taller than Michael, then what do we know about Tom?
Tom is taller than Michael.
Is the assertion, "Abortion is morally wrong," objective or subjective? Why or why not?
It is objective.
If utilitarianism is the correct moral theory, then what should you do with the lever?
Pull it to switch the trolley to the other track.
What do we call a sentence in the declarative mood?
A proposition.
This theory uses the Categorical Imperative to determine the morality of an action you areconsidering.
Kant/Deontology
Fill in the blank to make the argument valid.
1. If Andre rides his bike, then Sara rides her bike.
2. _________________________
3. Thus, Sara rides her bike.
Andre rides his bike.
If cultures have different moral beliefs, does this mean that there are no objective moral truths?
No.
What are the two standard ways you can critique an argument?
Deny the truth of the premises and deny the validity of its logical form.
If I survey 1,000 people in Columbia, and 678 agree that Mizzou is a great school, what is wrong with my argument?
The sample is biased.
This moral theory does not offer any formulas for determining right and wrong. Instead, the aim is to become a good person, through practice, and you will naturally do what is right.
Virtue Ethics
If all cats are swans, and swans have wings, then what may we infer?
All cats have wings.
What is one feature that attracts people to moral relativism?
It is more "tolerant" of other views.
It avoids arguments about ethics.
According to the Categorical Imperative, is it morally permissible to treat human beings as means?
Yes, but only if you also treat them as ends in themselves.
Complete the argument so that it is valid:
1. If Joe is human, then Joe likes fish.
2.
3. So, Joe is not human.
2. Joe does not like fish.
This moral theory emphasizes the importance of relationships and benevolence in concrete situations, rather than impersonal generalizations.
The Ethics of Care
In a valid argument, if all the premises are true, then what do we immediately know?
We know that the conclusion is true as well.
If moral relativism is the correct theory, and three students are discussing whether eating meat is morally wrong, and their positions are:
Jordyn: Yes, it is always wrong.
Xiaofei: No, it is never wrong.
Katrina: It is wrong sometimes.
How many of them can be correct? (according to moral relativism)
All of them.
Justice is treating equals equally, and treating . . .
Unequals unequally.
In a conversational argument, if I distort my opponents view in order to make it easier to attack, what fallacy am I committing?
Straw man
This moral theory says that to determine right from wrong, all that matters is whether the action violates God's commands.
Divine Command Theory
What makes an argument cogent?
The argument is strong and all its premises are true.
If cultural, moral relativism is true, then what would be true of those to argue for moral reform? (E.g., MLK, Jr.)
They would be bad people or they are doing something morally wrong.
The mark of a mature mind is . . .
Being able to consider an idea without accepting it.
Name the four principals we discussed in the beginning of the course.
Justice
Beneficence
Utility
Autonomy