Phil 160 - Pop Quiz?

Front 1

Act Utilitarianism

Back 1

An act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative

Front 2

Rule Utilitarianism

Back 2

An act is right if and only if it is required by a rule that itself is a member of a set of rules whose acceptance would lead to greater utility for society than any available alternative.

Front 3

Hierarchy of Rules

Back 3

1. Lowest level ("Don't lie" or "Don't cause harm.")

2. If first-order rules conflict, there are second-order rules

3. Remainder rule, which is the principle of act-utilitarianism. When no other rule applies, simply do what your best judgment deems to be the act that will maximize utility

Front 4

Ends Justifying the Immoral Means

Back 4

1. If a moral theory justifies actions that we universally deem impermissible, then that moral theory must be rejected.

2. Utilitarianism justifies actions that we universally deem impermissible. Therefore, Utilitarianism must be rejected

Front 5

Ends Justifying the Immoral Means Objections

Back 5

1. Lying Objection

2. Integrity Objection

3. Justice Objection

Front 6

Trolley Problem: what does this show?

Back 6

The means really do matter to us, i.e., letting die vs. active killing

We believe that killing is worse than letting die

Front 7

What is Deontological Ethics?

Back 7

"Deon:" obligation or duty

"logos:" the study or logic of; reason

The Right has priority over the Good.

Front 8

Kant is both an absolutist and a rationalist. What does that mean?

Back 8

Absolutism: there is one true morality with a consistent, i.e., non-conflicting, set of moral principles.

Rationalism: we can know moral metaphysical truths a priori, i.e., apart from or prior to experience

Front 9

Empiricism vs. Rationalism

Back 9

Empiricist morality: Begin with human nature

Kantian rationalism: Morality has nothing to do with sentience, i.e., capacity to feel pleasure and pain, but is about the pure use of reason.

Front 10

What is Kant's "divided nature" theory of the human being

Back 10

1. A physical nature, i.e., we are driven by our individual appetites

2. A rational nature, which is universal

Front 11

For Kant: Why be moral?

Back 11

We are obligated to be moral because it is the rational thing to do

In being moral/rational, we fully realize our own humanity

Front 12

What is the good will?

Back 12

good in itself (intrinsically good)

all other qualities are dependent upon the good will for their goodness

Front 13

What is the Law of rational humanity: Categorical Imperative

Back 13

Act only according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.

Front 14

What are the steps to Categorical Imperative?

Back 14

Step 1: State Maxim

Step 2: Universalize your maxim

Step 3: does it pass the contradiction in conception test?

Step 4: does it pass the contradiction in willing test?

Front 15

What are the 4 kinds of duties?

Back 15

(1) a negative, inflexible, absolute, perfect duty to the self

(2) a negative, inflexible, absolute, perfect duty to others

(3) a positive, flexible, contingent, meritorious duty to the self

(4) a positive, flexible, contingent, meritorious duty to others

Front 16

What are the steps to the Humanity Formula?

Back 16

1. Formulate the maxim

2. Apply the ends test: does the maxim involve violating the dignity of a rational being?