Midterm NAME: _______________________________
SECTION I – Vocabulary and Definitions
A. Using the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (IEP) as reference, give a short summary definition of each concept (1-3 sentences). [6 points each]
B. Briefly describe the difference between objectivity and subjectivity in philosophical terms, especially as it relates to the study of ethics and morality (2-4 sentences). [6 points]
SECTION II - Short answer
A. Is morality in fact absolute and universal or subjective and relative? Describe your own position in a short (4-6 sentence) paragraph. [6 points]
B. Name three ethical issues entertained in Huxley's Brave New World. Choose one to explore in some detail: outline Huxley's portrait of the problem, describing how he dramatizes the ethical concept; explain and analyze Huxley's position as it emerges through the narrative of the novel. Finally, identify your own position on the issue and articulate whether you agree or disagree with the main thrust of Huxley's argument. This short essay would likely require two short paragraphs to complete. [12 points]
C. In the early part of our course we have read about and discussed a number of ethical systems. They have all in their different ways attempted to answer the question "Why be moral?" In three to five sentences sketch out the arguments of each of the three traditions listed below. The IEP articles "Divine Command," Moral Character," and "Existentialism" will be helpful as you to summarize the main practical impetus for each philosophical orientation. Some of what you would have read in formulating definitions in the section above could also be helpful. [6 points each]
Judeo-Christian tradition
Ancient Greek and Roman schools
Existentialism
D. Answer this classic philosophy problem, as laid out by Judith Jarvis Thomson in 1985 in her exploration of Philippa Foot's original 1967 thought experiment:
"Suppose you are the driver of a trolley. The trolley rounds a bend, and there come into view ahead five track workmen, who have been repairing the track. The track goes through a bit of a valley at that point, and the sides are steep, so you must stop the trolley if you are to avoid running the five men down. You step on the brakes, but alas they don't work. Now you suddenly see a spur of track leading off to the right. You can turn the trolley onto it, and thus save the five men on the straight track ahead. Unfortunately,...there is one track workman on that spur of track. He can no more get off the track in time than the five can, so you will kill him if you turn the trolley onto him. Is it morally permissible for you to turn the trolley?" (Thomson 1395).
In the coming weeks, we will have a chance to consider this thought experiment in more detail, including an exploration of it's many interesting variations. In first encountering the problem here, give your preliminary answer and briefly describe your reasoning for choosing as you did. [12 points]
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