testing2_phl111

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]

1. Metaethics (http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/)

2. Divine Command theory (http://www.iep.utm.edu/divine-c/)

3. Existentialism (http://www.iep.utm.edu/existent/)

4. Normative ethics (http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/#H2)

5. Virtue theories (http://www.iep.utm.edu/virtue/)

6. Duty theories (http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/#SH2b)

7. Consequentialist theories (http://www.iep.utm.edu/conseque/)

8. Applied ethics (http://www.iep.utm.edu/ap-ethic/)

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]

testing_phl111

Divine Command Theory - a full critical analysis.  (ref)

Give an account of its fundamental principles, its basic assumptions around human nature and the nature and structure of society, and consider both the historical context of its emergence and the ways it continues to influence contemporary moral philosophy as an intellectual tradition.  An excellent paper will examine all of these dimensions in an organized and detailed presentation, appropriately citing sources, and taking the opportunity to critique the assumptions, principles, and legacy of the system on which you choose to focus

1.      fundamental principles

2.      basic assumptions around human nature and the nature and structure of society

3.      consider both the historical context of its emergence and the ways it continues to influence contemporary moral philosophy as an intellectual tradition.

4.      critique the assumptions, principles, and legacy of the system

CLASSNOTES (follow this link)

divine command theory

man proposes god disposes

the role of religion in society

 

Divine Command Theory is the view that morality is somehow dependent upon God,

and that moral obligation consists in obedience to God's commands.

 

Divine Command Theory includes the claim that morality is ultimately based on the commands or character of God, and that the morally right action is the one that God commands or requires.

The specific content of these divine commands varies according to the particular religion and the particular views of the individual divine command theorist, but all versions of the theory hold in common the claim that morality and moral obligations ultimately depend on God.

http://www.iep.utm.edu/divine-c/

 

Thomas Aquinas

 

SUMMARY

Divine Command Theory- Morality originates with God. If God ceases so does morality. (Moral dilemma solved by asking if it is willed by God. If God said so then its moral).Reason plays little role in this.



Strengths of Divine Command Theory -Moral duties are absolute

-Preserves the sovereignty of God

-Provides moral law as well as motivation to follow it



Weaknesses of Divine Command Theory -Makes morality into something arbitrary.

-A lot of evil has been done by religious people in the name of religion.

-Religious morality closes off dialogue, can leads to group intolerance and threaten church-state separation.



Nietzsche - The madman the "death of god" allows us to think independently.



Plato: Euthyphro -"Is the good good because God loves it, or does God Love the good because it is good?"

-Socrates is saying that god loves the good because it is good - thus the good exists prior to and apart from God.



Religion and Reason relate to the following types of reasoning: Supremacy of religion states:

-Strong version: All morality is based on divine commands

-Weak version: Divine commands sometimes over-ride ethics (Kierkegaard)

 

Compatible theories state:

-Strong version: reason and religion are identical in content

-Weak version: Reason and religion may be different but do not contradict one another

 

Supremacy of Reason:

-Strong version: Ethics is only based on reason (Agnostic or Atheist).

-Weak version: Even God must follow the dictates of reason (Kant).

 

Resources

1.       http://consultingbyrpm.com/blog/2015/02/ravi-zacharias-fields-a-tough-question-about-atheists-and-hell.html

2.       http://www.patheos.com/blogs/secularoutpost/2015/08/25/kai-nielsen-on-natural-law-and-divine-command-theory/

3.       http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Divine_command_theory

4.       https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/1cj8es/a_possible_response_to_the_divine_command_theory/

5.       DEFENSE - http://www.geocities.ws/mattperman/ethics.html

6.       https://wantingtheword.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/contemplations-on-divine-command-theory-should-we-call-god-good/

7.       http://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/36981/what-is-the-traditional-view-of-divine-command-theory-in-accordance-to-the-refor

8.       https://christianreasons.com/category/ethics/

9.       http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/christian-ethics/divine-command-theory/

10.   http://www.gotquestions.org/divine-command-theory.html

11.   http://rightreason.org/2014/christianity-and-divine-command-theory/ - DEFENSE

12.   http://rightreason.org/2011/divine-command-ethics-ontology-versus-epistemology/

13.   http://www.skepticink.com/tippling/2014/02/26/the-problem-with-divine-command-theory-1/

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS

PHL 111 - Ethics

Spring 2016

Professor Benjamin Breault

 

We opened the course with a viewing of the first episode of the television series, Breaking Bad, first aired in 2008.  The show received critical acclaim and a growing audience in part because of its provocative and compelling treatment of notions of morality and the concepts of good and evil.  Indeed Breaking Bad functions as an extended meta-ethical meditation exploring and challenging the limits of entire ethical systems.  Write an essay in the range of a thousand words (three to five pages) describing the contributions to moral philosophy of Breaking Bad, exploring the sorts of questions it asks its audience to ponder and assumptions it challenges.  An excellent essay will not only give a detailed account of the ethical concerns engaged in the show's pilot but will also take the opportunity to cite relevant and significant features of the script or performance, using proper MLA formatting for all references.

 

Choose one of the ethical systems we have encountered in the course this semester and subject it to a full critical analysis.  Give an account of its fundamental principles, its basic assumptions around human nature and the nature and structure of society, and consider both the historical context of its emergence and the ways it continues to influence contemporary moral philosophy as an intellectual tradition.  An excellent paper will examine all of these dimensions in an organized and detailed presentation, appropriately citing sources, and taking the opportunity to critique the assumptions, principles, and legacy of the system on which you choose to focus.  

Outline your own personal ethical code or system.  Consider your choices in the context not only of your experience of self as an individual but also in your role as a member of society.  Do you, for example, subscribe to a kind of virtue ethics or deontological approach, follow closely a Judeo-Christian tradition or a utilitarian system?  And in what ways are your personal moral commitments echoed or contradicted in the larger public sphere of social life with its laws and codes.  The relationship between these two spheres, public and private, is sometimes quite complicated and will be worth discussing in your exposition. Having now encountered a range of ethical problems and responses throughout the course, be sure to support your philosophical position and approach with reference to any one or perhaps several of these ethical systems.  Incorporating more than one philosophy can certainly make sense, as we have witnessed how humans tends to piece together a patchwork of practices and beliefs in an effort to inhabit a workable or otherwise intelligible universe.  As an existentialist might express it, our radical freedom condemns us to this Sisyphean effort.  From the perspective of another tradition it might be said that because we are fallen from the Garden of Eden we find ourselves in need of redemption.  Whatever our heritage, we find ourselves compelled to answer these questions: What is the meaning of life?  What does it mean to live it well?  How might one define goodness and what sort of spaces and traditions articulate it and promote it?  Please use about a thousand words to reflect on and articulate your own perspective.