Meta Ethics

Question 1

What is the Divine Command Theory?

Answer 1

Moral commands come from God; therefore these must be good, and anything that goes against them must be evil

For Christians, it follows that humans should abide by God’s moral character as we are made in his image.

Question 2

Define ethical, non-naturalist response.

Answer 2

The meta-ethical view that moral knowledge is a factual property known by intuition or by God’s commands

This contrasts with ethical naturalism.

Question 3

Define ethical naturalism.

Answer 3

The meta-ethical view that morality is defined by facts about nature or human nature

This perspective differs from the Divine Command Theory.

Question 4

What does meta ethics refer to?

Answer 4

The meaning behind our actions, the language we use

It explores the nature of moral judgments.

Question 5

According to Divine Command Theory, humans should act in a way that reflects God’s character. What is this concept called?

Answer 5

Agape

Agape refers to selfless, unconditional love.

Question 6

What is a natural moral law in the context of Divine Command Theory?

Answer 6

A good example of Divine command theory that comes from reason and intuition

It is considered a non-naturalist approach.

Question 7

Who stated, ‘If God wills it to be good, it will be good’?

Answer 7

John Calvin

This reflects the belief that God’s will defines morality.

Question 8

According to Karl Barth, what is the answer to all questions about ethics?

Answer 8

Man’s obedience to God

This emphasizes that DCT exists because obedience to God is the nature of humanity.

Question 9

What do Catholics believe regarding the authority of church leaders?

Answer 9

Christ gave the leaders of the church the authority to make pronouncements on matters of doctrine and ethics

They represent the will of Christ and shouldn’t be challenged.

Question 10

List two strengths of Divine Command Theory.

Answer 10

• Makes sense to follow God’s commands if you believe in God
• The system is clear and straightforward

These strengths appeal to believers in God’s benevolence.

Question 11

List two weaknesses of Divine Command Theory.

Answer 11

• Commands may have been lost or changed in translation
• DCT doesn’t offer a free choice

The fear of Hell and promise of Heaven can lead to self-interest rather than genuine morality.

Question 12

What philosophical question did Plato raise regarding God’s commands?

Answer 12

Is conduct right because God commands it, or do the Gods command it because it is right?

This question challenges the nature of God’s moral goodness and omnipotence.

Question 14

Who is associated with the concept of Intuitionism in ethics?

Answer 14

W.D. Ross

Ross listed several duties that we feel we must instinctively do.

Question 15

What are the prima facie duties according to W.D. Ross?

Answer 15

• Keep our promises
• Pay back harm we do to others
• Not injure others
• Return favours
• Not harm innocent people
• Look after parents

These duties are considered absolute unless conflicting circumstances arise.

Question 16

What does moral intuition rely on according to W.D. Ross?

Answer 16

Common sense and reflection

It helps in balancing conflicting duties.

Question 17

True or false: According to Ross, moral intuition can be developed without reflection.

Answer 17

FALSE

Ross argues that moral intuition is based on careful thinking about problems.

Question 18

Which philosopher would agree with Ross’s view on moral intuition?

Answer 18

Fletcher

Fletcher supports the idea of moral intuition as a basis for ethical decisions.

Question 19

Which philosopher would disagree with Ross’s view on moral intuition?

Answer 19

Aristotle

Aristotle believes that good moral judgment requires the development of virtues and practical wisdom over time.

Question 20

What is a potential criticism of Ross’s Intuitionism regarding personal maturity?

Answer 20

The distinction between personal maturity and internal bias is unclear

This raises questions about what constitutes mature reflection.

Question 21

According to Hume, what should be discussed in relation to moral concepts?

Answer 21

Relations between things

Hume’s perspective suggests that moral concepts are metaphysical rather than naturalistic.

Question 22

What is a key weakness of Intuitionism?

Answer 22

It does not explain how we develop moral intuitions

This raises questions about the reasoning behind our moral beliefs.

Question 23

What does non-naturalism assert about moral values?

Answer 23

They cannot be analyzed

Non-naturalism suggests that human language distorts understanding of moral values.

Question 24

What is the definition of good according to Moore?

Answer 24

‘Good’ means ‘good’ and is self-defined

Moore’s definition avoids the naturalistic fallacy.

Question 25

In Intuitionism, how is knowledge of right and wrong acquired?

Answer 25

Through fundamental moral intuitions ## Footnote This knowledge does not come from evaluating results or logical conclusions.

Question 26

What is an example used to illustrate Intuitionism?

Answer 26

The Trolley Problem ## Footnote This problem contrasts utilitarian and intuitive ethical responses.

Question 27

In the Trolley Problem, what would a **utilitarian** choose?

Answer 27

To kill 1 person to save 5 ## Footnote This choice is based on maximizing overall happiness.

Question 28

What does **Intuitionism** argue about moral beliefs?

Answer 28

They are innate and stand alone ## Footnote Intuitionism posits that moral beliefs are unaffected by culture or consequences.

Question 30

What does **Naturalism** refer to in moral philosophy?

Answer 30

The view that moral values can be described in terms of natural properties ## Footnote Examples of natural properties include love or happiness.

Question 31

What is the main focus of **Utilitarianism**?

Answer 31

Maximising pleasure ## Footnote Utilitarianism is a key concept that the exam board emphasizes.

Question 32

According to **Bentham**, what is **psychological hedonism**?

Answer 32

The aims of human actions are based solely on gaining pleasure and avoiding pain ## Footnote This principle suggests that both humans and animals act to maximize pleasure.

Question 33

What is the **Utility Principle** as proposed by Bentham?

Answer 33

Human beings must have a moral system that focuses on happiness over pain ## Footnote This principle applies to both individuals and the community.

Question 34

According to Bentham, what are the two intrinsic values?

Answer 34

* Pleasure: the one intrinsic good * Pain: the one intrinsic evil ## Footnote We ought to act based on these intrinsic values.

Question 35

How does **John Stuart Mill** differ from Bentham's approach to utilitarianism?

Answer 35

Mill suggests a **qualitative method** instead of a quantitative method ## Footnote This approach considers the quality of pleasures rather than just the quantity.

Question 36

What theory does Mill discuss regarding **higher and lower pleasures**?

Answer 36

Some pleasures are more valuable than others based on personal experience ## Footnote Higher pleasures are preferred by those who have experienced both types of pleasure.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: According to Mill, pleasure is higher only if people who have experienced both types of pleasure prefer it, even if it brings more _______.

Answer 37

pain ## Footnote This highlights the complexity of pleasure valuation.

Question 38

Give an example used by Mill to illustrate the difference between higher and lower pleasures.

Answer 38

Choosing between 6 donuts or time with Libby ## Footnote This example shows a preference for meaningful experiences over mere quantity.