Module 3 - Moral Arguments

Question 1

David Hume

Answer 1

Scottish philosopher (1711-1776); noticed the Is-Ought Problem

Question 2

Is-Ought

Answer 2

It is impossible for factual “Is” claims to generate moral “ought” claims. Impossible to derive moral “ought” claims from factual “is” claims

Question 3

Factual “Is” claim examples

Answer 3

a fact is approved by someone, society, or God

Question 4

Factual “Is” claims

Answer 4

may be true, but do not imply a moral “ought” claim

Question 5

if and only if

Answer 5

link a moral “ought” and factual “is” claim together/they imply each other (always)

Question 6

Bridge Statement

Answer 6

the claim that an act is right, if and only if the factual claim is true; Each ethical theory has a certain bridge to a certain “Is”

Question 7

Moral Argument components

Answer 7

1. Bridge Statement (moral standard/foundational value of ethical theory is linked to an act being right)
2. Factual Claim
3. Conclusion giving Moral Judgement of the Ethical Theory

Question 8

Parts of Moral Arguments that can be criticized (2/3)/must be criticized if the moral judgement is criticized

Answer 8

1. Bridge statement (bc theoretical link btwn is and ought claims) –> Theoretical Criticism of Moral Argument
2. Factual claim (bc practical descriptive is claim) –> Practical Criticism of Moral Argument

Question 9

Moral argument

Answer 9

type of argument which moral judgement cannot be false when both the bridge statement and factual claim are true

Question 10

If you criticize the moral argument, you must

Answer 10

criticize the ethical theory too

Question 11

moral universalism

Answer 11

maintains that we must always refer to moral principles to arrive at moral judgements

Question 12

moral particularism

Answer 12

maintains that our moral thinking may not follow moral principles (especially when the case involves people and relationships)

Question 13

Moral Judgement

Answer 13

(in some cases - moral reflection cases)
Descriptive claim(s) + moral considerations about the persons involved + moral considerations about the relationships involved

Question 14

Psychological situationism

Answer 14

view that situational factors influence a persons’ behavior/thinking more than personality

Question 15

The Big Five personality model

Answer 15

introvertness/extrovertness, neuroticism(stability), agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness

Question 16

agreeableness ties closely to moral behavior

Answer 16

agreeablesness = sympathy, epathy, altruism (concern for wellbeing of others independent of any self-interest)