Study_Guide_for_Ethics_Midterm_Test_-_W26

Question 1

Define ad populum.

Answer 1

Appealing to popular belief

This fallacy occurs when an argument is made based on the popularity of a belief rather than its validity.

Question 2

What does begging the question mean?

Answer 2

Restating conclusion as a premise

This fallacy pretends to answer a question while merely reasserting the original position.

Question 3

What is the Burden of Proof?

Answer 3

The obligation to prove one’s assertion

In debates, the party making a claim is responsible for providing evidence.

Question 4

What are the Classical Virtues?

Answer 4

• Wisdom
• Courage
• Justice
• Temperance

These virtues are foundational in ethical philosophy and guide moral behavior.

Question 5

What is a collective action problem?

Answer 5

A situation where individuals do not cooperate for the common good

This often leads to resource depletion as individuals act in self-interest.

Question 6

Define Cultural relativism.

Answer 6

The idea that moral codes vary between cultures

This concept suggests that no single moral framework is universally applicable.

Question 7

What does de gustibus non est disputandum mean?

Answer 7

In matters of taste, there can be no disputes

This phrase emphasizes the subjectivity of personal preferences.

Question 8

Differentiate between ethical egoism and psychological egoism.

Answer 8

• Ethical egoism: The belief that individuals should act in their own self-interest
• Psychological egoism: The belief that individuals naturally act in their own self-interest

These concepts explore the motivations behind human behavior.

Question 9

What are energeia and dynamis?

Answer 9

• Energeia: Activity
• Dynamis: Potency

These terms are used in Aristotelian philosophy to describe the nature of being and action.

Question 10

Define eudaimonia.

Answer 10

The state of living well and achieving fulfillment

In Aristotelian ethics, eudaimonia is the highest good for humans.

Question 11

What is Felicific calculus?

Answer 11

Calculation of happiness proposed by Bentham

This method assesses the utility of actions based on their consequences.

Question 12

What is a free rider?

Answer 12

An individual who benefits from resources without contributing

This concept is often discussed in the context of public goods and collective action.

Question 13

What does functionalism state?

Answer 13

Parts function to preserve society

This theory in sociology emphasizes the role of social structures in maintaining stability.

Question 14

What is the Golden mean?

Answer 14

The desirable middle between two extremes

In virtue ethics, it represents the ideal balance in moral behavior.

Question 15

Define hedonism.

Answer 15

The pursuit of pleasure as the highest good

This ethical theory prioritizes personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

Question 16

What is impartiality in ethics?

Answer 16

The principle of treating all individuals equally

This concept is crucial in moral reasoning and justice.

Question 17

What is meant by internalization of norms?

Answer 17

The process of adopting societal norms as personal values

This leads to behavior that aligns with societal expectations.

Question 18

Define intrinsic value.

Answer 18

Value in itself, regardless of external factors

This contrasts with instrumental value, which is based on utility.

Question 19

What is the Is/ought gap?

Answer 19

The distinction between what is and what ought to be

This philosophical issue addresses the challenge of deriving moral prescriptions from factual statements.

Question 20

What are Jus ad bellum and Jus in bello?

Answer 20

• Jus ad bellum: Justice of going to war
• Jus in bello: Practices allowed in war

These concepts are key in just war theory.

Question 21

Define metaethics.

Answer 21

The study of the nature of moral judgments

This branch of ethics explores the meaning and justification of moral concepts.

Question 22

What is a moral hazard?

Answer 22

Risk that individuals will take on more risk because they do not bear the full consequences

This often occurs in insurance and financial contexts.

Question 23

What is moral luck?

Answer 23

Factors influencing morality that are outside the agent’s control

This concept questions the fairness of moral responsibility.

Question 24

Define moral status.

Answer 24

The status of an entity as deserving moral consideration

This concept is crucial in discussions about rights and ethical treatment.

Question 25

What is the **no-rest problem**?

Answer 25

The challenge of ensuring moral agents remain vigilant in their duties ## Footnote This issue arises in discussions of moral responsibility.

Question 26

Differentiate between **normative** and **descriptive** ethics.

Answer 26

* Normative: Prescriptive, stating how things should be * Descriptive: Observational, stating how things are ## Footnote These branches of ethics serve different purposes in moral philosophy.

Question 27

What does **Ought implies can** mean?

Answer 27

If one ought to do something, it must be possible to do it ## Footnote This principle addresses the feasibility of moral obligations.

Question 28

Define **parochialism**.

Answer 28

Narrow-mindedness regarding moral perspectives ## Footnote This concept critiques the limitation of moral viewpoints to one's own culture or group.

Question 29

What is **paternalism**?

Answer 29

Intervening in someone's decision-making for their own good ## Footnote This ethical stance raises questions about autonomy and consent.

Question 30

What is **phronesis**?

Answer 30

Practical wisdom in ethical decision-making ## Footnote This concept emphasizes the importance of context and experience in moral judgments.

Question 31

Define **pluralism** in ethics.

Answer 31

The acceptance of multiple moral perspectives ## Footnote This approach recognizes the complexity of moral issues.

Question 32

What is the **Principle of Charity**?

Answer 32

Understanding an opponent's argument before critiquing it ## Footnote This principle encourages fair and constructive dialogue.

Question 33

What is a **prima facie duty**?

Answer 33

An obligation that is binding unless overridden by a stronger duty ## Footnote This concept is important in discussions of moral conflicts.

Question 34

What is **public reason**?

Answer 34

Reasoning that is accessible and justifiable to all ## Footnote This concept is key in political philosophy and ethics.

Question 35

What does **reductio ad absurdum** mean?

Answer 35

A method of disproving a statement by showing it leads to absurd conclusions ## Footnote This technique is often used in logical arguments.

Question 36

What is **reflective equilibrium**?

Answer 36

Balancing principles and intuitions in moral reasoning ## Footnote This process seeks coherence between beliefs and judgments.

Question 37

What is the **Right to punishment**?

Answer 37

The justification for punishing wrongdoers ## Footnote This concept raises questions about justice and morality.

Question 38

What is **rule-utilitarianism**?

Answer 38

The view that the best action is the one that follows a rule that leads to the greatest good ## Footnote This approach contrasts with act-utilitarianism, which focuses on individual actions.

Question 39

What is a **slippery slope** argument?

Answer 39

Arguing against an action because it will lead to negative consequences ## Footnote This type of reasoning warns against initiating a chain of events that could result in harm.

Question 40

What is **social contract theory**?

Answer 40

The theory that individuals consent to form a society and abide by its rules ## Footnote This concept is foundational in political philosophy.

Question 41

What is the **state of nature**?

Answer 41

A hypothetical condition before the establishment of society ## Footnote This concept is often used to explore human nature and the origins of government.

Question 42

What is a **straw man** argument?

Answer 42

Misrepresenting an opponent's view to make it easier to attack ## Footnote This fallacy undermines constructive debate.

Question 43

What is a **Steel Man** argument?

Answer 43

Strengthening an opponent's argument before critiquing it ## Footnote This approach promotes understanding and fair discussion.

Question 44

Define **subjective relativism**.

Answer 44

The belief that moral truths are relative to individuals ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes personal beliefs in moral judgments.

Question 45

What is a **sucker’s payoff**?

Answer 45

The disadvantage faced by a cooperative individual in a competitive scenario ## Footnote This concept is often discussed in game theory.

Question 46

What is the **summum bonum**?

Answer 46

The highest good in ethical philosophy ## Footnote This concept represents the ultimate goal of moral action.

Question 47

What does **supererogatory** mean?

Answer 47

Actions that go above and beyond moral duty ## Footnote These actions are commendable but not required.

Question 48

Define **tautology**.

Answer 48

A statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form ## Footnote This concept is often discussed in logic and philosophy.

Question 49

What is **teleology**?

Answer 49

The study of purpose or design in natural phenomena ## Footnote This concept is significant in ethical theories that focus on outcomes.

Question 50

What is **temperance**?

Answer 50

Moderation in action, thought, or feeling ## Footnote This virtue is associated with self-control and balance.

Question 51

What is the **tragedy of the commons**?

Answer 51

A situation where individuals exploit a shared resource, leading to its depletion ## Footnote This concept illustrates the collective action problem.

Question 52

Define **virtue**.

Answer 52

A trait deemed to be morally good ## Footnote Virtues are central to ethical theories, particularly virtue ethics.