Question 1

Can moral problems (always) be resolved without ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether moral problems can always be resolved without ethical theories is a complex one that touches on the nature of morality, the role of ethical theories, and the practicalities of moral decision-making. To address this question, we need to consider several aspects of moral problem-solving.

Firstly, it's important to understand what is meant by "moral problems" and "ethical theories." Moral problems are dilemmas or situations that require a person to make a choice between actions that have moral implications. Ethical theories, on the other hand, are systematic frameworks that provide principles or guidelines for determining what is morally right or wrong. Examples of ethical theories include utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and care ethics.

Now, let's consider the role of ethical theories in resolving moral problems:

1. **Intuitive Morality**: Some argue that many moral problems can be resolved using intuitive morality, which is the innate sense of right and wrong that most people possess. This intuitive approach does not rely on formal ethical theories but on an individual's upbringing, cultural norms, and personal experiences. However, intuitive morality may not always provide clear or consistent answers, especially in complex or novel situations.

2. **Common Sense and Social Norms**: In many cases, moral problems can be addressed using common sense and social norms without explicitly invoking ethical theories. These norms are often influenced by underlying ethical principles, even if individuals are not consciously aware of them. However, social norms can vary widely between cultures and can change over time, which may lead to conflicting moral judgments.

3. **Limitations of Ethical Theories**: Ethical theories can provide a structured approach to moral decision-making, but they are not without their limitations. Different theories can lead to different conclusions in the same moral scenario, and some theories may not adequately account for the complexities of real-life situations. Additionally, applying ethical theories requires a certain level of philosophical understanding that not everyone possesses.

4. **Practical Decision-Making**: In practice, people often resolve moral problems without explicitly referring to ethical theories. They may draw on a combination of intuition, emotions, personal values, and societal expectations. While this approach can be effective, it may also lead to inconsistent or biased decisions.

5. **Role of Dialogue and Reflection**: Moral problems can sometimes be resolved through open dialogue and reflection, where individuals discuss their perspectives and values to reach a consensus. This process does not necessarily require formal ethical theories but can benefit from the insights they provide.

In conclusion, while it is possible for some moral problems to be resolved without the direct application of ethical theories, these theories can offer valuable insights and a structured approach to moral reasoning. Ethical theories can help individuals to critically examine their intuitions and biases, consider different perspectives, and make more informed and consistent moral decisions. However, the resolution of moral problems often involves a combination of intuitive judgment, societal norms, personal values, and, when necessary, the application of ethical theories.

Question 2

Ethical relativism and ethical constructivism differ in what respect?

Accepted Answer

A)  Constructivists accept human rights; relativists do not. 
B)  Constructivists thinking that ethics are constructed by reason; relativists think it comes from subject desires and affect. 
C)  Constructivists might think there are social facts that make ethical truths apply across all cultures; relativists think it is always relative to culture. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  Constructivists accept human rights; relativists do not. 
B)  Constructivists thinking that ethics are constructed by reason; relativists think it comes from subject desires and affect. 
C)  Constructivists might think there are social facts that make ethical truths apply across all cultures; relativists think it is always relative to culture. 
D)  None of the above C

Question 3

What, if anything, can we conclude from the fact that reasonable and equally well-informed moral peers sometimes disagree on what is right and wrong?

Accepted Answer

The fact that reasonable and equally well-informed moral peers sometimes disagree on what is right and wrong suggests that moral issues are complex and can be interpreted differently based on individual perspectives, experiences, and values. It also indicates that there may not always be a clear-cut answer to moral dilemmas and that ethical decision-making can be subjective. This highlights the importance of open dialogue, empathy, and understanding when engaging in moral discussions, as well as the need for critical thinking and reflection when forming our own moral beliefs. Ultimately, the existence of disagreement among moral peers underscores the need for ongoing ethical inquiry and the recognition that there may not always be a single "correct" answer to moral questions.

Question 4

Suppose the detective knows Bob's fingerprints are found at the scene of the murder, and the detective thinks this fact is a reason to think Bob is the murderer. But suppose the detective is informed that the murder scene is where Bob goes to work every day. The detective no longer thinks the fingerprints count as evidence against Bob. The detective's reasoning is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)  simple deduction. 
B)  reasons holism. 
C)  theory-centered approach. 
D)  pragmatic reasoning. 
A)  simple deduction. 
B)  reasons holism. 
C)  theory-centered approach. 
D)  pragmatic reasoning.

Question 5

Which of the following is a conceptual claim as opposed to a factual claim?

Accepted Answer

A)  Public officials have many laws governing the money they can and cannot accept. 
B)  Corruption is a bigger problem in government today than 30 years ago. 
C)  Illicit payments are legally prohibited. 
D)  Corrupt politicians never get away with their crimes. 
A)  Public officials have many laws governing the money they can and cannot accept. 
B)  Corruption is a bigger problem in government today than 30 years ago. 
C)  Illicit payments are legally prohibited. 
D)  Corrupt politicians never get away with their crimes.

Question 6

Are the commands of the NSPE Code of Ethics valid for the members of NSPE in an objective sense? If so, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The National Society of Professional Eng

Question 7

Does a professional association that revises its code of ethics construct a new set of valid moral rules? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The revision of a professional associati

Question 8

Which of the following inferences could serve as a bridge premise to conclude it is wrong to get your little brother to tell lies?

Accepted Answer

A)  Lying is a form of untruthfulness. 
B)  It is wrong to tell lies. 
C)  Lying causes anxiety and stress for the liar. 
D)  Lying ruins one's reputation. 
A)  Lying is a form of untruthfulness. 
B)  It is wrong to tell lies. 
C)  Lying causes anxiety and stress for the liar. 
D)  Lying ruins one's reputation.

Question 9

One problem with ethical relativism is that

Accepted Answer

A)  it devolves into Subjectivism. 
B)  it is not clear how we can disagree with gross moral outrages like the Holocaust. 
C)  the value of a pickup truck is not culturally relative. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  it devolves into Subjectivism. 
B)  it is not clear how we can disagree with gross moral outrages like the Holocaust. 
C)  the value of a pickup truck is not culturally relative. 
D)  None of the above

Question 10

Mackie's error theory maintains

Accepted Answer

A)  there are no mistakes in moral codes at the level of culture. 
B)  individuals cannot be mistaken in their moral commitments. 
C)  moral statements have truth value and all are false. 
D)  conscience is prone to error and requires moral education. 
A)  there are no mistakes in moral codes at the level of culture. 
B)  individuals cannot be mistaken in their moral commitments. 
C)  moral statements have truth value and all are false. 
D)  conscience is prone to error and requires moral education.

Question 11

An ethical constructivist would deny

Accepted Answer

A)  moral statements have a truth value. 
B)  there are human rights. 
C)  moral truths are posterior to social fact. 
D)  moral statements are feelings we construct to navigate society. 
A)  moral statements have a truth value. 
B)  there are human rights. 
C)  moral truths are posterior to social fact. 
D)  moral statements are feelings we construct to navigate society.

Question 12

Which of the following is a domain-specific principle of engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nonmaleficence 
B)  Justice 
C)  Autonomy principle 
D)  Beneficence 
A)  Nonmaleficence 
B)  Justice 
C)  Autonomy principle 
D)  Beneficence

Question 13

Which of the following best describes domain specific principles?

Accepted Answer

A)  Culture determines the domain of ethical theory. 
B)  A limited form of reasons holism in which a principle applies within a certain domain. 
C)  Utilitarianism can only be applied to the domain of criminal justice 
D)  Applied ethics is divided into different domains such as medical, engineering, and legal ethics. 
A)  Culture determines the domain of ethical theory. 
B)  A limited form of reasons holism in which a principle applies within a certain domain. 
C)  Utilitarianism can only be applied to the domain of criminal justice 
D)  Applied ethics is divided into different domains such as medical, engineering, and legal ethics.

Question 14

Which consideration might support particularism as best explaining how we should come to warranted conclusions about what to do in particular cases?

Accepted Answer

A)  There is no agreement on which moral theory is correct, and the theories often give contradictory moral judgments. 
B)  Kant's theory does not care about consequences of actions. 
C)  Utilitarianism is impractical as a theory. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  There is no agreement on which moral theory is correct, and the theories often give contradictory moral judgments. 
B)  Kant's theory does not care about consequences of actions. 
C)  Utilitarianism is impractical as a theory. 
D)  None of the above

Question 15

Ethical theories

Accepted Answer

A)  make general claims about what makes right acts right and wrong ones wrong. 
B)  are applicable to all decisions made by engineers and everyone else, such as politicians, doctors, philosophy professors, and movie stars. 
C)  should be to engineering ethics what math is to the engineering sciences: a solid foundation on which precise conclusions about real-world problems can be based. 
D)  All of the above 
A)  make general claims about what makes right acts right and wrong ones wrong. 
B)  are applicable to all decisions made by engineers and everyone else, such as politicians, doctors, philosophy professors, and movie stars. 
C)  should be to engineering ethics what math is to the engineering sciences: a solid foundation on which precise conclusions about real-world problems can be based. 
D)  All of the above

Question 16

Mackie argues against ethical objectivism from the fact that

Accepted Answer

A)  there is widespread moral disagreement. 
B)  if there are moral properties, they would be strange entities. 
C)  it is hard to see how moral facts would be motivating. 
D)  All of the above 
A)  there is widespread moral disagreement. 
B)  if there are moral properties, they would be strange entities. 
C)  it is hard to see how moral facts would be motivating. 
D)  All of the above

Question 17

What is the problem with the inference from the fact that the F-150 is less fuel efficient to the moral judgment that the engineers who design the F-150 have a moral obligation to make it more fuel efficient?

Accepted Answer

A)  This is a culturally relative judgment. 
B)  There is no bridge premise. 
C)  We don't know the social facts necessary to construct the relevant moral values. 
D)  It is classist. 
A)  This is a culturally relative judgment. 
B)  There is no bridge premise. 
C)  We don't know the social facts necessary to construct the relevant moral values. 
D)  It is classist.

Question 18

Which of the following is not among the standard objection to ethical objectivism?

Accepted Answer

A)  Ethical properties would be strange entities. 
B)  It is not clear how ethical properties could motivate us to act. 
C)  Objective truth is not possible. 
D)  Moral disagreement between cultures is not what we expect on hypothesis of ethical objectivism. 
A)  Ethical properties would be strange entities. 
B)  It is not clear how ethical properties could motivate us to act. 
C)  Objective truth is not possible. 
D)  Moral disagreement between cultures is not what we expect on hypothesis of ethical objectivism.

Question 19

Are some moral rules universally valid-that is, for everyone at all points in time and space?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether some moral rules

Question 20

Domain-specific principles

Accepted Answer

A)  are a form of particularism. 
B)  work on a case by case basis. 
C)  are an example of ethical subjectivism. 
D)  apply to moral issues within a given domain but not outside it. 
A)  are a form of particularism. 
B)  work on a case by case basis. 
C)  are an example of ethical subjectivism. 
D)  apply to moral issues within a given domain but not outside it.

Can moral problems (always) be resolved without ethical theories?

Ethical relativism and ethical constructivism differ in what respect?

What, if anything, can we conclude from the fact that reasonable and equally well-informed moral peers sometimes disagree on what is right and wrong?

Which of the following is a conceptual claim as opposed to a factual claim?

Are the commands of the NSPE Code of Ethics valid for the members of NSPE in an objective sense? If so, what does this mean?

Does a professional association that revises its code of ethics construct a new set of valid moral rules? Why or why not?

Which of the following inferences could serve as a bridge premise to conclude it is wrong to get your little brother to tell lies?

One problem with ethical relativism is that

Mackie's error theory maintains

An ethical constructivist would deny

Which of the following is a domain-specific principle of engineering ethics?

Which of the following best describes domain specific principles?

Which consideration might support particularism as best explaining how we should come to warranted conclusions about what to do in particular cases?

Ethical theories

Mackie argues against ethical objectivism from the fact that

What is the problem with the inference from the fact that the F-150 is less fuel efficient to the moral judgment that the engineers who design the F-150 have a moral obligation to make it more fuel efficient?

Which of the following is not among the standard objection to ethical objectivism?

Are some moral rules universally valid-that is, for everyone at all points in time and space?

Domain-specific principles

Introduction

Professional Codes of Ethics

A Brief History of Engineering

Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism

Duties, Virtues and Rights

Whistle-Blowing: Should You Ever Break With Protocol

Conflicts of Interest: When Is It Permissible to Influence the Actions of Others

Costbenefit Analysis: Do the Ends Justify the Means

Risk and Uncertainty: How Safe Is Safe Enough

Privacy: What Is It and Why Should It Be Protected

The Problem of Many Hands: Who Is Responsible and Should Anyone Be Blamed

Technology Assessments and Social Experiments

A Critical Attitude to Technology

The Ethics of Artifacts

Sustainability

Filters

Exam 4: A Methodological Toolbox

Can moral problems (always) be resolved without ethical theories?

Ethical relativism and ethical constructivism differ in what respect?

What, if anything, can we conclude from the fact that reasonable and equally well-informed moral peers sometimes disagree on what is right and wrong?

Which of the following is a conceptual claim as opposed to a factual claim?

Are the commands of the NSPE Code of Ethics valid for the members of NSPE in an objective sense? If so, what does this mean?

Does a professional association that revises its code of ethics construct a new set of valid moral rules? Why or why not?

Which of the following inferences could serve as a bridge premise to conclude it is wrong to get your little brother to tell lies?

One problem with ethical relativism is that

Mackie's error theory maintains

An ethical constructivist would deny

Which of the following is a domain-specific principle of engineering ethics?

Which of the following best describes domain specific principles?

Which consideration might support particularism as best explaining how we should come to warranted conclusions about what to do in particular cases?

Ethical theories

Mackie argues against ethical objectivism from the fact that

What is the problem with the inference from the fact that the F-150 is less fuel efficient to the moral judgment that the engineers who design the F-150 have a moral obligation to make it more fuel efficient?

Which of the following is not among the standard objection to ethical objectivism?

Are some moral rules universally valid-that is, for everyone at all points in time and space?

Domain-specific principles

Introduction

Professional Codes of Ethics

A Brief History of Engineering

Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism

Duties, Virtues and Rights

Whistle-Blowing: Should You Ever Break With Protocol

Conflicts of Interest: When Is It Permissible to Influence the Actions of Others

Costbenefit Analysis: Do the Ends Justify the Means

Risk and Uncertainty: How Safe Is Safe Enough

Privacy: What Is It and Why Should It Be Protected

The Problem of Many Hands: Who Is Responsible and Should Anyone Be Blamed

Technology Assessments and Social Experiments

A Critical Attitude to Technology

The Ethics of Artifacts

Sustainability

Filters