Exam 2: Dan Bonevac and Gillian Brock, “America First”

In his essay, Daniel Bonevac covers four different philosophical theories-virtue ethics, consequentialism, Kantianism, and moral foundations theory-and shows how each supports his thesis. Which of these theory-driven arguments do you find most convincing? Why? Which do you find least convincing? Why? Do not simply say that you agree and disagree, or that Bonevac's points match your opinions. Instead, be sure to argue for your positions.

In her reply, Brock affirms that she does not want to challenge the idea that _____ should have a role to play in our lives:

In his essay, Bonevac argues that which three of Jonathan Haidt's foundations support Bonevac's thesis?

In her reply, Gillian Brock says: Partiality clearly has some important role to play in our moral lives. However, just as partiality towards (say) family members or friends may be justified in some cases and not others, partiality towards co-nationals will be similarly circumscribed. In your essay, give an example of a case where partiality would be morally justified in a person's life. Why would it be justified? Does this justification of acceptable interpersonal partiality extend to international relationships? In other words, can you identify a case where the reason why it's morally okay to be partial interpersonally is also a sufficient reason to be partial internationally? How does your case relate to the wider debate that Brock and Daniel Bonevac are having?

In her essay, Brock argues that states should be eradicated in favor of a more cosmopolitan global community

Which of the following is NOT one the central scaffolds to Brock's Moral Equality Imperative?

Daniel Bonevac and Gillian Brock agree that there will be more than one nation even in an ideal world. But they believe for this different reasons. What are those reasons? Which are more plausible? Why?

Which of the authors expresses serious concern over the idea of "cosmic justice" in their reply?

In his reply, Bonevac claims that these two things are problematic about cooperation:

In his essay, Bonevac argues for what thesis?

Brock is concerned with balancing which two types of justice?

Which author makes the claim: "The current pressing issue is not, "Should we be nationalists or cosmopolitans?" Rather, there is much scope for showing creative ways to accommodate the plausible elements in both theories into one coherent, comprehensive, and compelling account."

In his essay, Bonevac claims that Kantianism promotes cosmopolitanism: