Question 1

Nathanson argues that "payback" retributivism is incapable of distinguishing intentional from accidental killing.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 2

Which of the following best captures the relationship Nell sees between A's right of self-defense and the duty of third parties to defend A's right?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nell thinks the duty to defend others is a general duty of beneficence. 
B)  Nell thinks that the duty to defend others is a duty to maximize the number of people living. 
C)  Nell thinks there is no relationship between the right of self-defense and the duty of third parties to defend people. 
D)  Nell thinks that the duty to defend others is correlative to people's right to self-defense and enforces the right not to be killed. 
A)  Nell thinks the duty to defend others is a general duty of beneficence. 
B)  Nell thinks that the duty to defend others is a duty to maximize the number of people living. 
C)  Nell thinks there is no relationship between the right of self-defense and the duty of third parties to defend people. 
D)  Nell thinks that the duty to defend others is correlative to people's right to self-defense and enforces the right not to be killed.

Question 3

What is an imperative, according to Kant?

Accepted Answer

A)  An imperative is a command that requires you to do something. 
B)  An imperative is a requirement issued by someone with the power to force you to obey. 
C)  An imperative says that something is good to do or to refrain from doing. 
D)  An imperative is a part of the supreme law of the kingdom of ends. 
A)  An imperative is a command that requires you to do something. 
B)  An imperative is a requirement issued by someone with the power to force you to obey. 
C)  An imperative says that something is good to do or to refrain from doing. 
D)  An imperative is a part of the supreme law of the kingdom of ends.

Question 4

What role does the distinction between killing someone and allowing someone to die play in Nell's paper?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nell's main thesis is that there is a morally relevant distinction between killing someone and allowing someone to die. 
B)  Nell argues that famine deaths are cases of killing, which we have duties to prevent, and not simply of allowing someone to die, which we have no duties to prevent. 
C)  Nell argues that under sufficiency situations, famine deaths mean we are killing people by not distributing resources properly, whereas under scarcity situations, famine deaths are simply cases of letting people die. 
D)  Nell claims that although killing someone and allowing some to die are distinct, we have duties both to not kill people and to not allow people to die. 
A)  Nell's main thesis is that there is a morally relevant distinction between killing someone and allowing someone to die. 
B)  Nell argues that famine deaths are cases of killing, which we have duties to prevent, and not simply of allowing someone to die, which we have no duties to prevent. 
C)  Nell argues that under sufficiency situations, famine deaths mean we are killing people by not distributing resources properly, whereas under scarcity situations, famine deaths are simply cases of letting people die. 
D)  Nell claims that although killing someone and allowing some to die are distinct, we have duties both to not kill people and to not allow people to die.

Question 5

Why does Mencius tell the story of Ox Mountain in 6A8?

Accepted Answer

A)  To illustrate the idea that feelings of compassion and disdain are the sprouts of benevolence and righteousness. 
B)  To respond to the objection that because many people lack benevolence and righteousness, human nature cannot truly be good. 
C)  To argue by analogy that human nature is not truly good because it can be corrupted by bad circumstances. 
D)  To prove that human nature is naturally good because virtue always regrows, given enough time. 
A)  To illustrate the idea that feelings of compassion and disdain are the sprouts of benevolence and righteousness. 
B)  To respond to the objection that because many people lack benevolence and righteousness, human nature cannot truly be good. 
C)  To argue by analogy that human nature is not truly good because it can be corrupted by bad circumstances. 
D)  To prove that human nature is naturally good because virtue always regrows, given enough time.

Question 6

How have considerations of justice been used to argue against utilitarianism, according to Mill?

Accepted Answer

A)  By arguing that justice establishes a criterion of right and wrong that is independent of utility, whereas utilitarianism says that utility is the sole criterion of right and wrong. 
B)  By arguing that although utilitarianism might be appropriate as a way for individuals to make private decisions, it cannot replace justice as a guide for making political or legal decisions. 
C)  By arguing that it is inconsistent to insist that utility is the sole criterion of right and wrong and also that justice matters. 
D)  By arguing that utilitarianism permits or even requires people to act in obviously unjust ways and so cannot be a correct theory of morality. 
A)  By arguing that justice establishes a criterion of right and wrong that is independent of utility, whereas utilitarianism says that utility is the sole criterion of right and wrong. 
B)  By arguing that although utilitarianism might be appropriate as a way for individuals to make private decisions, it cannot replace justice as a guide for making political or legal decisions. 
C)  By arguing that it is inconsistent to insist that utility is the sole criterion of right and wrong and also that justice matters. 
D)  By arguing that utilitarianism permits or even requires people to act in obviously unjust ways and so cannot be a correct theory of morality.

Question 7

Which of the following best captures Rachels's main conclusion in "Active and Passive Euthanasia"?

Accepted Answer

A)  Active euthanasia is generally morally preferable to passive euthanasia. 
B)  Passive euthanasia is generally morally preferable to active euthanasia. 
C)  Both active and passive euthanasia are never morally permissible. 
D)  There is no significant moral distinction between active and passive euthanasia. 
A)  Active euthanasia is generally morally preferable to passive euthanasia. 
B)  Passive euthanasia is generally morally preferable to active euthanasia. 
C)  Both active and passive euthanasia are never morally permissible. 
D)  There is no significant moral distinction between active and passive euthanasia.

Question 8

Which of the following best captures the Kantian conception of dignity that Metz contrasts with his own account in "African Values and Capital Punishment"?

Accepted Answer

A)  The capacity of a creature for friendly behavior. 
B)  The capacity of a creature for autonomy. 
C)  The capacity of a creature for loving relationships. 
D)  The capacity of a creature for communal living. 
A)  The capacity of a creature for friendly behavior. 
B)  The capacity of a creature for autonomy. 
C)  The capacity of a creature for loving relationships. 
D)  The capacity of a creature for communal living.

Question 9

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that overseas aid should be the government's responsibility and giving privately to charities allows the government and noncontributing citizens to shirk their obligations?

Accepted Answer

A)  Singer argues that unless there is definite proof that not giving privately brings about more governmental aid, refusing to contribute to famine relief would be refusing to prevent a lot of suffering. 
B)  Singer argues that there is no difference between government contributions and charity contributions because both are social institutions meant to relieve suffering caused by famine. 
C)  Singer argues that rather than contributing to private charities, people should run for government office so that they can directly change governmental policy when it comes to famine relief. 
D)  Singer argues that charities can lobby governments to provide more famine relief and charities have the best expertise to contribute advice on these issues. 
A)  Singer argues that unless there is definite proof that not giving privately brings about more governmental aid, refusing to contribute to famine relief would be refusing to prevent a lot of suffering. 
B)  Singer argues that there is no difference between government contributions and charity contributions because both are social institutions meant to relieve suffering caused by famine. 
C)  Singer argues that rather than contributing to private charities, people should run for government office so that they can directly change governmental policy when it comes to famine relief. 
D)  Singer argues that charities can lobby governments to provide more famine relief and charities have the best expertise to contribute advice on these issues.

Question 10

Do you agree with Abbate's criticisms of Walzer's principle of risk? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

I agree with Abbate's criticisms of Walz

Question 11

Which of the following best captures van den Haag's objection to the argument that execution ultimately endorses or legitimizes murder?

Accepted Answer

A)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because executions function to deter potential future criminals from committing murder. 
B)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because execution is lawful and deserved punishment for an unlawful act, whereas murder is not. 
C)  Execution is a state endorsement of a type of murder. However, this is irrelevant because imprisonment is a state endorsement of a type of kidnapping. 
D)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because the punishment lacks sufficient physical similarity to actual crimes of murder. 
A)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because executions function to deter potential future criminals from committing murder. 
B)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because execution is lawful and deserved punishment for an unlawful act, whereas murder is not. 
C)  Execution is a state endorsement of a type of murder. However, this is irrelevant because imprisonment is a state endorsement of a type of kidnapping. 
D)  Execution is not an endorsement of murder because the punishment lacks sufficient physical similarity to actual crimes of murder.

Question 12

According to Aristotle, happiness consists in virtuous activity of the soul in accord with reason.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Nathanson argues that the proportionality principle succeeds in providing sufficiently concrete recommendations regarding the appropriate punishments for specific crimes.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Many people claim that the moral status of abortion depends on whether a fetus is the kind of being whose life it is immoral to end. What role does this claim play in Marquis's argument?

Accepted Answer

A)  Marquis argues for this claim. 
B)  Marquis argues against this claim. 
C)  Marquis argues that this claim is irrelevant. 
D)  Marquis assumes that this claim is true. 
A)  Marquis argues for this claim. 
B)  Marquis argues against this claim. 
C)  Marquis argues that this claim is irrelevant. 
D)  Marquis assumes that this claim is true.

Question 15

How, according to Abbate, does a soldier's obligation to demonstrate loyalty to his or her fellow soldiers entail an obligation to avoid assuming extra risks to prevent collateral casualties?

Accepted Answer

A)  A soldier who assumes extra risks endangers his or her fellow soldiers. This is being disloyal. Therefore, soldiers are obligated not to assume extra risks to avoid collateral casualties. 
B)  The military obligation of loyalty requires soldiers to obey lawful orders. That includes lawful orders restricting the risks they can take. Therefore, they ought not to assume extra risks to protect civilians. 
C)  A soldier's obligation of loyalty does not extend to civilians of enemy countries. Therefore, the obligation of loyalty does not entail an obligation to avoid assuming extra risks to prevent collateral casualties. 
D)  A soldier who assumes extra risks beyond those required by his or her commander is being disloyal to his or her commanders. This violates the soldier's role-based obligations. Therefore, the soldier may not assume extra risks, even to protect civilians. 
A)  A soldier who assumes extra risks endangers his or her fellow soldiers. This is being disloyal. Therefore, soldiers are obligated not to assume extra risks to avoid collateral casualties. 
B)  The military obligation of loyalty requires soldiers to obey lawful orders. That includes lawful orders restricting the risks they can take. Therefore, they ought not to assume extra risks to protect civilians. 
C)  A soldier's obligation of loyalty does not extend to civilians of enemy countries. Therefore, the obligation of loyalty does not entail an obligation to avoid assuming extra risks to prevent collateral casualties. 
D)  A soldier who assumes extra risks beyond those required by his or her commander is being disloyal to his or her commanders. This violates the soldier's role-based obligations. Therefore, the soldier may not assume extra risks, even to protect civilians.

Question 16

Assume that Warren is correct that personhood, rather than genetic humanity, is the basis for membership in the moral community. Which of the following could you infer from that claim?

Accepted Answer

A)  It is impossible for a nonhuman to have the same moral rights that we human persons do. 
B)  There really are nonhuman persons. 
C)  The theological criterion of humanity is an incorrect account of genetic humanity. 
D)  It is possible for a nonhuman creature to have the same moral rights that we human persons do. 
A)  It is impossible for a nonhuman to have the same moral rights that we human persons do. 
B)  There really are nonhuman persons. 
C)  The theological criterion of humanity is an incorrect account of genetic humanity. 
D)  It is possible for a nonhuman creature to have the same moral rights that we human persons do.

Question 17

Norcross argues that a certain degree of rationality must be possessed by one for one to be a moral patient.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

According to Wiredu, changes to traditional Akan society have made things better by reducing the number of responsibilities people need to fulfill.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Warren argues that restricting or banning abortion would morally wrong because it would violate the free choice of adult persons and their property rights.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

According to McMahan, an individual is liable to be tortured if:

Accepted Answer

A)  Torturing the individual would be the lesser of two evils. 
B)  Torturing the individual would save at least some innocent lives. 
C)  Torturing the individual would not be a violation of his or her rights. 
D)  Torturing the individual would potentially be subjectively permissible. 
A)  Torturing the individual would be the lesser of two evils. 
B)  Torturing the individual would save at least some innocent lives. 
C)  Torturing the individual would not be a violation of his or her rights. 
D)  Torturing the individual would potentially be subjectively permissible.

Nathanson argues that "payback" retributivism is incapable of distinguishing intentional from accidental killing.

Which of the following best captures the relationship Nell sees between A's right of self-defense and the duty of third parties to defend A's right?

What is an imperative, according to Kant?

What role does the distinction between killing someone and allowing someone to die play in Nell's paper?

Why does Mencius tell the story of Ox Mountain in 6A8?

How have considerations of justice been used to argue against utilitarianism, according to Mill?

Which of the following best captures Rachels's main conclusion in "Active and Passive Euthanasia"?

Which of the following best captures the Kantian conception of dignity that Metz contrasts with his own account in "African Values and Capital Punishment"?

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that overseas aid should be the government's responsibility and giving privately to charities allows the government and noncontributing citizens to shirk their obligations?

Do you agree with Abbate's criticisms of Walzer's principle of risk? Why or why not?

Which of the following best captures van den Haag's objection to the argument that execution ultimately endorses or legitimizes murder?

According to Aristotle, happiness consists in virtuous activity of the soul in accord with reason.

Nathanson argues that the proportionality principle succeeds in providing sufficiently concrete recommendations regarding the appropriate punishments for specific crimes.

Many people claim that the moral status of abortion depends on whether a fetus is the kind of being whose life it is immoral to end. What role does this claim play in Marquis's argument?

How, according to Abbate, does a soldier's obligation to demonstrate loyalty to his or her fellow soldiers entail an obligation to avoid assuming extra risks to prevent collateral casualties?

Assume that Warren is correct that personhood, rather than genetic humanity, is the basis for membership in the moral community. Which of the following could you infer from that claim?

Norcross argues that a certain degree of rationality must be possessed by one for one to be a moral patient.

According to Wiredu, changes to traditional Akan society have made things better by reducing the number of responsibilities people need to fulfill.

Warren argues that restricting or banning abortion would morally wrong because it would violate the free choice of adult persons and their property rights.

According to McMahan, an individual is liable to be tortured if:

An Introduction to Arguments

Moral Arguments

Reasoning With Obligations

Reasoning About Consequences

Reasoning With Virtues and Vices

Reasoning With Principles and Counterexamples

Reasoning With Analogies

Answering Moral Questions

Skepticism, Subjectivism, and Relativism

Religion and Moral Reasoning

Normative Theories, Part 1

Normative Theories, Part 2

Filters

Exam 13: Aristotle's Ethics: Exploring Virtue and Justice

Nathanson argues that "payback" retributivism is incapable of distinguishing intentional from accidental killing.

Which of the following best captures the relationship Nell sees between A's right of self-defense and the duty of third parties to defend A's right?

What is an imperative, according to Kant?

What role does the distinction between killing someone and allowing someone to die play in Nell's paper?

Why does Mencius tell the story of Ox Mountain in 6A8?

How have considerations of justice been used to argue against utilitarianism, according to Mill?

Which of the following best captures Rachels's main conclusion in "Active and Passive Euthanasia"?

Which of the following best captures the Kantian conception of dignity that Metz contrasts with his own account in "African Values and Capital Punishment"?

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that overseas aid should be the government's responsibility and giving privately to charities allows the government and noncontributing citizens to shirk their obligations?

Do you agree with Abbate's criticisms of Walzer's principle of risk? Why or why not?

Which of the following best captures van den Haag's objection to the argument that execution ultimately endorses or legitimizes murder?

According to Aristotle, happiness consists in virtuous activity of the soul in accord with reason.

Nathanson argues that the proportionality principle succeeds in providing sufficiently concrete recommendations regarding the appropriate punishments for specific crimes.

Many people claim that the moral status of abortion depends on whether a fetus is the kind of being whose life it is immoral to end. What role does this claim play in Marquis's argument?

How, according to Abbate, does a soldier's obligation to demonstrate loyalty to his or her fellow soldiers entail an obligation to avoid assuming extra risks to prevent collateral casualties?

Assume that Warren is correct that personhood, rather than genetic humanity, is the basis for membership in the moral community. Which of the following could you infer from that claim?

Norcross argues that a certain degree of rationality must be possessed by one for one to be a moral patient.

According to Wiredu, changes to traditional Akan society have made things better by reducing the number of responsibilities people need to fulfill.

Warren argues that restricting or banning abortion would morally wrong because it would violate the free choice of adult persons and their property rights.

According to McMahan, an individual is liable to be tortured if:

An Introduction to Arguments

Moral Arguments

Reasoning With Obligations

Reasoning About Consequences

Reasoning With Virtues and Vices

Reasoning With Principles and Counterexamples

Reasoning With Analogies

Answering Moral Questions

Skepticism, Subjectivism, and Relativism

Religion and Moral Reasoning

Normative Theories, Part 1

Normative Theories, Part 2

Filters