Question 1

Which of the following best captures Aristotle's idea that each virtue is a "mean" between extremes?

Accepted Answer

A)  Each virtue is exactly halfway between two vices, as bravery is halfway between cowardice and recklessness. 
B)  Each virtue is a form of taking for oneself exactly what one deserves in a particular area of life, rather than more or less. 
C)  Each virtue is intermediate between too much of something and too little of something, as bravery is intermediate between too much fear and not enough fear. 
D)  Each virtue reflects a proper degree of moderation, since every action is appropriate in some circumstances, as long as it is done in moderation. 
A)  Each virtue is exactly halfway between two vices, as bravery is halfway between cowardice and recklessness. 
B)  Each virtue is a form of taking for oneself exactly what one deserves in a particular area of life, rather than more or less. 
C)  Each virtue is intermediate between too much of something and too little of something, as bravery is intermediate between too much fear and not enough fear. 
D)  Each virtue reflects a proper degree of moderation, since every action is appropriate in some circumstances, as long as it is done in moderation.

Question 2

According to the traditional distinction, the removal of artificial life-sustaining methods such as a feeding tube would best be considered an instance of active euthanasia.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 3

What is Strawser's main conclusion? What is his basic argument for that conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Strawser's main conclusion is that it is

Question 4

How might one object to Metz's contention that the notion of dignity entails that the life of a human being is worth inherently more than the life of a cat? Be sure to state your objection as an entire argument.

Accepted Answer

One might object to Metz's contention by

Question 5

Krakoff's main point in "Parenting the Planet" is that we need to apply virtues of caring and wisdom to our relationship to the natural world if we are going to succeed in responding to challenges like climate change.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 6

Which of the following best captures Krakoff's main argument in "Parenting the Planet?"

Accepted Answer

A)  Our current ways of thinking about our relationship to the environment are leading to major environmental problems, including climate change. This is because we are refusing to take responsibility for our actions. In this sense, we are behaving like teenagers rather than adults. Therefore, we need to act like adults if we are going to address climate change. 
B)  Humans now have more power over the environment than ever before, much as parents have great power over their children. Just as it is irresponsible for parents to use that power in ways that harm their children, it is irresponsible for us to use our power in ways that harm the Earth. Therefore, we ought to take steps to avoid harming the environment, such as reducing climate change. 
C)  Humans now have more power over the environment than ever before, much as parents have great power over their children. The only people who are acting to reduce climate change are the ones who explicitly think of themselves as "parenting the planet." Therefore, we should all think of ourselves that way. 
D)  Our current ways of thinking about our relationship to the environment are leading to major environmental problems, including climate change. If applied to the Earth as a whole, the virtues essential to good parenting would enable us to solve those environmental problems. Therefore, it would be a good idea to think of ourselves as the planet's parents or guardians. 
A)  Our current ways of thinking about our relationship to the environment are leading to major environmental problems, including climate change. This is because we are refusing to take responsibility for our actions. In this sense, we are behaving like teenagers rather than adults. Therefore, we need to act like adults if we are going to address climate change. 
B)  Humans now have more power over the environment than ever before, much as parents have great power over their children. Just as it is irresponsible for parents to use that power in ways that harm their children, it is irresponsible for us to use our power in ways that harm the Earth. Therefore, we ought to take steps to avoid harming the environment, such as reducing climate change. 
C)  Humans now have more power over the environment than ever before, much as parents have great power over their children. The only people who are acting to reduce climate change are the ones who explicitly think of themselves as "parenting the planet." Therefore, we should all think of ourselves that way. 
D)  Our current ways of thinking about our relationship to the environment are leading to major environmental problems, including climate change. If applied to the Earth as a whole, the virtues essential to good parenting would enable us to solve those environmental problems. Therefore, it would be a good idea to think of ourselves as the planet's parents or guardians.

Question 7

In your own words, explain Warren's claim that genetic humanity is neither necessary nor sufficient for personhood. And how does this claim relate to Warren's position on abortion?

Accepted Answer

Warren's claim that genetic humanity is

Question 8

Explain McMahan's analogy between gun control measures and public torture policy. What conclusion does he draw on the basis of this alleged similarity?

Accepted Answer

McMahan's analogy between gun control me

Question 9

What role does Bassen's claim about victimizability play in Marquis's paper?

Accepted Answer

A)  Marquis uses it as a premise in the future-like-ours argument. 
B)  Marquis thinks that fetuses would be victims, according to Bassen's claim. 
C)  Marquis argues against Bassen's claim, concluding that fetuses can be victims. 
D)  Marquis argues in support of Bassen's claim, concluding that fetuses can be victims. 
A)  Marquis uses it as a premise in the future-like-ours argument. 
B)  Marquis thinks that fetuses would be victims, according to Bassen's claim. 
C)  Marquis argues against Bassen's claim, concluding that fetuses can be victims. 
D)  Marquis argues in support of Bassen's claim, concluding that fetuses can be victims.

Question 10

Rachels argues that the traditional distinction between active and passive euthanasia and the conventional doctrine that only the latter is permissible can lead to decisions over life or death being made on irrelevant moral grounds.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

According to McMahan, which of the following conclusions about torture is demonstrated by ticking bomb scenarios?

Accepted Answer

A)  Torture is inherently impermissible, even in ticking bomb cases. 
B)  Torture as an act type is not absolutely and universally morally forbidden. 
C)  Torture should be sanctioned under domestic and international law. 
D)  Torture should not be sanctioned under domestic and international law. 
A)  Torture is inherently impermissible, even in ticking bomb cases. 
B)  Torture as an act type is not absolutely and universally morally forbidden. 
C)  Torture should be sanctioned under domestic and international law. 
D)  Torture should not be sanctioned under domestic and international law.

Question 12

Steinbock argues that sentience is not the only relevant consideration when weighing the interests of human and animals.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Mencius tells the story of Emperor Shun to illustrate that even emperors can misunderstand important virtues like filial piety.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Steinbock argues that humans are justified in counting our interests more heavily than the interests of animals.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

According to Sinnott-Armstrong, an individual's greenhouse gas emissions cause no harm because they do not cause any additional droughts, floods, heat waves, or other dangerous events.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Which of the following best characterizes the distinction between singular and diffuse causes that Eaton employs regarding the exposure of pornography?

Accepted Answer

A)  Singular causes are a limited number of discrete encounters with pornography, whereas diffuse causes are prolonged exposure to a variety of pornographic representations. 
B)  Singular causes are causes that have only a single instance, whereas diffuse causes are causes that are spread out across many instances. 
C)  Singular causes lead to isolated effects that obtain instantaneously, whereas diffuse causes lead to cumulative effects that increase with successive additions. 
D)  Singular causes harm individual women, whereas diffuse causes harm women as a group. 
A)  Singular causes are a limited number of discrete encounters with pornography, whereas diffuse causes are prolonged exposure to a variety of pornographic representations. 
B)  Singular causes are causes that have only a single instance, whereas diffuse causes are causes that are spread out across many instances. 
C)  Singular causes lead to isolated effects that obtain instantaneously, whereas diffuse causes lead to cumulative effects that increase with successive additions. 
D)  Singular causes harm individual women, whereas diffuse causes harm women as a group.

Question 17

Why does Norcross discuss the Aristotelian criterion of rationality?

Accepted Answer

A)  He thinks many contemporary philosophers offer variations on that idea when arguing for the moral superiority of humans. 
B)  He thinks that it supplies the criterion by which something is a moral patient. 
C)  He thinks that nonhuman animals satisfy that criterion, which is why consuming them is wrong. 
D)  He thinks that nonhuman animals and human beings are equally rational by that standard, which means their interests should be given equal weight. 
A)  He thinks many contemporary philosophers offer variations on that idea when arguing for the moral superiority of humans. 
B)  He thinks that it supplies the criterion by which something is a moral patient. 
C)  He thinks that nonhuman animals satisfy that criterion, which is why consuming them is wrong. 
D)  He thinks that nonhuman animals and human beings are equally rational by that standard, which means their interests should be given equal weight.

Question 18

Which of the following best captures Shue's main objection to terroristic torture?

Accepted Answer

A)  Terroristic torture violates principles of a fair fight because the torture victim is unarmed and restrained. 
B)  Terroristic torture is an impermissible attack on the defenseless because the victim is inherently unable to satisfy the very goal of the torture. 
C)  Terroristic torture is impermissible because it constitutes a violation of the inalienable human right of autonomy. 
D)  Terroristic torture is ineffective because the information solicited is unlikely to be true and actionable. 
A)  Terroristic torture violates principles of a fair fight because the torture victim is unarmed and restrained. 
B)  Terroristic torture is an impermissible attack on the defenseless because the victim is inherently unable to satisfy the very goal of the torture. 
C)  Terroristic torture is impermissible because it constitutes a violation of the inalienable human right of autonomy. 
D)  Terroristic torture is ineffective because the information solicited is unlikely to be true and actionable.

Question 19

Which of the following best captures the basic question that Garcia is trying to answer in this paper?

Accepted Answer

A)  What is sexism? 
B)  What is racism? 
C)  What makes people racist? 
D)  What makes institutions racist? 
A)  What is sexism? 
B)  What is racism? 
C)  What makes people racist? 
D)  What makes institutions racist?

Question 20

Bentham's principle of utility is the principle that approves of an action insofar as it appears to promote the happiness of all affected parties.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Which of the following best captures Aristotle's idea that each virtue is a "mean" between extremes?

According to the traditional distinction, the removal of artificial life-sustaining methods such as a feeding tube would best be considered an instance of active euthanasia.

What is Strawser's main conclusion? What is his basic argument for that conclusion?

How might one object to Metz's contention that the notion of dignity entails that the life of a human being is worth inherently more than the life of a cat? Be sure to state your objection as an entire argument.

Krakoff's main point in "Parenting the Planet" is that we need to apply virtues of caring and wisdom to our relationship to the natural world if we are going to succeed in responding to challenges like climate change.

Which of the following best captures Krakoff's main argument in "Parenting the Planet?"

In your own words, explain Warren's claim that genetic humanity is neither necessary nor sufficient for personhood. And how does this claim relate to Warren's position on abortion?

Explain McMahan's analogy between gun control measures and public torture policy. What conclusion does he draw on the basis of this alleged similarity?

What role does Bassen's claim about victimizability play in Marquis's paper?

Rachels argues that the traditional distinction between active and passive euthanasia and the conventional doctrine that only the latter is permissible can lead to decisions over life or death being made on irrelevant moral grounds.

According to McMahan, which of the following conclusions about torture is demonstrated by ticking bomb scenarios?

Steinbock argues that sentience is not the only relevant consideration when weighing the interests of human and animals.

Mencius tells the story of Emperor Shun to illustrate that even emperors can misunderstand important virtues like filial piety.

Steinbock argues that humans are justified in counting our interests more heavily than the interests of animals.

According to Sinnott-Armstrong, an individual's greenhouse gas emissions cause no harm because they do not cause any additional droughts, floods, heat waves, or other dangerous events.

Which of the following best characterizes the distinction between singular and diffuse causes that Eaton employs regarding the exposure of pornography?

Why does Norcross discuss the Aristotelian criterion of rationality?

Which of the following best captures Shue's main objection to terroristic torture?

Which of the following best captures the basic question that Garcia is trying to answer in this paper?

Bentham's principle of utility is the principle that approves of an action insofar as it appears to promote the happiness of all affected parties.

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

Which of the following best captures Aristotle's idea that each virtue is a "mean" between extremes?

According to the traditional distinction, the removal of artificial life-sustaining methods such as a feeding tube would best be considered an instance of active euthanasia.

What is Strawser's main conclusion? What is his basic argument for that conclusion?

How might one object to Metz's contention that the notion of dignity entails that the life of a human being is worth inherently more than the life of a cat? Be sure to state your objection as an entire argument.

Krakoff's main point in "Parenting the Planet" is that we need to apply virtues of caring and wisdom to our relationship to the natural world if we are going to succeed in responding to challenges like climate change.

Which of the following best captures Krakoff's main argument in "Parenting the Planet?"

In your own words, explain Warren's claim that genetic humanity is neither necessary nor sufficient for personhood. And how does this claim relate to Warren's position on abortion?

Explain McMahan's analogy between gun control measures and public torture policy. What conclusion does he draw on the basis of this alleged similarity?

What role does Bassen's claim about victimizability play in Marquis's paper?

Rachels argues that the traditional distinction between active and passive euthanasia and the conventional doctrine that only the latter is permissible can lead to decisions over life or death being made on irrelevant moral grounds.

According to McMahan, which of the following conclusions about torture is demonstrated by ticking bomb scenarios?

Steinbock argues that sentience is not the only relevant consideration when weighing the interests of human and animals.

Mencius tells the story of Emperor Shun to illustrate that even emperors can misunderstand important virtues like filial piety.

Steinbock argues that humans are justified in counting our interests more heavily than the interests of animals.

According to Sinnott-Armstrong, an individual's greenhouse gas emissions cause no harm because they do not cause any additional droughts, floods, heat waves, or other dangerous events.

Which of the following best characterizes the distinction between singular and diffuse causes that Eaton employs regarding the exposure of pornography?

Why does Norcross discuss the Aristotelian criterion of rationality?

Which of the following best captures Shue's main objection to terroristic torture?

Which of the following best captures the basic question that Garcia is trying to answer in this paper?

Bentham's principle of utility is the principle that approves of an action insofar as it appears to promote the happiness of all affected parties.

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