Exam 12: Critical Thinking in Morality and the Law

Descriptive statements assert that something is right or wrong, good or bad.

Both plausible scientific theories and plausible moral theories should be conservative.

Traditional utilitarianism was founded by John Stuart Mill.

What is a moral theory? How are moral theories similar to scientific theories? How are they different?

The sentence "Jane often does charitable work" is a _______ statement.

In a standard moral argument, it is not possible to establish the conclusion without a moral

If the theories that make up our worldview are inconsistent with one another, that doesn't mean there is anything necessarily wrong with our worldview.

According to the moral criteria of adequacy, a good moral theory is consistent with the data, conservative, and

What is a moral dilemma? Why are moral dilemmas a problem for Kantian ethics especially?

Moral arguments differ from nonmoral ones in that they contain no nonmoral premises.

According to the moral criteria of adequacy, moral theories must be consistent with cultural norms.

Unlike in nonmoral arguments, the premises in moral arguments are always explicit.

In Kantian ethics, moral duties are derived from the will of God.

Our moral experience might involve making moral judgments, but it does not include having moral disagreements.

According to traditional utilitarianism, the morality of an action depends on its

In general, what four steps should be involved in resolving a moral dilemma?

Critics of Kant argue that our considered moral judgments conflict with his claim that moral rules are

According to traditional utilitarianism, if two actions produce exactly the same amount of overall happiness, they cannot both be morally right.

Good worldviews will, as a minimum requirement, consist of good theories.

Plausible moral theories must be consistent with our experience of the moral life.