Deck 46: You Are Spider-Man

Question 1

Consider how Dustin Crummett presents his objections to the two most common pieces of career advice. Based off of his objections, are there any jobs or careers that may be ruled out by his argument? In other words, can you think of a job or career that no one should have if they want to take Crummett's advice seriously? Consider what we should say about his essay in light of your discussion.

Answer 1

Evaluate Crummett's advice to see if there are any careers that it rules out.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc

Question 2

Do you think that colleges are set up to help students do as much good as possible in their careers? If so, explain what colleges do to help with this goal. If not, explain what would have to change for colleges to do a better job of setting students up to do good in the world.

Answer 2

Present an argument on college's aptitude for setting students up to do good in the world..
Clearly and succinctly state the main argument for the thesis.
Correctly identify and defend the argument's controversial premises using sound reasoning, well-chosen examples, insightful analogies, etc

Question 3

Have you thought about the fact that picking the right career might involve a moral obligation? How do your career aspirations fit with the way that Dustin Crummett talks about the morality of picking a career? What could you do to fulfill the duties that Crummett outlines when you start working in the career path that you are considering?

Answer 3

Apply Crummett's advice to the student's own pursuit of a career.
Include a thesis that's focused and appropriate given the assignment.

Question 4

What is a "pro tanto duty?"

A) A duty that can, in principle, be overridden by other considerations
B) A duty that binds one to behave in accord with the law
C) A duty that arises from one's relationship to others
D) A duty that cannot, under any circumstance, be overridden by other considerations
E) An obligation arising from ethical motives

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of Crummett's claims?

A) Maybe there are limits on how much of your own well-being you are required to sacrifice
B) We have a pro tanto obligation to help others
C) There are ways to fulfill your moral obligations from within most any career path
D) You have a duty to pick a career that will let you do at least close to as much good as you can
E) We have a pro tanto obligation to provide as much help to others as we can

Question 6

Which ethical view does Crummett's position rest upon?

A) Virtue ethics
B) Kantianism
C) Care ethics
D) Utilitarianism
E) It doesn't rest on some specific ethical theory

Question 7

What does Crummett say about the claim, "I don't have much power, so I don't have much responsibility."

A) While this is true as a college student, there is a chance that you will become powerful later on in life
B) As an educated person living in the developed world, you absolutely have a tremendous power to help others
C) The amount of moral responsibility that you have is unrelated to the amount of power that you have
D) Anyone who makes this claim behaves immorally by attempting to shirk her moral duties
E) It is your pro tanto duty to get as much power as possible, and this way you can be more responsible

Question 8

What does Crummett's discussion of Bob and the Bugatti help to show?

A) Pro tanto moral duties are the most important in the ethical life
B) We cannot expect Bob to sacrifice his Bugatti
C) Bob would not have been put in this situation if he had chosen a career well
D) The obligation to save a life must be very strong
E) The responsibilities that one has towards others are rarely demanding

Question 9

Which two pieces of career advice does Crummett say are immoral when taken on their own?

A) "Follow your dreams" and "do something practical"
B) "Start with college" and "do something practical"
C) "Do what you love" and "be as generous as possible"
D) "Start with college" and "don't lose sight of what's important"
E) "Follow your dreams" and "don't lose sight of what's important"

Question 10

Crummett affirms that while doing good is a(n) ________, it need not be a(n) ________:

A) Chore / waste of time
B) Obligation / burden
C) Burden / ethical duty
D) Rewarding experience / life-changing one
E) Responsibility / burden

Question 11

What's the name of the strategy where you just pick the highest-paying career you can find so that you can donate as much to charity as possible?

A) Altruism for everyone
B) Earning to give
C) Others first, me second
D) The Robinhood strategy
E) Earning to become altruistic

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT one of the careers that Crummett suggests may be a good pick for you?

A) Wall Street trader
B) Doctor
C) Plumber
D) Museum curator
E) Charity worker

Question 13

Crummett says that you may be surprised to learn that some of the most effective charities are probably ones which focus on ________:

A) Animal welfare
B) Disaster relief
C) Homelessness
D) Famine prevention
E) Educational opportunities