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

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

Explain one of Bonevac's theory-driven arguments, and provide an original argument for why it succeeds
Explain one of Bonevac's theory-driven arguments, and provide an original argument for why it fails

Question 2

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?

Answer 2

Offer an example of interpersonal partiality, and argue why it is morally justified
Explore this example to argue whether some feature of it can be extended to international relationships. Or,
Explore this example to argue that it cannot be extended to international relationships
Link the essay's central example to the larger America first debate

Question 3

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?

Answer 3

Accurately explain the views of both authors
Highlight the differences between these views
Create and elaborate on an example, or otherwise provide an argument, that helps to show why we might find one or the other set of reasons more compelling

Question 4

In his essay, Bonevac argues for what thesis?

A) The Moral Foundations Thesis
B) The Cosmopolitan Thesis
C) The America First Thesis
D) The Priority Thesis

Question 5

In his essay, Bonevac claims that Kantianism promotes cosmopolitanism:

Question 6

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

A) Loyalty, authority, and sanctity
B) Care, fairness, and reciprocity
C) Loyalty, fairness, and justice
D) Peace, prosperity, and equality

Question 7

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

Question 8

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

A) One should be enabled to meet one's basic needs
B) One must have adequate protection for one's basic liberties
C) Fair terms of cooperation should govern one's collective endeavors
D) One should have recourse to other nations' goods and properties

Question 9

Brock is concerned with balancing which two types of justice?

A) Individual and communal
B) Distributive and restorative
C) Local and global
D) Social and political

Question 10

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."

A) Daniel Bonevac
B) Gillian Brock

Question 11

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

A) Daniel Bonevac
B) Gillian Brock

Question 12

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

A) Cooperation
B) Fairness
C) Partiality
D) Care

Question 13

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

A) Cooperation is not always just and cooperation is not always fair
B) Cooperation is not always possible and cooperation is not always good
C) Cooperation is not always possible and cooperation is not always fair
D) Cooperation is not always friendly and cooperation is not always reciprocal