Question 1

Do you think there are any elements of conventional morality that are mistaken? If so, which ones, and why?

Accepted Answer

It is possible that there are elements of conventional morality that are mistaken. One example could be the idea that certain groups of people are inherently inferior or superior based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation. This belief has been used to justify discrimination and oppression throughout history, but it is not supported by scientific evidence and goes against the principles of equality and human rights.

Another example could be the traditional gender roles that dictate how men and women should behave. These roles can limit individual freedom and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. In reality, gender is a spectrum and people should be free to express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them, regardless of societal expectations.

Ultimately, morality is a complex and evolving concept, and it is important to critically examine and challenge conventional beliefs in order to promote a more just and inclusive society. It is important to question and reevaluate traditional moral norms in order to ensure that they align with the values of equality, justice, and compassion.

Question 2

Which of the following claims falls within the domain of value theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   Morality is objective.
B)   Moral knowledge is impossible.
C)   The right thing to do is whatever maximizes happiness.
D)   The only thing that matters in order to live well is to get what you want. D

Question 3

Some moral actions are

Accepted Answer

A)   illegal.
B)   impolite.
C)   generous.
D)   all of the above D

Question 4

What is the best description of the following argument? If the sky is yellow, then grass is pink. The sky is yellow. Therefore, grass is pink.

Accepted Answer

A)   valid and sound
B)   valid but unsound
C)   invalid but sound
D)   invalid and unsound

Question 5

Which of the following is not one of the plausible starting points for moral thinking discussed in the text?

Accepted Answer

A)   Neither the law nor tradition is immune from moral criticism.
B)   We are not obligated to do the impossible.
C)   The consequences of our actions are the most morally important.
D)   Deliberately hurting other people requires justification.

Question 6

Which is not a central concern of morality?

Accepted Answer

A)   protecting people's well-being
B)   justice
C)   blame
D)   legality

Question 7

The claim that morality is a human invention and therefore not objective is a claim about

Accepted Answer

A)   applied ethics.
B)   value theory.
C)   normative ethics.
D)   metaethics.

Question 8

The area of moral philosophy known as "value theory" includes questions such as

Accepted Answer

A)   Is morality objective?
B)   What do we owe to each other?
C)   What kind of life is most worth living?
D)   How do we know which actions are morally right?

Question 9

Which of the following questions falls within the domain of metaethics?

Accepted Answer

A)   What is the status of moral claims and advice?
B)   What are our fundamental moral duties?
C)   Do the ends always justify the means?
D)   What is the good life?

Question 10

Explain and discuss the Argument from Religious Authority. Do you think this argument is sound? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss the Argument from Religious...

Question 11

An argument in philosophy is a

Accepted Answer

A)   set of claims, including a conclusion and reasons given in support of the conclusion.
B)   formal debate between competing positions.
C)   heated exchange of the sort that is frowned upon by serious philosophers.
D)   complex philosophical theory.

Question 12

Skepticism about morality is

Accepted Answer

A)   a position that no one has ever argued for.
B)   nearly universally accepted.
C)   nearly universally rejected.
D)   deeply controversial.

Question 13

Explain and discuss the Divine Perfection Argument. Do you think this argument is sound? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss the Divine Perfection Argument....

Question 14

In philosophy, an argument is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)   formal debate between two parties who disagree.
B)   heated confrontation concerning a key philosophical issue.
C)   chain of reasoning consisting of a set of reasons that supports some conclusion.
D)   objection to a stated philosophical position.

Question 15

What area of moral philosophy deals with questions about what our moral obligations are?

Accepted Answer

A)   value theory
B)   normative ethics
C)   metaethics
D)   moral epistemology

Question 16

What do principles of law, etiquette, self-interest, tradition, and morality all have in common?

Accepted Answer

A)   They all represent a set of standards for how we ought to behave.
B)   They all are objective.
C)   They all are descriptive.
D)   all of the above

Question 17

Explain and discuss the starting points for moral thinking considered in the chapter. Do you agree that these are all plausible starting points for moral thinking? If not, which ones are not, and why? Can you think of any other plausible starting points not considered in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain and discuss the starting points for...

Question 18

"Conventional morality" is the set of

Accepted Answer

A)   laws of a particular government.
B)   principles genuinely believed by a moral agent.
C)   traditional principles that are widely shared within a culture or society.
D)   true moral principles.

Question 19

Which of the following is impossible?

Accepted Answer

A)   a valid argument with a false conclusion
B)   a sound argument with a false premise
C)   a valid argument that is not sound
D)   a sound argument with a true conclusion

Question 20

It is impossible for a valid argument to have __________ premises and a __________ conclusion.

Accepted Answer

A)   true; false
B)   true; true
C)   false; false
D)   none of the above

Exam 1: What Is Morality and Moral Reasoning