Question 1

Compare and contrast the strengths and criticisms of Teleological ethics.

Accepted Answer

Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, is a moral theory that focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions. Two of the most well-known forms of teleological ethics are utilitarianism and ethical egoism.

Strengths of teleological ethics include its focus on the overall good or happiness that results from an action. This can provide a clear and straightforward way to make moral decisions, as one simply needs to consider the potential outcomes of their actions. Teleological ethics also allows for flexibility in decision-making, as it does not rely on rigid rules or principles. This can be particularly useful in complex or ambiguous situations where following a set of rules may not lead to the best outcome.

However, teleological ethics also faces several criticisms. One of the main criticisms is that it can lead to morally questionable actions if the ends are seen as justifying the means. For example, in utilitarianism, it is possible to justify harming a small group of people if it leads to a greater overall good for the majority. This raises concerns about the potential for the exploitation or mistreatment of individuals in the pursuit of the greater good. Additionally, teleological ethics can be difficult to apply in practice, as it requires predicting and evaluating the potential consequences of actions, which can be uncertain and subjective.

In conclusion, teleological ethics has strengths in its focus on outcomes and flexibility in decision-making, but it also faces criticisms related to the potential for morally questionable actions and the difficulty of predicting and evaluating consequences. As with any ethical theory, it is important to carefully consider both its strengths and weaknesses when applying it to real-world situations.

Question 2

Modified Divine Command Theory assumes that God loves us at different levels.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 3

Critics of act utilitarianism argue that its proponents "worship rules."

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  False

Question 4

Respond to the following statement: Pursuing one's interests should not be used to gauge the ethics of behavior. Utilize information from the course/textbook in your response.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Respond to the following statement: Pursuing one's...

Question 5

Which concept refers to a habit where reason defines the mean?

Accepted Answer

A)   Arete
B)   Phronesis
C)   Eudaimonia
D)   None of the Above

Question 6

What concept refers to the fact that virtue is the sum of its parts, which can be learned?

Accepted Answer

A)   Arete
B)   Phronesis
C)   Eudaimonia
D)   None of the Above

Question 7

Normative ethics focuses on justifications for how people should behave.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 8

Teleological ethics is an example of a consequentialist system of ethics.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

Deontological ethics was heavily influenced by John Stuart Mill.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

Which concept refers to the argument that happiness is the ultimate good?

Accepted Answer

A)   Arete
B)   Phronesis
C)   Eudaimonia
D)   None of the Above

Question 11

According to virtue ethics, the temperate person is an individual who does what is right reluctantly

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Ethical egoism and Utilitarianism are examples of Kantian systems of ethics

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Teleological ethics was influenced by Immanuel Kant.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Which is not an assumption and principle of Kantian ethics?

Accepted Answer

A)   Humans are autonomous beings capable of understanding the world around them.
B)   Morality cannot be solely a produce of feelings because if it were, morality would vary from individual to individual.
C)   Individuals should use rules for their moral decision-making that are justified by their consequences.
D)   Fundamental principle of morality is the moral law, the categorical imperative.

Question 15

Which is not a critique of Act Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

A)   It offers wrong answers to questions involving the morality of behavior
B)   It undermines trust between people
C)   It requires impartiality and equal consideration of all people's needs and interests
D)   All of the above are critiques of act utilitarianism

Question 16

The continent person is an individual who does what is right reluctantly

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

Which of the below are not one of the justifications of act utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

A)   Maximize the overall utility of behavior
B)   Rejects rigid "rule-based moralities"
C)   Shows how moral questions can have objectively true answers
D)   All of the above are act utilitarianism justifications.

Question 18

Which concept refers to prudence or practical wisdom?

Accepted Answer

A)   Arete
B)   Phronesis
C)   Eudaimonia
D)   None of the Above

Question 19

Divine Command Theory assumes that morality originates with God.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 20

Which is one of the three guiding principles of Divine Command Theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   Morality originates with God
B)   Morality is that which is not "willed by God"
C)   Because morality is based on reason, and not on the divine, no further justifications are necessary.
D)   All of the above are guiding principles of DCT.

Exam 2: Systems of Ethics

Compare and contrast the strengths and criticisms of Teleological ethics.

Modified Divine Command Theory assumes that God loves us at different levels.

Critics of act utilitarianism argue that its proponents "worship rules."

Respond to the following statement: Pursuing one's interests should not be used to gauge the ethics of behavior. Utilize information from the course/textbook in your response.

Which concept refers to a habit where reason defines the mean?

What concept refers to the fact that virtue is the sum of its parts, which can be learned?

Normative ethics focuses on justifications for how people should behave.

Teleological ethics is an example of a consequentialist system of ethics.

Deontological ethics was heavily influenced by John Stuart Mill.

Which concept refers to the argument that happiness is the ultimate good?

According to virtue ethics, the temperate person is an individual who does what is right reluctantly

Ethical egoism and Utilitarianism are examples of Kantian systems of ethics

Teleological ethics was influenced by Immanuel Kant.

Which is not an assumption and principle of Kantian ethics?

Which is not a critique of Act Utilitarianism?

The continent person is an individual who does what is right reluctantly

Which of the below are not one of the justifications of act utilitarianism?

Which concept refers to prudence or practical wisdom?

Divine Command Theory assumes that morality originates with God.

Which is one of the three guiding principles of Divine Command Theory?