Introduction to Ethics
Study Guide: Final Exam
Exam to be held in BOYDEN GYM (West side; on right if facing front) on Friday, May 19th from 10:30am-12:30pm
The purpose of the final exam is to allow you to demonstrate two things:
A good exam is one that does both of these things well, i.e., that
both shows that you have learned and understand the material, and also
that you have thought about it outside of class. You can
demonstrate these things in many ways: you can explain a theory or
argument using your own words, you can explain it using your own
examples, you can draw upon aspects of the assigned reading not
discussed in class, you can present an argument of your own for or
against a theory, or you can present your own reaction to, or
refutation of, an argument considered in class.
- That you have learned and fully understand the material covered in lecture and in the readings.
- That you have thought about the theories discussed in class
and the readings and have considered their strengths and weaknesses.
How to Present, Explain and Evaluate an Argument
an argument is simply to write it down. An argument is presented
well when it is clear what the logical form of the argument is.
an argument is to clear up any unclear terms or concepts employed in
the argument, and to make it clear why someone might want to advance or
accept the argument. You can do this by considering the premises,
and for each, make it clear what it means, and why someone might
believe it. If appropriate, an example or two can be given to
illustrate the point made by the premise.
an argument is to attempt to determine whether or not the argument is
sound. This has two steps: first, you must determine
whether or not the argument is valid. Next, you must determine
whether or not the premises are true. To evaluate an argument
well is to be clear which premises are the most questionable and why,
and to anticipate and respond to what someone with a different
evaluation of the argument might say in response to your evaluation.
You should be prepared to respond to the following questions:
(1) Explain the theory of Desire
Satisfactionism in axiology. Next, present, explain and
evaluate an argument in favor of the theory. Finally,
and evaluate an argument against the theory.
is Moore's non-naturalism in axiology? Present, explain and
evaluate an argument in favor of non-naturalism. Finally, present,
explain and evaluate an argument against non-naturalism.
What is Kant's categorical imperative? Explain in detail how Kant
would determine whether a given action is right or wrong. Next,
present, explain and evaluate an argument against
Kant's categorical imperative.
(4) What, according to W. D.
Ross, are the seven kinds of prima facie duty? What does it mean for a
duty to be a "prima facie" duty, and what does Ross think makes an act
morally right or wrong? Evaluate Ross's theory.
(5) Explain in
detail Aristotle's theory about the nature of virtues. Discuss, explain
and evaluate at least one criticism of Aristotle's moral theory or some
interpretation of it.
(6) Explain how it is that the notion of
what it is to be a person (or a human) is relevant to evaluating
certain arguments against the morality of abortion. (Give an example of
such an argument.) What are some of the different views that have been
proposed? Which view of the nature of persons seems most reasonable?
What do you conclude from this about the morality of abortion?
(7) Present, explain and evaluate Nozick's "Experience Machine" objection to hedonism.
Present, explain and evaluate an argument against Kant's view about the
relationship between acting from duty and moral worth.
(9) Present, explain and evaluate at least one argument in favor of thinking that most people in wealthy nations are morally obligated to help the unfortunate (poor or hungry) in other nations.
(10) Present, explain and evaluate at least one argument against thinking that most people in wealthy nations are morally obligated to help the unfortunate (poor or hungry) of other nations.
(11) Present, explain and evaluate at least one argument in favor of thinking that many abortions are not morally wrong.