9.1 Requirements of a Normative Moral Theory
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Briefly explain how the three main areas of ethics (metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics) differ.
2
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What is the purpose of a normative moral theory?
3
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What are the three main approaches to normative ethics, and how do they differ?
9.2 Consequentialism
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What are the ten doctrines of Mohism?
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Why is the concept of “benefit” important in Mohism?
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Bentham believed that pleasures only differ quantitatively. Mill, in contrast, believed that pleasure differ both quantitatively and qualitatively. What are the different qualities of pleasure that Mill identifies?
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For utilitarians, which consequences must be considered when determining the rightness of an action?
8
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What is the main difference between act and rule utilitarianism?
9.3 Deontology
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Why do deontologists like Kant argue that consequences are not morally relevant?
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Why is good will important in Kant’s ethics?
11
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Why does Kant distinguish between categorical imperatives and hypothetical imperatives?
12
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Contrast Kant’s and Ross’s view of moral rules.
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Why did Ross think classic utilitarians and deontologists oversimplified morality?
9.4 Virtue Ethics
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Why is the exemplary person important in virtue ethics?
15
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Why is the concept of li (ritual and practice) important in Confucianism? Why role does li play in a person’s virtuous development?
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Explain why Confucians believe relationships and social roles shape people’s moral responsibilities and structure moral life.
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Why did Aristotle think virtuous development is important for achieving eudaimonia, or a flourishing life?
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In Aristotle’s view, why are perfect friendships an important part of a good or flourishing life?
9.5 Daoism
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How is the dao in Daoism different from the dao in Confucianism?
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Explain why Daoism is thought to offer a naturalistic approach.
21
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Explain the practice of wu wei.
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Why does practicing wu wei result in a soft style of action rather than a hard style of action?
9.6 Feminist Theories of Ethics
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Why is the concept of femininity a social construct?
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How has the treatment of the normal human in traditional ethics ignored the perspective of women?
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In care ethics, why is the caring relationship treated as the ethical paradigm?
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Carol Gilligan identified the perspective of justice and the perspective of care. How do these perspectives differ?
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Explain why some feminists have highlighted the important role intersectionality plays in social relations and argue it must be accounted for if we want to end inequality and correct identity-based oppression and discrimination.