1.
What are three ways in which utilitarianism is a good ethical theory?
2.
What are three way in which utilitarianism is problematic as an ethical theory?
3.
Every inquiry starts with asking ________.
Explanation
Every inquiry starts with asking a question or questions. Asking questions is the fundamental way of seeking information, understanding a concept, or exploring a topic. It is through questioning that we initiate the process of learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Questions serve as the starting point for curiosity, exploration, and discovery. They allow us to gather information, challenge assumptions, and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Therefore, it is essential to begin any inquiry with the act of asking questions.
4.
Which of the following is the most apt definition for argument?
Correct Answer
B. A set of reasons that tries to support a view or a position.
Explanation
The most apt definition for argument is a set of reasons that tries to support a view or a position. This definition accurately captures the essence of an argument, which is to present logical and persuasive reasons in favor of a particular viewpoint or stance. Arguments are typically constructed using evidence, logic, and reasoning to convince others of the validity of a particular perspective.
5.
An argument is made up of p________ and c________.
Correct Answer
remise, remises
onclusion, onclusions
Explanation
An argument is made up of premises and conclusions. Premises are the statements or evidence that support or lead to a conclusion. Conclusions, on the other hand, are the final statements or judgments that are reached based on the premises. In an argument, premises and conclusions work together to present a logical and persuasive case.
6.
A good argument = t________ p________ + l________ c________
Correct Answer
rue
remise, remises
ogical
onclusion, onclusions
Explanation
A good argument consists of true premises, relevant evidence, logical reasoning, and sound conclusions. The premises of an argument should be true or at least supported by evidence. The evidence should be relevant and directly related to the argument being made. The reasoning should be logical and follow a valid structure. Finally, the conclusions drawn from the argument should be sound and supported by the premises and evidence.
7.
With reference to the saviour sibling issue in My Sister Keeper, what is the problem with the following argument (assuming the parents love both children equally)?"If the transplant fails, the parents might even go so far as to make Anna donate her remaining kidney to Kate since they feel that Anna was meant to save Kate's life. It would be detrimental to Anna's health both physically and psychologically. Hence, it is not ethical to have saviour siblings."
Correct Answer
A. The premise is not likely to be true.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the premise is not likely to be true. This is because the argument assumes that if the transplant fails, the parents would force Anna to donate her remaining kidney to Kate. However, there is no evidence or indication in the text that suggests the parents would take such extreme measures. Therefore, the premise is not likely to be true, making the argument flawed.
8.
What is wrong with this argument?"Since Anna was born for the purpose of saving Kate, it is only right for her to fulfil that purpose. Hence, she should donate her kidney to Kate even if she doesn't want to."
Correct Answer
A. The premise is not true.
Explanation
The given correct answer for this question is "The premise is not true." This means that the argument is flawed because the initial statement, that Anna was born for the purpose of saving Kate, is not true. The argument assumes a false premise, which weakens the overall validity of the argument. Without a true premise, the conclusion cannot be considered valid. Therefore, the argument is flawed due to the incorrect premise.
9.
What is wrong with this argument?"Anna has Kate to thank for her existence, so she is indebted to Kate and should do everything she can to save and repay Kate."
Correct Answer(s)
B. We don't know the truth of the premise.
C. The premise assumes that Anna is happy and grateful for her own existence.
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the argument assumes that Anna is happy and grateful for her own existence, but this may not necessarily be true. The argument also states that Anna should do everything she can to save and repay Kate, but this conclusion does not logically follow from the premise. Additionally, the argument does not provide any evidence or reasoning to support the premise, so we cannot determine the truth of the premise. Therefore, we don't know the truth of the premise and the conclusion is not justified.
10.
Consequentialism says that ...
Correct Answer
B. Actions are not right/wrong on their own but only right/wrong because of their effects.
Explanation
Consequentialism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their consequences. According to consequentialism, actions are not inherently right or wrong, but rather their moral value is determined solely by their effects. This means that an action can be considered right if it produces good consequences, even if the action itself may be considered wrong in other moral frameworks. Conversely, an action can be considered wrong if it leads to negative consequences, regardless of its inherent moral status. Therefore, the correct answer is that actions are not right/wrong on their own but only right/wrong because of their effects.
11.
Which of the following items have instrumental values?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Glasses
B. Kitchen
C. Education
D. Money
Explanation
The items listed in the question all have instrumental values because they serve as means to achieve certain goals or desired outcomes. Glasses can help improve vision, the kitchen provides tools and equipment for cooking and preparing meals, education can lead to knowledge and skills that can be applied in various aspects of life, and money can be used to obtain goods and services.
12.
Utilitarianism is ...
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.
Explanation
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism because it focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions. It is an ethical theory that believes in the instrumental value of things, meaning that objects or actions are valuable only to the extent that they contribute to overall happiness or well-being. Additionally, utilitarianism believes that happiness is the most important consequence of all, and it emphasizes that the consequences of actions are the only things that matter in determining their morality. Therefore, all of the statements provided accurately describe utilitarianism.
13.
As a thought experiment, what is The Trolley Problem meant to show?
Correct Answer(s)
C. Actions have intrinsic value.
D. The effects of actions are not the only important thing.
Explanation
The Trolley Problem is meant to show that actions have intrinsic value, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by the action itself, regardless of its consequences. It also highlights that the effects of actions are not the only important thing to consider when making ethical decisions. The scenario presented in the Trolley Problem forces individuals to make a choice between actively causing harm to one person to save multiple others, or doing nothing and allowing harm to come to multiple people. This dilemma challenges the idea that the consequences of an action are the sole factor in determining its morality.