Moral Relativism, Kantian and Utilitarian Ethics: Comparative Analysis of Ethical Frameworks
Overview
This exam assesses student understanding of moral relativism through critiques of Benedict and Anscombe, and comparative application of Kantian and utilitarian ethical frameworks. Students analyze how different ethical theories approach questions of morality, cultural norms, and the prohibition against murder.
What this coursework covers
- Short essay questions on moral relativism critiques and ethical theory application
- Multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions on readings and lectures covering Didion, Kant, Benedict, Mill, and Anscombe
- Question on Kant's Categorical Imperative and its applications to moral prohibitions
Preview
Exam 1 summer 2020
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TURN IN ON CANVAS BY Sunday, June 28 at 11:59 P.M. Scored out of 100 points.
I. Short essay questions. One paragraph, 3-5 sentences, each. Remember to answer each question as thoroughly as possible (use as much space as you need). 20 points each.
1. Benedict and Anscombe are both moral relativists. Picking one of these two writers, explain at least one significant flaw in or critique of their formulation of moral relativism. Provide an objection to either Benedict or Anscombe.
Benedict’s argument seems not to understand the significance of cultural relativism and misses the principle spirit. She believes that a culture’s set of beliefs is final. Some people do not agree with issues like racism, even when their cultures support it. It is, therefore, wrong for Benedict to entirely depend on culture to streamline orals in the society.
2. Employing the main concepts and arguments of each of their ethical theories, explain how Kant and Mill would argue, each in different ways, that it is immoral to murder. (Note: Do NOT look up what these authors actually say about murder, which we haven’t read. This question is only asking you to apply the way they think about ethics to murder as a case study.)
Kant prioritizes the effects of one’s action on humans, and so does Mill. Kant argues that an action is immoral if it does not bring happiness, and definitely, murder does not bring happiness.