Contemporary Moral Problems Final Exam Fall 2020 Online Sem

Contemporary Moral Problems Final Exam Fall 2020 Online Sem Contemporary Moral Problems Final Exam Fall 2020 Online Sem

Part 1. Short Answer. In a sentence or two, respond to the following questions.

Describe one of the main issues raised by moral relativism.

Name three different varieties of moral relativism.

Describe the thesis of Emotivism. Do you see a problem with it? Describe the problem.

Describe the difference between consequentialism and nonconsequentialism.

Define the concept "person" in ethics. What makes it a key concept in ethics?

Define "Virtue Ethics." What makes virtue ethics different from either consequentialism or nonconsequentialism?

In the abortion issue, what is the one question that apparently must be resolved before taking a position?

Define Euthanasia. Briefly describe why the concept of "consent" is so central this question.

In the argument over whether or not healthcare is a right, describe the two main positions put forward on either side of the question.

What is the name of the ecological study published in 1972, which created a political commotion? The next four questions concern this study. a) What was the thesis of the study? b) Define "carrying capacity." c) Define "sustainability." d) Define "overshoot."

Part 2. Essay Section. Below are three questions. Pick one and respond in 200 words or so, about a page.

Socrates said that "the unexamined life is not worthy to be lived for a human being." That is essentially the argument in chapter one of Doing Ethics. Do you think the book makes a good argument? Why, or why not?

Of the questions we looked at this semester, which one do you think is the most pressing moral question of our time? And why?

What is a right? Do you think people have rights? What are our rights based on? Can you give a coherent defense of the idea of rights?

Paper For Above Instructions

Part 1: Short Answers

1. One of the main issues raised by moral relativism is the challenge it poses to universal moral standards, suggesting that morals are culturally defined and can differ significantly between societies.

2. Three different varieties of moral relativism include cultural relativism, which asserts that moral truths are specific to cultures; individual relativism, which posits that moral standards are personal; and historical relativism, which emphasizes that morals can change over time.

3. The thesis of Emotivism argues that moral statements do not express truths but rather emotional responses. A problem with this theory is that it undermines the objectivity of moral discussion, making it difficult to resolve ethical disputes as they are reduced to mere expressions of individual feelings.

4. The primary difference between consequentialism and nonconsequentialism lies in their evaluation of the morality of actions. Consequentialism, such as utilitarianism, judges actions based on their outcomes, while nonconsequentialism, like Kantian ethics, assesses actions based on adherence to rules or duties regardless of the outcomes.

5. In ethics, the concept of "person" is defined as an entity with moral agency, capable of making decisions and understanding moral obligations. This concept is crucial as it underpins rights and responsibilities, determining who is entitled to moral consideration.

6. "Virtue Ethics" focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules (deontology) or consequences (consequentialism). It emphasizes virtues—traits such as courage, honesty, and compassion—which are essential for living a morally good life.

7. In the abortion issue, the single question that must be resolved before taking a position is whether the fetus has moral status or rights comparable to those of a born human being.

8. Euthanasia is defined as the intentional act of ending a person’s life to relieve them from suffering. The concept of "consent" is central to this issue because it raises ethical questions about autonomy, control over one's life, and the moral implications of intentionally causing death.

9. In the healthcare debate, two main positions are the right to healthcare, which advocates for universal access as a moral obligation, and the free-market perspective that argues healthcare is not a right and should be treated as a commodity subject to market forces.

10. The ecological study published in 1972 is "The Limits to Growth." Its thesis was that exponential economic and population growth could not continue indefinitely on a planet with finite resources.

a) The thesis of the study emphasized that humanity needs to consider limits to its growth to avoid ecological and economic collapse.

b) "Carrying capacity" refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat.

c) "Sustainability" defines the capacity to maintain ecological balance without depleting resources, ensuring that future generations can meet their own needs.

d) "Overshoot" occurs when a population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, leading to resource depletion and potential collapse.

Part 2: Essay Response

Among the pressing moral questions we explored this semester, the issue of healthcare as a right stands out as particularly urgent. In an increasingly interconnected world, the accessibility of healthcare directly impacts individual lives and societal welfare. The two positions on this matter revolve around viewing healthcare as a fundamental human right versus seeing it as a commodity. Advocates of healthcare as a right argue that everyone deserves access regardless of their economic situation, claiming that health is a prerequisite for other rights and essential for human dignity (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Conversely, those who see healthcare as a commodity contend that market forces should dictate healthcare access and that individuals are responsible for securing their own health coverage (Friedman, 1980). The implications of these positions are profound; recognizing healthcare as a right could lead to a more equitable society but may also push against economic principles of supply and demand, potentially straining resources. This debate reflects broader ethical challenges concerning distributive justice, fairness, and societal responsibilities, underscoring the need for nuanced, compassionate dialogue fulfilling moral obligations (Rawls, 1971; Daniels, 2008).

References

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.

Daniels, N. (2008). Just Health: Meeting Health Needs Fairly. Cambridge University Press.

Friedman, M. (1980). Free to Choose: A Personal Statement. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.

Rachels, J. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Education.

Hursthouse, R., & Pettigrove, G. (2016). Virtue Ethics. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2016 Edition).

Nussbaum, M. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Belknap Press.

Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.

Mill, J. S. (2001). Utilitarianism. Hackett Publishing Company.

West, H. (2015). Morality, Justice and Rights: A Social Contract Perspective. Routledge.