Moral Philosophy: Chapter 2

Q: What is an example of how moral evaluations have changed over time?

A: In Ancient Greece and Rome, slavery was considered morally acceptable, whereas today it is widely condemned.

Q: How did Aristotle justify slavery?

A: Aristotle argued that some people were "slaves by nature."

Q: What role did the American Civil War play in the history of slavery?

A: It was fought to cement the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Q: How did views on erotic relationships in Ancient Greece differ from modern views?

A: In Ancient Greece, it was common for wealthy middle-aged men to have relationships with teenage boys, which is now considered criminal.

Q: How were nursing and acting viewed in the past?

A: Nursing was sometimes equated with prostitution, and in Shakespeare’s time, actresses were thought of similarly, leading to male actors playing female roles.

Q: What does Ruth Benedict say about cultural differences in moral standards?

A: She notes that behaviors considered acceptable in one culture may be condemned in another, such as attitudes toward homicide and suicide.

Q: What debate does the passage raise about cultural relativism?

A: It questions whether all cultural practices should be accepted as mere differences or if some, like banning women from driving, constitute moral errors.

Q: What are the two main views in meta-ethics regarding moral values?

A: Objectivism (moral values are universally true) and Cultural Relativism (moral values depend on cultural context).

Q: What does objectivism claim about morality?

A: That some moral truths are universal and apply to all people, in all places, at all times.

Q: What is cultural relativism?

A: The belief that moral truths are relative to cultural or societal norms, with no objective standard of right and wrong.

Q: What is moral realism?

A: The belief that moral values exist independently of human beliefs or cultures, much like physical objects.

Q: What was Plato’s view on objective morality?

A: He argued that objective moral values exist in an abstract realm, similar to how the perfect form of a circle exists even if we never see a perfect circle.

Q: How does Plato’s “form of the good” relate to objectivism?

A: It suggests that all good things share a common, perfect essence, even if real-world examples are imperfect.

Q: How is the concept of moral values compared to mathematical truths?

A: Just like 2 + 2 = 4 is an objective truth, some argue that moral truths exist in a similar, abstract way, even if we don’t fully understand their nature.

Q: What argument does cultural relativism make against objectivism?

A: It questions whether any culture has the right to judge another, arguing that moral superiority is arrogant and unfounded.

Q: What is moral objectivism?

A: The belief that moral truths are universal and apply to all people, regardless of culture or personal beliefs.

Q: What is an example of cultural relativism in practice?

A: Different views on suicide—some cultures see it as a sin, while others view it as an honorable act in certain circumstances.

Q: What is one problem with cultural relativism, according to Michele Moody-Adams?

A: It assumes that people belong to a single, well-defined cultural group, when in reality, identities are complex and overlapping.

Q: What does Martha Nussbaum say about cultural relativism and laws on genital cutting?

A: Many countries where the practice occurs have made it illegal, showing that cultural practices are often internally contested.

Q: What paradox does cultural relativism present?

A: While it is presented as an enlightened moral theory, it oversimplifies the complexity of moral beliefs and individual identities.

Q: How is the argument for a “safe” form of genital cutting similar to the argument for legal abortion?

A: Both suggest that legalizing a lesser version of a harmful practice can prevent more dangerous, underground versions from occurring.

Q: What does Miranda Fricker suggest about criticizing cultural practices?

A: We can criticize the practice but should be cautious about blaming individuals, as they may be acting in good faith based on their cultural values.