FGR Prep Essay #2

My position:

I reject moral relativism and embrace moral realism.

What is moral realism?

Objective moral facts exist independently of human opinions and beliefs.

Example of an objective moral truth

Harming an innocent baby is morally wrong, regardless of whether society accepts it.

Why doesn't majority opinion determine morality?

Just because the majority believes something is right does not make it morally right.

Why do I agree with James Rachels?

Differences in moral beliefs do not prove that objective moral truths do not exist. That is an illogical jump.

What is wrong with the Cultural Differences Argument?

It is invalid: the conclusion does not logically follow from the fact that cultures disagree.

How does MLK challenge moral relativism?

MLK challenged accepted racial norms. Relativism struggles to explain how he could be right while society was wrong.

How does moral realism explain MLK?

An individual can be morally right even when the majority disagrees.

Why am I tempted by relativism?

Upbringing, family, religion, and culture strongly influence people's moral beliefs.

Why do cultural differences make me question realism?

Societies have different understandings of right and wrong, making objective truth harder to identify.

What is my Greek grandmother example?

My mother's Greek grandmother disliked American children acting too comfortably in her home.

What does the Greek example demonstrate?

Different cultural expectations can produce different moral judgments without proving objective morality is absent.

Why might someone accuse me of relativism?

I sometimes judge actions based on individual circumstances rather than applying one rule to everyone.

What is my lying friend example?

I might excuse a friend lying about being sick because she needed a day at home for emotional reasons.

How might someone criticize my response?

They could argue I allow circumstances to determine what is acceptable instead of applying consistent principles.

How can I defend myself as a realist?

Considering circumstances does not mean rejecting objective moral truths.

PART B: VIRTUE AND VICE

My virtue is perseverance; my vice is pusillanimity.

What is perseverance?

Continuing to work toward a goal despite challenges, failures, setbacks, or opposition.

Why does perseverance help me reach my telos?

It helps me endure hardships and continue pursuing my purpose rather than giving up.

What story illustrates perseverance?

Aesop's The Tortoise and the Hare.

What happens in The Tortoise and the Hare?

The overconfident hare sleeps, while the tortoise keeps moving steadily and wins.

What does the tortoise teach us?

Even when success seems unlikely, consistent effort and perseverance can lead to achievement.

What is pusillanimity?

A lack of courage that prevents someone from pursuing great things because they fear failure.

How does pusillanimity hinder my telos?

It makes me choose comfort and safety over the difficult pursuit of my highest potential.

What story illustrates pusillanimity?

The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz doubts his courage and fears facing challenges.

How does the Lion overcome his vice?

He acts courageously to help his friends, showing that he had courage despite his fears.