Philosphy exam

Strong Inductive Generalization

Evidence strongly supports the conclusion, typically from a representative sample and large data set.

Hasty Generalization

Conclusion drawn from insufficient or biased evidence.

Strong Statistical Argument

An argument where the probability of the conclusion is above 51%.

Weak Statistical Argument

An argument where the probability of the conclusion is below 51%.

Strong Analogy

A comparison where the similarities between items are relevant to the conclusion.

Weak Analogy

A comparison where the similarities are superficial or irrelevant.

Inappropriate Appeal to Authority

Relying on a non-expert's opinion to support an argument.

Appeal to Ignorance

Assuming something is true simply because it has not been proven false.

False Alternatives

Presenting only two options to choose from.

Loaded Question

Asking a question that presupposes guilt or another assumption.

Questionable Cause

Assuming causation without sufficient evidence.

Slippery Slope

Assuming that one action will inevitably lead to worse outcomes.

Inconsistency

Having contradictory claims or positions.

Rationalism

The idea is to become a moral agent who makes decisions through reasoning

Empiricism

The mind is a blank slate at birth and we acquire moral intuitions through experience

Nativism

The belief that individuals are born with moral intuitions.

-If Jacobs’s HT corresponds to the ___ of reasoning, Haidt’s RM corresponds to the _____ of reasoning.

art , science

Who is the philosopher representative of rationalism, for Haidt?

 Plato (emphasis on reasoning and duty). Haidt does not agree. 

Who is the philosopher representative of empiricism, for Haidt?

David Hume (moral feelings drive reasoning).

Who is the scientist representative of nativism, for Haidt?

Charles Darwin 

Hume: “Reason is, and ought only to be the __ of the _____.”

slave of the passions

What did Haidt’s own experiment, recounted in Chapter 1, add to our understanding of what Schweder’s experiments reveal? (The “second thing” @ p. 25). 

social class has a more effect than western vs non western on moral judgment.

-Who is our system 2 moral reasoning meant to convince? 

Ourselves and others

Contrary to popular assumptions, there are two types of cognition. What are they? 

Intuition vs reasoning  

Intuition is not rational it is already cognition

According to the diagram at p. 55, how might our moral intuitions, judgments, and reasoning actually be led to change? 

Our elephant swings in motion with other people. Our beliefs only change when we discuss with others.

exposure to new information, experiences, and perspectives that challenge our existing beliefs, leading to cognitive dissonance and prompting us to re-evaluate our moral framework;

___ is the antidote to self-righteousness

Empathy

What is the “mere exposure effect”? 

Familiarity leads to attraction. 

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out evidence that confirms what we already believe.

Mere Exposure Effect

A psychological phenomenon where familiarity leads to attraction.

What does Haidt mean when he writes that, “Our politics is groupish, not selfish”?

Haidt means we divide ourselves into groups politically. In politics, we care more about what’s in it for our group than what’s in it for us.

Fill in the acronym:
W_________
E_________
I_________
R_________
D_________

Western

Educated

Industrialized

Rich

Democratic

Of innateness, in Chapter 7, it is suggested that the five moral foundations are like the (what) of the chapters of a book?

Frist draft

Social Capital

The idea that groups with better connections will do better than those without.

What is the biological/evolutionary foundation of the Care/Harm foundation? 

caring for children

Who (which group) does the American left tend to associate with the Care/Harm foundation?  

Innocent victims

Who (which group) does the American right tend to associate with the Care/Harm foundation?  

Those who have sacrificed for the group

Why does the reality of altruism make sense, from the standpoint of biological evolution?  

Helping others without expecting anything in return. Reciprocal altruism

On the American left, Fairness is understood or interpreted to mean _____. On the right, it is understood or interpreted to mean _______. 

equality vs proportionality

What’s the “original trigger” of the Loyalty/Betrayal foundation (p. 163)?  

Anything that tells you someone is a team player or a trader. 

T/F: In nature, hierarchical structures of authority are inherently unjust. Leaders of the group always exploit their underlings or subjects without providing anything in return.

False

Sanctity Foundation appears positively among the contemporary American right and the American left.  

Right: Human body, loyalty to nation 

Left: Environment and body health (organic fruit) 

What’s the genetic claim that Haidt makes about the brains of liberals and conservatives?   

L: greater pleasure to new experiences  

R: Stronger sensitivity to danger

What kind of “heroism” narrative characterizes the contemporary American left?  

Heroism of liberation  

What kind of “heroism” narrative characterizes the contemporary American right?  

Heroism of defense

Give a one-sentence definition of social capital (Chapter 12).   

The idea is that all other capitals are equal, but the group that has a better connection will do better

What’s the downside to emphasizing our differences, over and above what a group shares in common? (What does Haidt argue?)  

Emphasizing differences promotes social isolation. When you only look at what you don’t have in common with people, it’s really hard not to pull into your shell. Turtle inside of ourselves instead of hive

Why won’t (some) atheists sell their souls (p. 44f)?

There is a gut-level moral intuition that selling your soul should not be done. The human soul is worth more than 2 dollars is the moral intuition the atheists have. This is a subconscious moral intuition for the atheists.

What does Haidt call his own model of the origins of our moral reasoning? Why? 

Social intuitionism: the elephant directs the rider. Moral reasoning is part of our life long struggle to influence people

What’s the difference between “can” and “must”? How does this relate to self-interest in reasoning

Can: When we want to believe something, we look for reasons that allow us to believe it.

Must: When we don't want to believe something, we look for reasons to dismiss it.

What can the ethics of community and the ethics of divinity teach those whose moral matrix is the ethics of autonomy?  

Autonomy: Do what you want.

Divinity: Respect sacredness and the transcendent

Community: Value group loyalty and interdependence.

Unlike autonomy, which is only concerned with one’s wants, both other ethics ask the individual to serve a larger purpose than themselves.

Explain what Haidt means when he coins the term moral capital (Chapter 12).   

Where all other things are equal the group that holds each other accountable morally will outperform the one that doesn't.

Identify 3 positive features among the contemporary left and right (3 for each).  

Left: 

•  care for innocent victims 

• Care for nature 

• Care for physical health 

• Removing corporate superorganisms 

Right: 

• Defense   

• Loyalty  

• Reward based on achievement or sacrifice  

What’s wrong with unregulated markets?  

Corporate superorganisms take over and have no incentive to stop.  

What’s right about free (unregulated) markets?  

Cheaper prices and competition drives innovation and quality. 

What are some indirect changes that could be made in society to help foster a shift from  Manichaeism in our political thinking toward a more complementary (yin-and-yang) perspective?   

• Promote productive conversations across political divides.

• Encourage expression of opinions within parties to allow open dialogue.

• Foster hobbies or activities that unite people with diverse views.