Study Guide – Exam III: Ethics, the Good Life, and Society

What are the three types of goods identified by Plato?

Instrumental, Intrinsic, and Both.

What is an instrumental good?

Goods that are valuable not for their own sake, but because of what they bring. (wealth)

What is an intrinsic good?

Goods that are valuable for what they are, such as happiness.

What does Glaucon assume about human nature regarding justice?

He believes people only act justly due to fear of consequences, and that without such consequences, self-interest would prevail.

How does Socratic psychology define true happiness?

True happiness is found in the internal order of the soul, not in external rewards.

What is the difference between true justice and the appearance of justice?

True justice is valued for its own sake, while the appearance of justice is concerned with conforming to social norms.

What role does reason play in Ayn Rand's moral philosophy?

Reason is essential for human survival and morality, guiding choices and actions in one's best interest.

Why does Ayn Rand defend capitalism?

Because it respects individual rights, freedom, and voluntary trade, allowing rational self-interest to guide actions.

How does Rand differentiate between rational selfishness and exploitation?

Rational selfishness is pursuing one's own interest without harming others, while exploitation involves using force or fraud against others.

What is the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism?

Psychological egoism describes how people act, while ethical egoism prescribes that people should act in their self-interest.

What is the universalizability problem in ethical egoism?

It cannot consistently apply the same principle to everyone, leading to potential contradictions and conflicts.

How does Rachels argue that self-interest limits morality?

Self-interest alone cannot guide morality as it often conflicts with the rights and interests of others.

What method of learning did Chaser the Dog demonstrate?

Chaser learned through social interaction and play, rather than pure conditioning.

What implications does Chaser's learning ability have for ethical treatment of animals?

Animals with advanced intelligence deserve greater ethical consideration and rights.

What does Naomi Zack identify as structural privilege?

Systematic advantages some groups have over others, such as inequalities in policing and voting laws.

What is the difference between recognizing privilege and taking ethical action?

Recognizing privilege acknowledges unearned advantages, while ethical action involves actively working to address systems of privilege.

Why is discourse important for ethical progress according to Zack?

Discourse allows for open discussion on privilege and injustice, clarifying assumptions and prompting changes.

What is moral self-indulgence, according to Naomi Zack?

Feeling virtuous without taking meaningful actions to address social injustices.