Philosophy 1000

How does Le Guin describe the happiness of the people in Omelas

communal and self sustained, without leaders, self governing people however the happiness is contingent on the suffering of one child

How does Le Guin challenge conventional ideas about utopia and happiness

Le Guin subverts the idea of utopia by showing Omelas’ perfection is conditional and relying on compromised morality, thus questioning the very nature of an ideal society, she highlights the moral cost

What might the ones who walk away symbolize in the context of Le Guin’s story?

They symbolize moral resistance and integrity. Their departure represents a rejection of a happiness built on suffering. reject complicity

How does their choice serve as a form of protest or moral commentary on the structure of Omelas?

Walking away is refusal to be complicit in a system that justifies suffering for the greater good, critiquing utilitarian ethics

What role do maxims play in Kant’s moral philospohy, and how should they be tested for moral acceptability?

Maxims are principles behind actions. Kant argues they must be tested using the Universalizability Principle if they cannot be universalized, they are not morally acceptable,

How does the requirement for maxims to be universalizable impact the moral permissibility of individual actions?

It ensures that actions are consistent with moral law. If an action cannot be applied universally without contradiction, it is impermissible

What does Kant mean by the Categorical Imperative, and how does it differ from hypothetical imperatives?

The Categorical Imperative is an unconditional moral law that applies universally, while hypothetical imperatives are conditional on personal desires

How does Mill define the principle of utility, and what role does it play in determining moral actions?

Mill defines it as the idea that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they cause suffering. It serves as the foundation for utilitarian ethics.

How does Mill distinguish between higher and lower pleasures, and why does he believe some pleasures are more valuable?

Higher pleasures (intellectual, moral) are more valuable than lower pleasure (bodily pleasures) because they engage our higher faculties and provide deeper fulfillment

What are three common objections to utilitarianism that Mill addresses?

1. It reduces morality to pleasure-seeking

2. It demands too much from individuals

3. It fails to account for justice and rights

How does Annas argue that virtue ethics offers a distinct approach to moral motivation compared to rule-based ethics?

She claims virtue ethics focuses on character development rather than rule-folllowing, encouraging moral excellence rather than obedience

What role does personal character play in making ethical decisions according to Annas?

Character shapes how individuals respond to moral challenges. A virtuous person makes good choices instinctively, not just by following rules