Dr. Pelser Philos 210

Q: What are the parts of an argument according to James Rachels?

Premises and a conclusion.

Q: What makes an argument sound?

It is valid and has true premises.

Q: Difference between deductive and inductive reasoning in Peter Kreeft?

Deductive arguments guarantee conclusions if premises are true; inductive arguments make conclusions probable.

Q: What is moral relativism?

The belief that morality depends on culture or personal beliefs.

Q: Why does David Fisher criticize moral relativism?

It prevents universal condemnation of atrocities.

Q: Main argument of Martin Luther King Jr. in "Letter from Birmingham Jail"?

People have a moral duty to resist unjust laws.

Q: According to King what makes a law unjust?

It degrades human personality or treats groups unequally.

Q: What question drives Plato's Republic?

"What is justice?"

Q: What does Thrasymachus claim justice is?

The advantage of the stronger.

Q: What is the Myth of Gyges about?

Whether people would remain moral if they could act without consequences.

Q: What are the three classes in Plato's ideal city?

Rulers, auxiliaries (soldiers), and producers.

Q: What are the three parts of the soul?

Reason, spirit, and appetite.

Q: What is a just soul?

A soul where reason governs spirit and appetite harmoniously.

Q: According to Immanuel Kant

what is the only thing good without qualification?, A good will.

Q: What makes an action moral for Kant?

Acting from duty.

Q: What is the Categorical Imperative?

Act only according to rules you could will everyone to follow universally.

Q: Why is lying immoral according to Kant?

Universal lying would destroy trust and create contradiction.

Q: What is the Practical Imperative?

Treat humanity always as an end, never merely as a means.

Q: Where does human dignity come from in Kant's ethics?

Rational autonomy.

Q: Main principle of John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism

Maximize happiness and minimize suffering.

Q: What are "higher pleasures" for Mill?

Intellectual and moral pleasures.

Q: What is the "greatest happiness principle"?

The best action produces the most happiness for the most people.

Q: Why does Mill think justice matters?

Protecting rights promotes overall happiness.

Q: What position did Mill take on slavery?

He strongly opposed slavery and supported abolition.

Q: What does Cora Diamond criticize about consequentialism?

It reduces morality to calculations of outcomes.

Q: What does Diamond emphasize instead?

Moral relationships, attitudes, and imagination.

Q: According to Thomas Hobbes what is the state of nature like?

A violent "war of all against all."

Q: Why do people form governments according to Hobbes?

For security and peace.

Q: According to John Locke, what are natural rights?

Life, liberty, and property.

Q: What can people do if government violates natural rights?

Overthrow the government.

Q: What is the highest human good according to Aristotle?

Eudaimonia (human flourishing).

Q: How are virtues developed?

Through habit and practice.

Q: What is the Golden Mean?

Virtue lies between two extremes.

Q: Courage is the mean between what two extremes?

Cowardice and recklessness.

Q: What is temperance?

Moderation in pleasures and desires.

Q: Main idea of Virginia Held's ethics of care?

Morality should emphasize relationships, empathy, and care.

Q: What does care ethics criticize in traditional ethics?

Overemphasis on abstract rules and impartiality.

Q: What is realism in international relations?

States primarily pursue power and self-interest.

Q: What is Jus ad Bellum?

Justice of going to war.

Q: What is Jus in Bello?

Justice in conduct during war.

Q: What is civilian immunity?

Civilians should never be intentionally targeted.

Q: What is the Doctrine of Double Effect?

Harmful side effects may be allowed if unintended and proportionate.

Q: What is humanitarian intervention?

Military action to stop severe human suffering or genocide.

Q: Why did G. E. M. Anscombe condemn the atomic bombings?

They intentionally targeted civilians.

Q: What ethical theory did Anscombe criticize?

Utilitarianism.

Q: According to Don Snider, why is the military a profession?

It requires ethical responsibility, expertise, and public trust.

Q: What does Michael Walzer argue about war crimes?

Soldiers are morally responsible even when following orders.

Q: What is the situationist critique?

Situations strongly influence moral behavior more than character alone.

Q: Main warning in C. S. Lewis's "The Inner Ring"?

Desire for acceptance can corrupt integrity.

Q: What does Michelle Pelser emphasize in military ethics?

Respect for human dignity.