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

- Types of goods (instrumental, intrinsic, both)

Instrumental: goods that are valuable not for their own sake, but because of what they bring. (wealth)
Intrinsic: goods that are are valuable for what they are (happiness)
Both: goods that are valuable themselves but bring about valuable things like a friendship. There emotional connection and then external support.

- Glaucon's assumptions about human nature

He thinks people only act justice due to fear of the consequences of acting unjust. He thinks if there were no consequences, self-interest would outweigh any commitment to justice.

- Socratic psychology: the ordered soul and true happiness

Justice is not just about external actions or social norms, but about the internal state of the soul
True happiness is found in this internal order, not in external rewards like power or wealth.

- Justice vs. appearance of justice

True Justice is intrinsic and is valued for its own sake
The appearance of justice is instrumental and refers to behaving in ways that conform to social norms. People who act justly only to avoid the punishment of not are concerned with the appearance of justice.

- Role of reason in moral life

Reason is essential for human survival and morality. It is what is used to make choices, achieve values, and live rationally. Rational thoughts are necessary to determine what is best for one’s best interest.

- Rand's defense of capitalism as the only system respecting individual rights

He argues capitalism is based on individual rights, freedom, and voluntary trade. It allows people to act on their own rational self-interest.

- Productivity and work as virtues

Productivity and work are virtues because they are essential for achieving values and getting through life. Through productive effort, individuals can accomplish the goods and services they need, and through work individuals can fulfill their potential and pursue happiness.

- Difference between rational selfishness and exploitation

Rational selfishness is pursuing one’s best interest without harming others. It’s doing what is best for yourself and pursuing your own values.
Exploitation involves force or fraud to take advantage of others. This violates individuals rights.

- Difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism

Ethical Egoism is the doctrine that states that it is always our duty to act exclusively in our self-interest. We have no moral duty other than to do what is best for ourselves. A normative theory- a theory about how we ought to behave.
Psychological egoism is more concerned about how people do behave. It claims that people always do in fact act on self-interest

- Universalizability problem of egoism

The universalizability problem of egoism arises because ethical egoism cannot easily apply the same principle to everyone. If everyone acted solely in their self-interest, it could lead to contradictions or conflicts, as what benefits one person may harm another. Ethical egoism doesn't offer a consistent or fair moral guideline for all.

- Comparison to moral reasoning in racism/sexism

Ethical egoism involves prioritizing one’s self at the expense of others, which can lead to similar forms or injustice/ inequality.

- Limits of self-interest in morality

Rachels argues that self-interest is not sufficient to guide morality, as it can conflict with the rights and interests of others. Moral behavior involves more than just pursuing personal benefit—it requires considering others' interests and the impact of one’s actions on them.

- Method of learning: social, playful, not purely conditioned

Chaser’s method of learning involved social interaction and playfulness and was not purely conditioned. Chaser learned social cues from her owner. For example, engaging her in playful activities and tasks. Her ability to learn over 1,000 words shows that she was able to use cognitive abilities and social interaction rather than just from conditioning.

- Implications for ethical consideration of animals

Animals like Chaser with advanced learning abilities and intelligence should be treated with greater ethical consideration. If animals are capable of such complex learning and understanding, it conflicts with traditional views of animals. They deserve more rights and respect.

- Philosophical assumptions about language and consciousness

Some assume that language and consciousness are only traits humans possess. Chaser’s ability to respond to commands and know meaning suggest that might have a level of consciousness we have underestimated. This questions the previous assumption that dogs cannot possess complex understanding or thought.

- Structural privilege examples (e.g., policing, voting laws)

Systematic advantages some groups have over others. For examples in policing, some groups experience more aggressive policing than others. Also, voting laws may disproportionately affect marginalized groups.

- Distinction between recognizing privilege and ethical action

Recognizing privilege is acknowledging the unearned advantages one may have due to their race, gender, or class. However, this recognition alone does not lead to ethical change.
Ethical action involves actively working to dismantle address systems of privilege. Involves engaging in systems that promote social justice.

- The role of discourse in ethical progress

Discourse is essential for ethical progress because it allows individuals to have open discussion on privilege, inequalities, and injustice and reflect on the issues. These discussions can clarify assumptions and lead to changes in attitude and policies.

- Critique of moral self-indulgence

Refers to feeling virtuous and morally superior without taking any meaningful actions to address social injustices. Zack critiques that simply feeling guilty or admitting one has privilege is insufficient.