Chapter 3 Review Questions

Read the assigned reading from the chapter. Then, choose TWO of the questions from below to answer. Answers from each section you chose should be a minimum of 1 paragraph.

Be sure to explain your answers fully and give reasons for your views. If needed, you should cite the textbook and use brief quotations and summaries from the textbook in your response. Do NOT use any other sources besides the textbook; DO NOT restate the question in your response (just the question # is sufficient).

1. What is the chief difference between utilitarianism and Kant’s ethics? Do you think one of these theories is clearly inferior to the other? Do they each represent part of the truth about morality? Explain.
2. How does cultural relativism imply infallibility, the unlikelihood of disagreement, and the impossibility of moral progress?
3. Do you believe utilitarianism conflicts with our considered judgments about rights? Why or why not?
4. What is the divine command theory? Is it a good moral theory? Why or why not?
5. What is the empirical theory known as psychological egoism? Explain why you think it is or is not a good explanation of human behavior.
6. Why might someone think that principlism is excessively subjective? Would you agree? Why or why not?