Paper 1

For exam one, you will be choosing 4 questions from the study guide/questions list. You can only choose one question from each section (there are 4 sections, so one question of your choice from each section for a total of 4 questions).

You will write anywhere from 2-4 paragraphs for each question you choose. The answers should follow the instructions on the top of the SG. But here are a few pointers:

In writing your answers, you should keep in mind that you are talking to a fellow student who is not taking our class. So, you will need to give context, explain ideas, and even source/cite material. Like as if you were writing a really good (academic) blog post. You will use all the relevant material from our first unit/module. This means, at times, you will be using multiple sources in your answers. I don't demand actual citations, but referencing lectures, texts (textbook material and lectures), and anything else we have covered will be crucial for a better grade).

You will be uploading to turnitin so please avoid copy/pasta from the internet or from working with your friends (as always, some very minor overlap can happen but you must write your own work!).

Remember to ask yourself all the important checklist type questions:

Did I answer every part of the question?

Did I fully explain any concepts, ideas, thought experiments, arguments, etc... necessary for a layperson to understand your answer to the question?

Did I base my answers on what I learned from class (the lectures, the textbook, our discussions, related coursework, etc...)?

Did I provide reasons for my own claims (backed up my claims with evidence, logic, or sensible assumptions (depends on the context*)?

As a shorthand (rough guide), did I write 2-3 paragraphs (6 to 10 sentences each) or more?

Did I use examples to illustrate points or concepts?

For awesome answers: Did I cite the textbook or primary readings? Did I draw connections between course subject matter and my life/literature/culture/society/etc...? Did I write a minimum of 3-4 long/detailed paragraphs or more?

You will be uploading to turnitin so please avoid copy/pasta from the internet or from working with your friends (as always, some very minor overlap can happen but you must write your own work!).

QUESTIONS: (CHOOSE ONE FROM EACH SECTION )

Section 1: 

1.According to the Socratic view of morality summarized by Frankena, is a person brought up by immoral parents in a corrupt society capable of making correct moral judgments? Why or why not? Do you agree?

2.In defending his decision about whether to escape, Socrates offers three arguments that demonstrate a typical pattern of reasoning. Which of these arguments do you find most compelling? How might you rationally convince Socrates to change his mind?

3.People commonly choose to act to conform to popular opinion. If popular opinion led to the same conclusions arrived at through moral reasoning, would it still be important to engage in moral philosophy? Why or why not? Support your answer with an example.

Section 2: 

1.In the book of Genesis, God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Obediently, Abraham binds Isaac, lays him on an altar, and raises his knife before God calls off the sacrifice at the last possible moment. What would Regan say about Abraham’s willingness to kill his son? Is that willingness morally justifiable? What do you think?

2.Is it possible to be moral without believing in God? Why or why not?

3.Cahn argues that God’s existence would not matter morally. How does he defend this assertion? Do you find his argument compelling? Why or why not?

Section 3: 

1. According to Nagel, what follows from the belief that others have a good reason to care not just about their own interests but about our interests as well? Explain his position. Do you agree with his claim that virtually all of us share this belief? Why or why not? 

2. What difference, if any, is there between something being wrong and something being against the law?

3. Nagel claims that in answering the question “How would you like it if someone did that to you?” reveals why you should not treat others badly. Suppose someone answers: “I wouldn’t like it if someone did that to me. But luckily no one is doing it to me. I’m doing it to someone else, and I don’t mind that at all!” How does this response miss the point of the question?

Section 4: 

1. Explain Stevenson’s view of the role that science can play in resolving an ethical disagreement. Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not? Cite some concrete examples of scientific beliefs having an impact on ethical conflicts.

2. How might you try to resolve a bitter disagreement between two of your friends over who the next president should be? In explaining your position, be sure to address Stevenson’s arguments about the nature of ethical conflict.

3. Stevenson describes a dispute between two people choosing where to eat dinner. How does this illustrate the distinction between disagreement in attitude and disagreement in belief? What other examples demonstrate this point?