Philosophy 313

Study sheet for final exam – May 10 (Wednesday), 8-10am

The following is a list of the key terms and concepts we have covered since the midterm. The list is to be used in studying for the short answer section of the final, where you will have to answer 10 out of 12 questions (4 points each):

Good with/without qualificationduty (accordance with/from duty)

Categorical imperativerespect for persons

Skepticismmoral sentiment/interest

social virtuesdegrees of reasonablenessinduction/deduction

Principle of utilityReason/taste and moral judgment

Moral calculuswill to power

Act/rule utilitarianismGod is dead

Greatest happiness principlegood/bad vs. good/evil

Critique of utilitarianismlife-denying values

principle of utilitycritique of Christianity

7 criteriaself-less-ness

quality vs. quantitybusiness ethics

act/rule utilitarianismmilgram experiment

myth of sisyphusproblem of suicide

revoltabsurd walls

Essay topics. Two of the following will be on the exam. You are to write on one (60 points):

  1. Kant argues, unlike Aristotle, that happiness is not the highest end of human action for without a good will even happiness can be a bad thing. Explain the argument behind Kant’s claim. With this argument in place, explain what leads Kant to the categorical imperative. Be sure to give examples throughout your essay.
  1. David Hume argues that reason cannot motivate one to be moral, and that it is the passions, not reason, that is the key to our morality. Hume admits his position is at odds with the traditional philosophical approach to understanding ethics. What is this traditional approach, and how does Hume develop his contrasting view? Hume’s thought would also be tremendously influential on Mill’s ethical theory. Discuss where you see the most obvious areas of similarity between Mill and Hume, and where do you see significant differences. Be sure to elaborate and offer detailed examples here and throughout the essay.
  1. Discuss the Milgram experiment. In the context of discussing this experiment, bring in the relevant moral issues from Nietzsche and at least one other philosopher that we have discussed in this class. Be sure to cover issues such as moral responsibility, slave morality, and freedom. What would have to be different, in your opinion, for the results of the Milgram experiment to have come out different than they did? Elaborate, and in the context of this essay compare and/or contrast what Camus might say on these issues.