Question 1

According to Wolff,which of the following theories has the ambition to provide a simple theory that solves all moral problems?&#10;A) existentialism&#10;B) virtue ethics&#10;C) deontology&#10;D) utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism aims to provide a simple theory that solves all moral problems by endorsing the action that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people.

Question 2

Which of the following does Wolff hold as a key lesson from the analysis of morality?&#10;A) Ethics is about character as well as action.&#10;B) Moral analysis can bring us to greater certainty.&#10;C) Metaphysics is the proper beginning point for the analysis of morality.&#10;D) Ethics boils down to cultural competence.

Accepted Answer

Throughout his work, Wolff emphasizes the importance of character in ethics, and how our actions are connected to our underlying values and beliefs. He argues that moral analysis cannot provide complete certainty or objective truths, and that metaphysical inquiries may not necessarily be helpful in understanding ethical issues. Finally, while cultural competence is important in recognizing moral differences and diversity, ethics is ultimately about more than simply conforming to social norms.

Question 3

What is the purpose of examining objections to morality as a whole (instead of objections to particular moral theories)?&#10;A) to display the history of moral analysis&#10;B) to see if moral analysis is possible&#10;C) to establish which moral system is best&#10;D) to question the links between morality and ethics

Accepted Answer

Examining objections to morality as a whole helps to determine whether moral analysis is even possible, which is a fundamental concern underlying all moral theories. It allows us to address more basic questions about the nature and foundations of morality, such as whether moral truths exist at all, whether they can be known or justified, and how they relate to other aspects of human experience. Focusing only on objections to particular moral theories may not provide a comprehensive view of these fundamental issues.

Question 4

What does Wolff believe is an objection many will have to Aristotle's virtue theory?&#10;A) He is overly concerned with the underlying meaning of an action.&#10;B) His system does not take into account cultural expectations.&#10;C) He does not provide rules that can be followed.&#10;D) His system requires too much time to operate.

Accepted Answer

Wolff believes that an objection many will have to Aristotle's virtue theory is that it does not provide rules that can be followed. Aristotle's theory emphasizes the importance of developing virtuous character traits rather than following specific rules or principles. This can be seen as a weakness of the theory for those who prefer clear-cut guidelines to follow.

Question 5

Cultural relativism has a straightforwardly expressed formulation of an argument against morality.

Accepted Answer

Cultural relativism argues that moral codes and ethical values vary from culture to culture, suggesting that there is no single, universal standard for judging the morality of an action. It does not straightforwardly argue against morality itself, but rather against the idea of a universal morality.

Deck 15: Developing a Moral Outlook