Question 1

In your own words, explain the "technological frames of thought" that Krakoff says have dominated Western thinking about our relationship to the natural world. What does Krakoff say is wrong with that way of thinking?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In your own words, explain the "technological...

Question 2

Summarize Krakoff's account of how humanity's carbon dioxide emissions are negatively affecting the planet.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize Krakoff's account of how humanity's carbon...

Question 3

What is the connection between the "technological frames of thought" that Krakoff criticizes and the "perfect moral storm" caused by the temporal lag and spatial dispersion of the effects of carbon dioxide emissions? How would thinking of ourselves as "parenting the planet" help deal with that perfect moral storm?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the connection between the "technological...

Question 4

Summarize Krakoff's main argument in your own words. How might someone object to that argument? How do you think Krakoff would respond to that objection?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize Krakoff's main argument in your own...

Question 5

What are the virtues essential to good parenting, according to Krakoff? How would applying those virtues to the planet make it rational for an individual or community to take steps to reduce climate change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the virtues essential to good...

Question 6

Which of the following best captures the basic question that the author is trying to answer in this paper?

Accepted Answer

The basic question revolves around the moral obligation to prevent bad outcomes when it is within our power to do so, which is most directly addressed by option A.

Question 7

Singer's main conclusion in this paper is:

Accepted Answer

Peter Singer argues that if we can prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought to do so. This principle underlies his famous example of saving a drowning child, suggesting that distance and proximity do not diminish our moral obligation to help others when we can do so with minimal sacrifice on our part.

Question 8

What role does the claim that one should save a child drowning in a pond that one is walking past play in Singer's paper?

Accepted Answer

Singer uses the drowning child example to illustrate his main moral principle, which is that if it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought, morally, to do it. This principle underpins his argument for why we should help those in need, regardless of geographical distance.

Question 9

How does Singer understand the phrase "without sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance"?

Accepted Answer

Singer's interpretation of "without sacrificing anything of comparable moral significance" suggests a balance between not causing comparable harm, avoiding wrong actions, and promoting good that is equivalent in importance to the bad that can be prevented. This reflects his ethical stance on doing the most good without causing harm of similar moral weight.

Question 10

What is Singer's rebuttal of the argument that one should have no obligation to give more than five pounds to the Bengal Relief Fund because if everyone donated five pounds, then the needs of all the refugees would be met?

Accepted Answer

Singer's rebuttal is based on the realistic premise that not everyone will contribute, thus those who can, should give more to compensate for those who do not, ensuring the needs of the refugees are met.

Question 11

What is the traditional distinction between duty and charity that Singer questions?

Accepted Answer

Singer questions the traditional distinction that views charity as a supererogatory act (good to do but not obligatory) and duty as obligatory (wrong not to do), arguing that helping others, often seen as charity, should be considered a moral obligation.

Question 12

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that his position requires too drastic of a revision to our traditional moral scheme?

Accepted Answer

Singer argues that the fact that his position demands a significant departure from traditional moral standards does not count against his position but rather suggests that our traditional moral codes might be flawed.

Question 13

What of the following best captures Singer's response to Sidgwick and Urmson's objection that if we tell people not to murder others and to give to famine relief, they will do neither, but if we tell them not to murder, they will at least do that?

Accepted Answer

Singer's response to the objection is that by setting high moral standards, such as the expectation to give to famine relief, it can influence people's behavior towards meeting those standards, even if they are challenging.

Question 14

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that overseas aid should be the government's responsibility and giving privately to charities allows the government and noncontributing citizens to shirk their obligations?

Accepted Answer

Singer's argument is that the potential for government and non-contributors to shirk their responsibilities does not justify an individual's decision not to give to famine relief, unless it can be shown that withholding private contributions would indeed lead to increased government aid. His focus is on the immediate prevention of suffering rather than the potential for changing government policy through withholding private aid.

Question 15

Which of the following best captures Singer's response to the objection that rather than giving to famine relief, one should work to establish effective population controls because that will solve the root problem behind starvation?

Accepted Answer

Singer's response to the objection is that working towards effective population control, if it is indeed the best long-term solution to prevent famine, aligns with his ethical stance. He emphasizes that this approach does not justify inaction in the face of immediate suffering and that efforts to alleviate current famine conditions and to prevent future famines through population control are not mutually exclusive.

Question 16

What is the distinction between the strong and moderate versions of Singer's principle?

Accepted Answer

The strong version of Singer's principle argues for giving to the point where giving more would cause oneself as much suffering as it would alleviate in others, while the moderate version suggests giving as much as possible without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance.

Question 17

Which of the following can we infer from Singer's argument that we should prevent something bad from happening if it is within our power to do so and we need not sacrifice anything of comparable moral importance?

Accepted Answer

Singer's argument suggests that if we can prevent something bad without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we should do so. Buying non-essential products could be seen as failing to adhere to this principle when others lack basic needs.

Question 18

Assume that Singer is correct that the traditional distinction between charity and duty should be overturned. Which of the following could you infer from that claim?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Assume that Singer is correct that the...

Question 19

Which of the following would count as an objection to Singer's argument that we should prevent bad from happening if it is within our power to do so and we do not have to sacrifice anything of comparable moral importance?

Accepted Answer

Singer's argument suggests a moral obligation to prevent suffering if it doesn't require sacrificing something of comparable moral importance. An objection is that this could lead to an overwhelming moral burden, preventing individuals from pursuing their own life projects and values.

Question 20

Which of the following would count as an objection to Singer's assumption of a principle of impartiality or universalizability?

Accepted Answer

Singer's principle of impartiality suggests that we should treat everyone's interests equally, regardless of personal relationships. Option B challenges this by arguing that moral obligations are stronger towards those with whom we have special relationships, thus opposing the idea of universalizability.

Quiz 13: Aristotle's Ethics: Exploring Virtue and Justice