Question 1

"I ought to tell the truth to avoid punishment" is an example of a categorical imperative.

Accepted Answer

A categorical imperative, according to Immanuel Kant, is an unconditional moral obligation that is binding in all circumstances and is not dependent on a person's inclination or purpose. The statement "I ought to tell the truth to avoid punishment" is conditional and aimed at avoiding punishment, not an unconditional moral duty.

Question 2

Briefly describe,providing at least one example,what it means to say that rights and duties are correlative.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

In general,utilitarianism argues that criminal punishment is justifiable because it prevents future crime.

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of actions that maximize overall happiness or utility. From a utilitarian perspective, criminal punishment is justified if it can reduce or prevent future crime, as this contributes to the overall happiness and safety of society. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 4

Rights to various things (i.e.welfare rights)such as education,health care,and housing can be classified as negative rights.

Accepted Answer

Rights to education, health care, and housing are classified as positive rights, which require action from others in society to provide these services or resources. Negative rights, on the other hand, are rights that require others to refrain from interfering with an individual's actions or choices. Examples of negative rights include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Question 5

Kant argued that,when faced with an "inquiring murderer," we should always tell the truth -- even if doing so potentially leads to undesirable consequences for ourselves and/or others.

Accepted Answer

Kant believed in the importance of universal ethical principles, and lying is not consistent with his principle of treating others as ends in themselves. Thus, in a situation like an inquiring murderer, Kant argues that we have a moral duty to tell the truth, regardless of potential negative consequences.

Question 6

Briefly describe what is meant by the principle that we should,"Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Briefly describe what is meant by the principle that we should,"Act so as to treat humanity,whether in your own person or that of any other,as an end and never as a means only."

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

From a Kantian ethical perspective,if we would not be willing to have everyone in a similar situation engage in a particular act,then we ourselves are morally prohibited from engaging in that act.

Accepted Answer

According to Kant's categorical imperative, we should act in a way that we would want everyone else to act as well. Therefore, if we cannot universalize an act, meaning we cannot will it to become a universal law that everyone would follow, then we are morally prohibited from engaging in that act.

Question 9

From a Kantian ethical perspective,in some extreme circumstances (e.g. ,aiding a very sick relative)it might be acceptable to borrow money from a friend,promising to repay the money,even though we know there is no chance we will ever be able to repay it.

Accepted Answer

A Kantian ethical perspective would not allow for making promises that we know we cannot keep, as this would go against the moral duty to treat others with respect and not use them as mere means to our own ends. It would be more ethical to find alternative ways to help the sick relative without resorting to deception or exploitation of friendship.

Question 10

Kantian ethics and other ethical systems that focus on moral rights can be considered deontological.

Accepted Answer

Kantian ethics is a deontological ethical system, as it focuses on moral duties and obligations rather than the consequences of actions. Other ethical systems that prioritize moral rights, such as natural law and human rights-based approaches, can also be considered deontological in nature.

Question 11

According to Kant,by manipulating or deceiving people we are failing to respect their autonomy and rationality.

Accepted Answer

Kant believed that manipulating or deceiving people disregards their ability to make rational choices and respect their autonomy. He argued that treating individuals as mere means to our own ends rather than as ends in themselves is a violation of their inherent dignity and worth. Therefore, it is true that by manipulating or deceiving people, we are failing to respect their autonomy and rationality, according to Kant.

Question 12

Deontological ethics would agree that we should allow incarcerated criminals to be released from prison early if they willingly participate in medical experiments that could save the lives of other people.

Accepted Answer

Deontological ethics focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions regardless of their consequences. In this case, it would be considered unethical to use incarcerated criminals as means to an end (saving the lives of others) without their full consent and without considering their own rights and dignity. Therefore, deontological ethics would not support releasing prisoners early for medical experiments.

Question 13

To say that something is categorically imperative is to say that it ought to be done or must be done regardless of consequences.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of a categorical imperative according to Immanuel Kant's ethical philosophy. It requires actions to be carried out based on their inherent moral value and duty, rather than being determined by consequences or personal preferences.

Question 14

Rather than the consequences of our actions,deontological theories of ethics hold that the primary concern of morality is our actions themselves.

Accepted Answer

Deontological theories of ethics focus on the moral duty and obligation to act in a certain way rather than on the consequences of those actions. Therefore, the primary concern of morality is indeed our actions themselves.

Question 15

A moral duty is something we must - or must not - do,no matter how we feel about it,how we or others might be affected,and irrespective of the situation.

Accepted Answer

A moral duty is a responsibility or obligation that we have to follow irrespective of the circumstances or our feelings towards it. It is a universally applicable principle that guides our actions and decisions.

Quiz 9: Respecting Persons, Respecting Rights: The Ethics of Duty