Question 1

Elga considers positive illusions in light of a practical problem about what to believe, but positive illusions present ethical concerns as well. For example, Jonathan Haidt thinks we have the positive illusion that we reason objectively when it comes to ethical questions. What would it mean if our perception that we are being rational and objective about ethics turns out to be an illusion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Elga considers positive illusions in light of...

Question 2

It is clear that the poet views the unknown citizen as flourishing in the sense described by Aristotle.

Accepted Answer

The poem "The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden suggests a critique of societal norms and the reduction of an individual to statistics, rather than portraying the citizen as flourishing in the Aristotelian sense of fulfilling one's potential and living a virtuous life.

Question 3

The central aim of Elga's paper is to explain how we can both hold positive illusions and retain our commitment to the view that our beliefs should be supported by evidence.

Accepted Answer

Elga's paper discusses the tension between maintaining positive illusions, which are beliefs that may not be fully supported by evidence, and the philosophical commitment to evidentialism, which holds that beliefs should be based on evidence.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a positive illusion discussed by Elga?

Accepted Answer

Elga discusses positive illusions as cognitive biases where individuals have an inflated self-assessment in various domains, including their own abilities, the qualities of their children, and specific skills such as driving.

Question 5

How does Appiah view the task of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Appiah views the task of ethics as discovering what traits of character we need to live well, focusing on the development of virtues and character rather than solely on rules or universal principles.

Question 6

The unknown citizen is viewed as __________.

Accepted Answer

The unknown citizen is depicted as thoroughly average, embodying the characteristics of an average person in society without any outstanding or unique traits.

Question 7

More generally, if happiness or flourishing or mental health require illusion, are they really desirable? Does happiness require living a lie?

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Question 8

What are some of the social psychology experiments Appiah cites? How are they supposed to challenge the notion of virtues? Do you give the experiments the same interpretation and relevance that Appiah does? Explain.

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Question 9

How does Appiah's argument help us to see why it might be difficult to become a compassionate person? Does the evidence he provides lead to the conclusion that developing compassion as a character trait is particularly difficult? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does Appiah's argument help us to...

Question 10

What does Elga say about our beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Elga argues that our beliefs should be supported by evidence, emphasizing the importance of evidence in forming rational beliefs.

Question 11

Auden notes that the unknown citizen was found by the _________.

Accepted Answer

In W.H. Auden's poem "The Unknown Citizen," the phrase "found by the Bureau of Statistics" is used to describe how the state recognizes or identifies the individual. This indicates that the person's existence and conformity to societal norms are quantified and acknowledged through statistical data rather than personal interactions or achievements.

Question 12

What views of happiness, virtue, and flourishing does this poem present? Explain your interpretation?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Elga argues that possession of evidence is irrelevant to the truth of our beliefs.

Accepted Answer

Elga's argument typically emphasizes the importance of evidence in forming true beliefs, suggesting that evidence is crucial in determining the truth or falsity of our beliefs.

Question 14

The unknown citizen is described as approving war when his country was at war and approving piece when his country established piece.

Accepted Answer

In W.H. Auden's poem "The Unknown Citizen," the citizen is described as having the correct opinions for the time, approving of war when the country was at war and approving peace when it was at peace, reflecting his conformity to societal norms and expectations.

Question 15

Elga argues that maintaining illusions in the face of evidence to the contrary is a coping mechanism known as denial.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error, and what is its relevance for ethics?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the Fundamental Attribution Error, and...

Question 17

Recall Appiah's discussion of the power of the situation. What does this poem add to the discussion about the role of the situation?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Compare Aristotle's doctrine of the mean with what this poem seems to be saying about being average. Do the two pieces contradict each other; or are they addressing different concerns. Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

How can unwarranted beliefs make us happy? If they can, what does "happiness" mean? Is being "made happy" by that which is irrational (not simply nonrational) acceptable? Why or why not? If it is acceptable to "be happy" on irrational grounds, does this endanger certain moral judgments, beliefs, decisions, and conduct? Might we be led to endorse actions that seem immoral simply because they "make us happy"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How can unwarranted beliefs make us happy?...

Question 20

Do you think someone deserves praise for performing an act of kindness if it can be shown that the situation explains the action better than the character of the person? Why or why not? Explain carefully how the situationist and the globalist would answer this question.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 3: Flourishing