Question 1

On Midgley's view, why do people support moral isolationism?
A) They haven't thought the issues through
B) They think it is a respectful attitude toward other cultures
C) They oppose globalization with its attendant moral evils
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Midgley argues that people support moral isolationism because they believe it shows respect for other cultures by refraining from judging them.

Question 2

What does Midgley mean by "moral isolationism"? Do you agree with her that it "makes no sense at all"? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

By moral isolationism, Midgley means the notion that only members of a particular culture are qualified to make judgments about the morality of that culture. For instance, a Westerner would not be able to asses the morality of a practice of an indigenous tribe of Paupa New Guinea, because the Westerner does not understand that culture, morality, history, etc.
If understood weakly, this moral isolationism makes some sense. It is much more difficult for someone to make judgments about which they know or understand little, verses something which they understand well. Thus a person intimately acquainted with Western morality and not at all with that of the indigenous tribe in question is unlikely to make a valid sort of judgment about the tribe.
However, Midgley is attacking the stronger form of moral isolationism, that is, that people are only qualified to make judgments about only their own morality, and it is impossible to learn anything about another morality, to understand it in a significant sense, and therefore judgment about it is impossible. We are stuck in our own morality and we cannot get out. This is the claim that Midgley thinks makes no sense. We are clearly not isolated in this way. Anthropologists routinely learn and come to understand cultures and moral notions of other cultures. Our culture is itself nothing but a mix of other cultures.
Midgley seems to accept the weak form, that it is difficult, but by no means impossible to understand and make judgments about other cultures. It is simply an empirical fact that we do learn more and more about other cultures and moral systems every day. Midgley rejects the further strong form which claims that it is impossible to make judgments of other cultures.

Question 3

Furrow contends that relativism is __________.
A) The majority position in the academy
B) The minority position in the academy
C) Universally held in the academy
D) Held by no one in the academy

Accepted Answer

Furrow argues that relativism is not the dominant viewpoint but rather a minority position within academic circles. This suggests that while some in the academy may subscribe to relativistic perspectives, they do not represent the majority.

Question 4

Midgley argues that if we take something to be a serious moral truth about one culture, we can't refuse to apply it to other cultures. Do you see why? Explain. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Midgley argues that if we take something...

Question 5

Do you agree that too many people think that if something is legal then it is moral? (Furrow calls this "one of our most persistent moral attitudes.") Do you agree that absolutism seems to bring this belief about? What, if anything, is incorrect about the view that what is legal is moral? Explain your answer with specific examples. Consider this question with great care when reading Chapter 7, "Cooperating."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you agree that too many people...

Question 6

Furrow thinks that moral beliefs that have differing views of God and God's will are another form of relativism. Explain this position in your own words. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Furrow thinks that moral beliefs that have...

Question 7

Why does Furrow think that the choice between relativism and absolutism to be a false dilemma? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Furrow think that the choice...

Question 8

Midgley argues that moral judgments are necessary because __________.
A) They are an evolutionary adaptation
B) They provide a framework for understanding ourselves
C) We have an intrinsic need to feel superior to other people
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Midgley argues that moral judgments are necessary because they provide a framework for understanding ourselves and our actions, helping us navigate complex social and personal situations.

Question 9

One reason Furrow gives for thinking that there are no moral absolutes is __________.
A) Even philosophers haven't been able to agree on any after 2500 years of trying
B) Not everyone does the right thing
C) Some people disagree about right and wrong
D) God does not exist

Accepted Answer

The answer of One reason Furrow gives for thinking that...

Question 10

Do you agree with Midgley that if we can't criticize another culture, we have no basis to praise it? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you agree with Midgley that if...

Question 11

Midgley argues that moral isolationism is the only respectful attitude to take when encountering the practices of other cultures.

Accepted Answer

Mary Midgley criticizes moral isolationism, arguing that it prevents us from understanding and judging other cultures, which is essential for moral discourse and improvement.

Question 12

Furrow makes the unconventional claim that absolutism leads to greater moral uncertainty than relativism. Do you see why he thinks this? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Furrow makes the unconventional claim that absolutism...

Question 13

In similar fashion, Furrow argues that moral responsibility is not encouraged by moral absolutes and that "moral conscience is all we have." Explain his position in your own words. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In similar fashion, Furrow argues that moral...

Question 14

Midgley argues that moral isolationism not only forbids us from criticizing the practices of other cultures, it also prevents us from making any judgment whatsoever, favorable or otherwise.

Accepted Answer

Midgley criticizes moral isolationism by pointing out that it not only prohibits us from negatively judging other cultures' practices but also bars us from making any positive judgments, thus preventing any form of moral evaluation of other cultures.

Question 15

According to Furrow, we have reasons to doubt that moral judgments simply correlate to a person's cultural background. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Furrow, we have reasons to...

Question 16

The thesis statement of Furrow's paper is that __________.
A) Relativism is indefensible
B) Absolutism is indefensible
C) Relativism is indefensible, but absolutism is defensible
D) Both relativism and absolutism are indefensible

Accepted Answer

To provide an accurate answer to the question regarding the thesis statement of Furrow's paper, I would need to have the specific paper by Furrow in question. Without the actual content or context of the paper, it's impossible to determine what the author's thesis statement is.
If you can provide the title of the paper or any additional context, I would be able to give a more informed response. Otherwise, I can only speculate, and that would not be helpful for understanding the true thesis of Furrow's work. Please provide more information so that I can assist you effectively.

Question 17

Furrow notes that ethical relativism is the consensus view in academia today.

Accepted Answer

Ethical relativism, which suggests that moral standards are determined by cultural or individual preferences, is not the consensus view in academia today. Academia encompasses a wide range of ethical theories, including absolutism, universalism, and objectivism, indicating a lack of consensus on ethical relativism.

Question 18

Furrow argues that attempts to ground morality on religion ultimately collapse into yet another form of relativism.

Accepted Answer

Furrow's argument suggests that grounding morality solely in religion leads to a form of relativism because moral standards would then vary based on different religious beliefs, making them relative to each religion's doctrines rather than universally applicable.

Question 19

Midgley's essay is an extended discussion of which foreign custom?
A) Poppy farmers from Afghanistan
B) Shamans from the Navajo tribe
C) Japanese Samurai
D) Muslim Jihadists

Accepted Answer

Midgley's essay primarily discusses the custom of Japanese Samurai, focusing on their ethical practices and societal roles.

Question 20

Do you see why she thinks that moral isolationism means a ban on moral reasoning? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you see why she thinks that...

Quiz 6: Relating

On Midgley's view, why do people support moral isolationism?