Question 1

How might an objectivist respond to the argument that ethical objectivism is false because values have no place in a scientific world?

Accepted Answer

An objectivist could respond by maintaining that moral properties are natural properties, meaning they can be studied and understood scientifically. Additionally, the objectivist could deny that science is the ultimate measure of morality, asserting that morality exists in a realm beyond the material world studied by science. By combining these two responses, the objectivist can argue that ethical objectivism is not false simply because values have no place in a purely scientific world.

Question 2

What three types of theory exhaust all the possible views of the status of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Nihilism represents the view that ethical values do not exist; relativism represents the view that ethical values are relative to particular societies or cultures, and objectivism represents the view that there are objective ethical values that are independent of individuals or cultures. Therefore, these three types of theory exhaust all the possible views of the status of ethics.

Question 3

What is the relationship between ethical objectivism and ethical absolutism?

Accepted Answer

Ethical objectivism holds that there are objective moral truths that exist independent of human opinions or cultural differences. Ethical absolutism maintains that certain actions are always right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences. While ethical objectivism is consistent with ethical absolutism, it does not necessarily require it. In other words, one can believe in objective moral truths without necessarily believing in absolute moral rules.

Question 4

According to the text, which of the following does ethical objectivism support?

Accepted Answer

Ethical objectivism supports the idea that there are objective moral truths, which can promote tolerance by acknowledging different perspectives while still holding that some moral claims are universally valid.

Question 5

If ethical objectivism is true, which of the following must be true?

Accepted Answer

Ethical objectivism holds that moral truths exist independently of an individual's opinions or cultural practices. Therefore, it follows that not all moral truths are subjective. However, ethical objectivism does not necessarily imply that it is OK to force one's moral views onto others or to be dogmatic about them. These are separate ethical issues that depend on other factors such as respect for autonomy and open-mindedness.

Question 6

What is the key assumption behind the claim that atheism is incompatible with ethical objectivism?

Accepted Answer

The key assumption behind the claim that atheism is incompatible with ethical objectivism is that all laws require a lawmaker, and since atheists do not believe in a divine lawmaker, they cannot hold ethical objectivism.

Question 7

What kind of reasons is the objectivity of morality often thought to require?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What kind of reasons is the objectivity...

Question 8

What is the conclusion of the motivational argument inspired by David Hume?

Accepted Answer

The motivational argument inspired by David Hume suggests that moral beliefs are not truth-apt, meaning they cannot be true or false, as they are expressions of emotional responses rather than factual claims.

Question 9

What is the term for the view that moral features are just ordinary scientific features?

Accepted Answer

Moral naturalism is the view that moral features are just ordinary natural features and can be studied and explained using empirical scientific methods. It holds that ethical evaluations can be reduced to non-moral features of the world and incorporates the belief that our moral judgments can be objectively grounded in empirical facts.

Question 10

What kind of claims tell us how things ought to be?

Accepted Answer

Normative claims are statements that express opinions or make value judgments about how things should be, based on moral or ethical principles. They are distinct from positive claims, which are statements that describe reality as it is. Scientific claims and theoretical claims are types of positive claims that describe factual or theoretical knowledge about the world.

Question 11

According to the text, what is wrong with thinking that a claim is true only if science can verify it?

Accepted Answer

The claim that something is true only if science can verify it does not pass its own test because the claim itself cannot be scientifically verified, making it self-refuting.

Question 12

Which skeptical argument do you find to be the most persuasive? Describe at least one objection to the argument. In light of the objection, do you find the argument to be compelling overall? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which skeptical argument do you find to...

Question 13

Explain the skeptical argument from disagreement. How can the premises in the argument be defended? Which premise do you take to be the weakest, and why? Do you find the argument to be compelling overall? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the skeptical argument from disagreement. How...

Question 14

Explain the skeptical No Certainty Argument. How can the premises in the argument be defended? Which premise do you take to be the weakest, and why? Do you find the argument to be compelling overall? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the skeptical No Certainty Argument. How...

Question 15

Explain the Argument from Authority. How can the notion of "moral authority" be interpreted? Does everyone lack moral authority? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the Argument from Authority. How can...

Question 16

Explain the Irrelevant Influences Argument. Which influences over our moral beliefs are "irrelevant"? In light of these influences, are any of our moral beliefs justified? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the Irrelevant Influences Argument. Which influences...

Question 17

Reflect on your own moral upbringing. What has had the greatest influence over your personal moral beliefs? Do you believe your own moral beliefs to be justified? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Reflect on your own moral upbringing. What...

Question 18

To get knowledge in any area is to have some beliefs about it that are

Accepted Answer

In order to have knowledge in any area, one's beliefs about it must be both true and justified. Certainty is not a requirement for knowledge, as it is possible to have knowledge with some degree of doubt or uncertainty.

Question 19

Justified beliefs are

Accepted Answer

Justified beliefs are not always certain, but they are well-supported by evidence or reasoning. It is possible for well-supported beliefs to turn out to be false, but they are considered justified as long as they are based on a strong foundation of evidence or reasoning. Therefore, the best choice is D, well-supported.

Question 20

_______ is the view that we cannot have moral knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Moral skepticism is the view that we cannot have moral knowledge because there are no moral truths or because moral truths are inaccessible to humans. This view suggests that there are no objective or universal moral standards and that morality is simply a matter of personal or cultural opinion.

Quiz 21: Eleven Arguments Against Moral Objectivity