English 1101

Study Questions

Ethics (Morality and the Good Life)

 

 

  1. Explain the Categorical Imperative (261-264 and Glossary).  Why is it categorical?  What makes it imperative?  What does in mean in plain American?

 

  1. Explain what Aristotle thought you would have to do to achieve happiness (eudaimonia—267-268).

 

  1. Explain utilitarianism and the utility principle (264-266).

 

  1. Explain the difference between duty-defined and consequentialist ethics.

 

Relating to “Philosophy, Sex, Race, and Culture”

 

  1. Explain the stages of moral development claimed by Lawrence Kohlberg (329-330).  Look at the Wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Kohlberg for more help.

 

  1. Explain the difference between Lawrence Kohlberg’s explanation of moral reasoning and Carol Gilligan’s (329-350).