Deck 11: Challenges for Kantian Ethics

Question 1

Describe what Aristotle believes is the relationship between action and becoming virtuous.

Answer 1

Answers will vary.A sufficient answer should/might refer to Aristotle's belief that we become virtuous by doing virtuous actions,that becoming virtuous is a lifelong project,and that we must take enjoyment in doing the right thing in order to become virtuous.

Question 2

According to Kant there is only one categorical imperative.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Imagine that Rubin has had a dream since childhood of competing in the Tour de France,an annual bicycle race.In an attempt to ride in the Tour,he spends hours working out with weights and cycling.Indeed,he works at training until he loses all enjoyment of cycling and continues merely out of inertia.Which of the following seems to be the MOST likely Kantian interpretation of Rubin's actions?

A) He can will that everyone fulfill childhood dreams,and is thus ethically right.
B) He cannot will that everyone ride the Tour,so this is morally wrong.
C) He is treating himself as an autonomous agent,and thus it is morally right.
D) He is treating himself merely as a means to an end,and thus it is unethical.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Let us assume that generosity is a virtue.How would Aristotle understand this virtue in relation to other possible habituations?

Question 5

Which of the following is an instance in which it is possible that Kant would find lying morally permissible?

A) when another's life is in danger
B) when asked if you like a friend's new haircut
C) when invited to an event you do not wish to attend
D) when on one's deathbed

Question 6

Describe the difference between knowing that and knowing how,providing an example of each type of knowledge.

Question 7

Explain what,according to Aristotle,the function of humans is.

Question 8

Imagine that a recent college graduate,Gus,is at a party and discovers that another guest,Bonnie,is in charge of hiring for a local company.Which of the following best explains what Kant would think of Gus being nice to Bonnie throughout the rest of the evening?

A) Gus's doing so might give him an unethical advantage in future hiring.
B) Bonnie's allowing of the interaction signals that Gus's actions are appropriate.
C) Gus and Bonnie are acting autonomously,so all is ethically fine.
D) If Gus is doing so in order to get a job,he is treating Bonnie merely as a means to an end and is thus wrong.

Question 9

Which of the following is a likely parallel to Kant's concern about neglecting talents?

A) when a persnickety eater goes to a gourmet restaurant
B) the use of charitable giving to underwrite operational expenses for a nonprofit
C) when an athlete barely misses qualifying for a competition
D) the statement that it is "a waste" when a youth dies unexpectedly

Question 10

Imagine that Rowan finds a website that allows him to stream pirated versions of current films without payment.How might Kant analyze the morality here?

A) This is wrong because films are meant to be seen on the big screen in order to experience sublimity.
B) This is permissible only so long as Rowan would not have paid to see the movies in the theater.
C) If everyone pirated the films,then the very notion of pirating becomes self-defeating,as the films would cease to be considered objects of value.
D) This is in keeping with imperfect duties,or those followed only on occasion.

Question 11

What does it mean to treat someone as an end?

A) to treat them as the last opponent to be vanquished (as in a competitor)
B) to treat them as if they have their own interests,goals,and will
C) to treat them as a way to get what you want
D) to treat them as possible companions on your search for enlightenment

Question 12

Aristotle believed that for a person to have lived a good life,he must have not only done good actions but he must have taken enjoyment in doing so.Briefly discuss if you believe that Aristotle is correct and why.

Question 13

What did Schopenhauer consider was an instance of Kant illicitly bringing religious principles into morality?

A) situating a state of reward in the afterlife for actions while living
B) the opportunity for repentance for past wrongs
C) the belief that morality operates via commands,laws,and edicts
D) the use of the golden rule

Question 14

What does Kant mean by heteronomous?

A) acting in conformity to external pressures
B) acting against self-interest
C) acting in accord with conventional morality
D) acting irrationally

Question 15

Kant's kingdom of ends formulation is important for which of the following reasons?

A) It assumes that actions all have an ultimate goal.
B) It establishes the moral agent as superior to others.
C) It emphasizes that our beliefs about action apply to ourselves as much as they do to others.
D) It allows for equality for all.

Question 16

It is best to understand the categorical imperative as which of the following?

A) a heuristic device to understand morality
B) the embodiment of good will's duty
C) a collection of morally permissible acts
D) something against which to test maxims

Question 17

For Kant,an indicator that lying is wrong is which of the following?

A) Lying is an expression of unequal power.
B) No one can consent to be lied to by another.
C) Lies end up causing too many problems.
D) Lying can become a habit that cannot be broken.