PHIL 1001S Week 3: Study Questions
Philosophy and Religion
Why is it not possible to make an Ontological Argument for the existence of a being other than the greatest possible being?
The idea of a being that is the greatest possible is easy to conceive.
The Ontological Argument is controversial.
It would be time-consuming to argue for the existence of every being besides God.
The idea of a being that is not the greatest possible being is consistent with such a being’s nonexistence.
What is the basis of Aquinas’ Cosmological Argument?
The basis of Aquinas’ Cosmological Argument is that everything has a cause.
In which of the following countries can you find The First Cause Argument?
The First Cause Argument can be found in Egypt.
Which of the following analogies does the Argument from Design draw upon?
The Argument from Design draws upon the analogy that complexity in nature is like complexity in technology.
What is the assumption in the Argument from Design?
The assumption in the Argument from Design is that something with complexity has to have a designer.
How do the Cosmological Argument and the Argument from Design differ from the Ontological Argument?
The Cosmological Argument and the Argument from Design rely on the idea of God as a first cause or a designer to affirm God’s existence, while the Ontological Argument relies on the ideal characteristics of the greatest conceivable being.
Which of these ideas reflect Aquinas’ Cosmological Proof? (Select all that apply.)
Something can come from nothing.
All contingent beings require a cause for their existence.
The universe had to have a creator.
Match the premise on the left to the argument on the right.
Organized complexity cannot be the result of mere chance. – Argument from Design
It cannot be that all beings are contingent, so there must be a necessary being. – Cosmological Argument
God must exist, or he would not be the greatest possible being. – Ontological Argument
PHIL 1001S Week 3: Study Questions
Why did Gaunilo try to make an argument parallel with Anselm’s that concluded there must exist a greatest possible island?
Gaunilo tried to make an argument parallel with Anselm’s to show that if such an argument was faulty, it would demonstrate the faultiness of Anselm’s argument as well.
Gaunilo objected to the Ontological Argument on the basis that it inferred existence from which of the following?
Gaunilo objected to the Ontological Argument on the basis that it inferred existence from conceivability.
What does the objection that “exists” is not a predicate mean to the Ontological Argument?
It means that even if God exists, his existence is not part of what makes him the greatest possible being.
Kant’s objection to the Ontological Argument takes issue with which of the argument’s premises?
Kant’s objection to the Ontological Argument takes issue with the premise that existence is a characteristic of the greatest conceivable being.
PHIL 1001S Week 3: Study Questions
According to Pascal’s wager, why would one not want to “bet” against God’s existence?
One would have everything to gain and nothing to lose by believing in God’s existence.
Who argued that the notion of existence differs from other descriptive elements?
Kant argued that the notion of existence differs from other descriptive elements.
The notion of evil has been an issue for philosophers because of what kind of occurrences within the world?
The notion of evil has been an issue for philosophers because of horrific occurrences within the world.
Why did Leibniz think that the actual world must be the best of all possible worlds?
Leibniz thought that the actual world must be the best of all possible worlds because God, being all-good, would create the best world.
What is the intended conclusion of Mackie’s inconsistent trio of propositions.
Ethics and Morality
What is the difference between moral absolutism and moral relativism?
Moral absolutism is the belief that there are objective and universal moral principles that are valid for all people, regardless of cultural or individual differences. Moral relativism, on the other hand, is the belief that moral judgments are subjective and dependent on individual or cultural perspectives.
What is consequentialism in ethics?
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions as the primary determinant of their moral value. It holds that actions are morally right or wrong based on their ability to produce the best overall consequences, usually in terms of maximizing happiness or minimizing harm.
What is the difference between deontological ethics and consequentialist ethics?
Deontological ethics, also known as non-consequentialist ethics, emphasizes the inherent nature of actions and adhering to moral duties or rules. It holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. Consequentialist ethics, on the other hand, evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences, considering the overall good or utility they produce.
What is the principle of double effect?
The principle of double effect is a moral principle used to assess the permissibility of an action that may have both good and bad effects. It states that an action may be morally permissible if it has a good intention, the bad effect is not the means to achieve the good effect, the good effect outweighs the bad effect, and there is a proportionate reason for allowing the bad effect.
What is virtue ethics?
Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that focuses on the moral character of individuals and the cultivation of virtuous traits or qualities. It emphasizes the development of good character, such as honesty, courage, and compassion, as the foundation for making ethical decisions and leading a morally good life.
PHIL 1001S Week 3: Study Questions
What is the difference between moral realism and moral subjectivism?
Moral realism is the belief that there are objective moral facts or truths that exist independently of human opinions or beliefs. It holds that moral statements can be true or false, and there are moral principles that are valid and binding for everyone. Moral subjectivism, on the other hand, asserts that moral judgments are subjective and dependent on individual opinions or cultural norms. It suggests that moral statements express personal preferences or attitudes rather than objective truths.
What is the trolley problem?
The trolley problem is a moral thought experiment that presents a hypothetical scenario where a person has to make a decision regarding the outcome of a runaway trolley. The classic version involves choosing whether to pull a lever to divert the trolley from killing five people onto a track where it would kill one person. It raises ethical questions about the permissibility of actively causing harm to prevent greater harm or the value of individual lives versus the principle of minimizing harm.
What is the difference between instrumental value and intrinsic value?
Instrumental value refers to the value of something as a means to an end or for the sake of achieving something else. It is based on the usefulness or utility of the thing in achieving desired outcomes. Intrinsic value, on the other hand, is the value that something possesses inherently or in itself, independent of its usefulness or instrumental role. It is often associated with the inherent worth, dignity, or moral significance of beings or entities.
PHIL 1001S Week 3: Study Questions
What is cultural relativism in ethics?
Cultural relativism is the view that ethical judgments and moral values are culturally determined and vary from culture to culture. It suggests that there are no universal or objective moral standards, and what is considered morally right or wrong is relative to the beliefs, practices, and values of a particular culture. It advocates for tolerance and understanding of cultural differences in ethical perspectives.
What is the difference between ethical egoism and psychological egoism?
Ethical egoism is the normative ethical theory that asserts individuals ought to act in their self-interest and promote their own well-being as the ultimate moral goal. It prescribes selfishness as the morally right course of action. Psychological egoism, on the other hand, is a descriptive psychological theory that claims individuals always act in their self-interest, whether consciously or unconsciously. It describes human nature and motivations rather than prescribing moral behavior.
