Test 1: The Problems of Ethics

Important Concepts: be able to characterize and give examples.

morals (descriptive ethics)		ethics (prescriptive)
metaethics		analytical ethics
normative ethics		moral
nonmoral		immoral
amoral		cultural relativism
ethical relativism		ethical absolutism
ethical nihilism		ethical skepticism
ethical subjectivism		necessary condition
sufficient condition		contributing condition

Important Distinctions: Be able to list differences and give examples.

1. morals and ethics
2. psychological and ethical relativism
3. ethical relativism and ethical absolutism
4. necessary and sufficient conditions
5. ethics and social practice

Important Essays: Be able to explain in depth.

1. What are the central questions of ethics?
2. What is an ethical or moral issue?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages to the various criteria of truth in ethical matters: authority, consensus gentium, legality, conscience, revelation, intuition, reason?
4. Why be moral? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the purported justification: ``it pays,'' common interest, and ``it's right.''
5. What are the main objections to ethical relativism?