Phil. 102: Introduction to Philosophy
Test 3: Philosophical Ethics

Fall, 2006 ©2006 GDFL

Distinctions Directions: Clearly define and explain the differences between the following ethical doctrines in four of the following five questions. Use complete sentences in your definitions or explanations.

1. Determinism and Predeterminism
2. Fatalism and Predestination
3. Indeterminism and Free Will
4. A priori and a posteriori probability
5. Psychological egoism and ethical egoism.

Essay Directions: Answer any five of the six following questions in sentence and paragraph form. Please remember, as well, specific examples must be explained not just mentioned in order to receive full credit.

1. What is the Myth of the Ring of Gyges? Does it prove psychological egoism true?
2. Explain clearly Moore's argument against the view that ethics is sociologically based. Explain what he means by giving a specific example.
3. Why does Moore think that ethics cannot be based on people's feelings of what's right and what's wrong.
4. What is the difference between selfishness and self-interest? Explain an example which illustrates the difference.
5. Explain in some detail the differences among the master-morality and the slave-morality. Explain whether these concepts could be useful in the analysis of interpersonal dynamics.
6. What does the existentialist mean by despair? What is meant by we read the signs as we please?

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