Solved 2024: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024<br>Philosophy: Ethics-II (Western)

Subject: Philosophy

Semester: 2nd Semester (FYUG)

Time: 3 Hours

Section-A

(Answer any ten questions. Each question carries 2 marks.)

1. State two points of differences between Normative ethics and Metaethics. [2 Marks]

Focus: Normative ethics prescribes moral standards and rules for conduct, while Metaethics analyzes the nature, meaning, and origin of ethical concepts.

Goal: Normative ethics answers "What should we do?", whereas Metaethics answers "What does 'good' mean?".

2. How are rights and duties correlated? [2 Marks]

Rights and duties are interdependent; the right of one individual implies a corresponding duty for others to respect that right, and an individual's right often comes with the duty to use it responsibly

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3. What are the different classes of virtue? [2 Marks]

Virtues are generally classified into Intellectual virtues (related to reasoning and wisdom) and Moral virtues (related to habits of character and action)

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4. What is Hedonism? [2 Marks]

Hedonism is an ethical theory which posits that pleasure is the ultimate good and the primary motivator of human action, making it the standard for moral judgment

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5. Mention two points of distinction between Hedonism and Utilitarianism. [2 Marks]

Scope: Hedonism often focuses on individual pleasure, while Utilitarianism focuses on the "greatest happiness of the greatest number".

Application: Hedonism is an egoistic pursuit of pleasure, whereas Utilitarianism is a social and altruistic theory.

6. How many kinds of virtue are accepted by Aristotle? Name them. [2 Marks]

Aristotle accepts two kinds of virtue: Intellectual virtues and Moral virtues

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7. What is Deontological Ethics? [2 Marks]

Deontological ethics is a normative theory that judges the morality of an action based on its adherence to rules or duties, regardless of the consequences

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8. Mention, after Kant, two maxims of morality. [2 Marks]

Formula of Universal Law: Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

Formula of Humanity: Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.

9. On what grounds does W. D. Ross reject Kant's deontology? [2 Marks]

W. D. Ross rejects Kant's deontology on the grounds that moral duties are not absolute or exceptionless; he argues that duties are "prima facie" and can conflict, requiring us to choose the most pressing duty in a given situation.

10. Which philosopher holds that 'good' is indefinable? Name one book written by him. [2 Marks]

Philosopher: G. E. Moore.

Book: Principia Ethica.

11. What is Naturalistic Fallacy? [2 Marks]

The Naturalistic Fallacy, coined by G. E. Moore, is the error of defining the indefinable property "good" in terms of natural properties like "pleasure," "desire," or "evolutionary progress"

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12. Mention two points of differences between Ayer's emotivism and Stevenson's emotivism. [2 Marks]

Ayer views moral statements as mere expressions of emotion, whereas Stevenson emphasizes their persuasive power to influence the attitudes of others.

Stevenson allows for a limited role of "reasons" in ethical disagreement, while Ayer's version is more strictly non-cognitive.

13. What is Applied Ethics? [2 Marks]

Applied ethics is the branch of ethics that examines specific, controversial moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, or environmental protection by applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios

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14. Mention any one issue involved in environmental ethics. Which theory supports 'Man-with-Nature' attitude? [2 Marks]

Issue: Climate change or deforestation.

Theory: Ecocentrism (or Deep Ecology).

15. What is Capital punishment? Does the reformative theory favor capital punishment? [2 Marks]

Definition: Capital punishment is the state-sanctioned execution of an individual as a punishment for a crime.

Reformative Theory: No, the reformative theory does not favor capital punishment because execution eliminates the possibility of reforming the criminal.

Section-B

(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 10 marks.)

16. Discuss the nature and scope of ethics. [2+8=10 Marks]

Nature: Ethics is a normative science that studies the ideals and standards of human conduct. It is not a positive science like physics, as it deals with "what ought to be" rather than "what is".

Scope:

Analysis of Moral Concepts: Examining right, wrong, duty, and virtue.

Human Agency: Studying voluntary actions and the role of free will.

Social Context: Evaluating the relationship between the individual and society.

Applied Issues: Addressing contemporary dilemmas in medicine, environment, and law.

18. What is Utilitarianism? Critically examine Mill's theory of utilitarianism. [2+8=10 Marks]

Utilitarianism: A teleological theory holding that the moral worth of an action is determined by its contribution to overall utility, defined as the greatest happiness for the greatest number

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J.S. Mill's Theory:

Qualitative Hedonism: Unlike Bentham, Mill distinguished between "higher" intellectual pleasures and "lower" sensual pleasures.

The Proof of Utility: Mill argued that the only proof that something is desirable is that people actually desire it.

Critical Examination: Critics argue that Mill's distinction between qualities of pleasure makes the theory inconsistent with pure hedonism. Furthermore, Utilitarianism is often criticized for potentially justifying the sacrifice of individual rights for the sake of the majority.

19. What, according to Aristotle, is virtue? Discuss Aristotle's virtue ethics, with special reference to the concept of 'Golden Mean'. [2+8=10 Marks]

Virtue: For Aristotle, virtue (arete) is an "excellence" of character—a disposition to act in accordance with right reason

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The Golden Mean: Aristotle argued that moral virtue is always a middle ground between two extremes: deficiency and excess

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Deficiency	Virtue (Mean)	Excess
Cowardice	Courage	Rashness
Insensibility	Temperance	Intemperance
Stinginess	Generosity	Extravagance

Virtue is not innate but is developed through habituation and the exercise of practical wisdom (phronesis)

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20. What does Kant mean by 'Categorical Imperative'? Examine Kant's ethical theory with reference to the doctrine of 'Duty for duty's sake'. [2+8=10 Marks]

Categorical Imperative: A moral command that is unconditional and binding for all rational beings, regardless of their desires or ends

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Duty for Duty's Sake:

Kant argued that the only thing good without qualification is a Good Will.

Actions have moral worth only when performed out of respect for the moral law, not out of inclination, self-interest, or consequence.

This deontology emphasizes that we must do our duty simply because it is our duty.

Examination: While Kant's theory provides a strong basis for human dignity, it is often criticized for being too rigid and failing to provide guidance when duties conflict

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24. What is Environmental Ethics? Distinguish between Anthropocentrism and Ecocentrism as theories of environmental ethics. [2+8=10 Marks]

Environmental Ethics: The study of the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents

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Comparison:

Feature Anthropocentrism Ecocentrism Center of Value Human beings. The entire ecosystem. Nature's Value Instrumental (useful to humans). Intrinsic (valuable in itself). Human Role Master or Steward of nature. A plain member and citizen of nature.

25. What is punishment? Briefly discuss the three theories of punishment. [1+9=10 Marks]

Punishment: An authorized imposition of deprivations or burdens on a person who has violated a law

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Retributive Theory: Based on the idea of "an eye for an eye," it argues that a criminal deserves to suffer in proportion to the crime committed.

Deterrent (Preventive) Theory: Aims to discourage the offender and others from committing future crimes by demonstrating the unpleasant consequences.

Reformative Theory: Views crime as a social disease; the goal is to rehabilitate the offender and transform them into a law-abiding citizen.

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips: When discussing Kant, always mention the "Good Will." For Mill, emphasize "Qualitative" vs "Quantitative" pleasure.

Common Mistakes: Do not confuse "Prima Facie Duties" (Ross) with "Categorical Imperatives" (Kant). Ross allows for exceptions; Kant does not.

Presentation Strategy: Use tables for comparisons (like Anthropocentrism vs Ecocentrism) to make your answer clearer for the examiner.

Knowlet Focus: The concept of "Golden Mean" is essential for any question regarding Aristotle.