Yale University Philosophy Discussion

Directions: Answer all four of the following questions in no more than two sentences each.

What is the difference between an end-result principle of distributive justice and a historical principle of justice in holdings?

Explain how money would be distributed by a utilitarian principle of distributive justice.

Explain how money would be distributed by a Rawlsian principle of distributive justice.

1. Explain how the doctrine of sufficiency differs from egalitarianism, regarding distribution of resources.

Directions: Utilizing the theories and arguments we’ve discussed in class along with your own insights, defend your position on two of the following issues. Be sure to, A) articulate your position in terms of an argument and the theory that underwrites the argument. Then, B) elicit the best counterarguments and counter-theories against your position; state them clearly and forcefully. Then, C) do your best to rebut them with sound logic. Creativity, ingenuity, and logical analysis will be rewarded.

5. Is abortion morally permissible in scenarios where the mother’s life is not in danger, and rape did not occur? What are the flaws in the arguments opposed to your position?

6. Virtue ethicists disagree with Kant that a will is the only thing that can be unqualifiedly good. Instead, they believe that who I am is what is good or bad. Why do they say this, what is wrong with Kant’s view from their perspective. Which path would make you a better person, the path of duty, or of virtue? Do they need to be opposed? Why or why not?

1. 7. What does it mean to have a good will and why is this Kantian concept a significant improvement over Mill’s theory which leaves out moral intuitions altogether and asks us to be a benevolent spectator? Explain Kant’s analogy of the will as a jewel that shines on its own. If you had to practice only one of these two ethical theories, which would make you a better person?