Exam #1 Essay QuestionWrite an essay describing one of the three moral theories we have examined in class: Utilitarianism, Kantianism, or Virtue Ethics. 1000 word limit.Utilitarianism:Explain what it means for utilitarianism to be universal, impartial, hedonistic, and concerned with maximizing outcomes. Explain Bentham’s hedonic calculus. Why does Mill reject the hedonic calculus? Explain the standard that Mill uses to rank pleasures as higher and lower. How is probable consequence utilitarianism an improvement over actual consequent utilitarianism? Explain how one of the thought experiments at the beginning of Chapter 6 poses a potential challenge to utilitarianism? What resources does utilitarianism have to respond to this challenge?Kantianism:What does Kant believe about aliens? What does this demonstrate about his moral theory? Explain Kant’s understanding of hypothetical imperatives. How is the Categorical Imperative different than hypothetical imperatives? What establishes the basis for the Categorical Imperative? Explain the Humanity as an End In Itself Formulation of the Categorical Imperative. Explain the system of duties that Kant thinks are implied by the Categorical Imperative. Explain the difference between a perfect and an imperfect duty. Why do Kantians argue that the imperfect/perfect duty distinction makes Kantianism better than some forms of utilitarianism? Explain how the indeterminacy objection can be raised against Kantianism.Virtue Ethics:What is a virtue? Explain Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean. What is phronesis? Why is phronesis important for Aristotle? Why are role models important for Virtue Ethics? What is eudemonia? How could an emphasis on eudemonia raise worries about Moral Relativism? Explain the difference between caring for, having caring of, and caring about? Explain how care plays a central role in care ethics. Explain some of the ways in which care ethics is different than a justice based approach to ethics. Explain how the indeterminacy objection can be raised against Virtue Ethics. Why do Virtue Ethicists believe that their approach is superior to Kantianism and Utilitarianism?
