Phi 208 Final Exam 20161 According To Jeremy Bentham

Phi 208 Final Exam New 20161 According To Jeremy Bentham As Descri

According to Jeremy Bentham (as described by Singer), what should determine whether a being’s interests should be taken into account? Whether they can suffer.

In the video “Drones Are Not Ethical and Effective,” Jeremy Waldron argues that drones are not ethical because their use involves the maintenance of a secret death list by government authorities.

Rachels claims that there is no moral difference between active and passive euthanasia, considered in themselves.

The conventional doctrine is endorsed by the American Medical Association.

Noddings states that mothers often allow their desire to demonstrate patriotism to override their natural opposition to war and the death of their children.

According to Rachels, the “conventional doctrine” maintains that passive euthanasia is sometimes permissible, but active euthanasia never is.

In the article “War and Massacre,” Thomas Nagel argues that moral absolutism is primarily concerned with what a person is doing.

According to Midgley, moral isolationism stems from concern about hypocrisy and is a “perverse indulgence of the self-righteous.”

Mill determines the difference between higher and lower pleasures based on the preference of those who are acquainted with both.

Gilligan claims that females tend to see relationships as webs.

In the video “Sexism in the News Media 2012,” some newscasters blame military women for being raped.

According to Kant, the moral worth of an action lies in its conformity to the moral law.

Questions in the Bechdel test include: Is there more than one female character? Do they speak to each other? When they speak to each other, do they talk about something other than a man?

In Kant’s Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, the maxim of an act is the policy or principle that you would be following if you did it.

Rachels shows that there is no intrinsic moral difference between killing and letting die.

Aristotle states that we should begin ethical inquiry by specifying the ultimate aim of all that we do.

According to Thomas Hill’s account of environmental ethics, a person might show a lack of virtue when they fail to recognize the rights of non-sentient beings.

Reason is a faculty that is both the driving principle of a good will and the fundamental ground of human dignity.

Aristotle states that the highest good of human action nearly everyone agrees that it is happiness.

Kant explains that respect for a person is the recognition of the worth of the person’s potential contribution to society.

Leon Kass attributes the drive to legalize euthanasia to the rise in a largely technical approach to healing.

According to Rachels, active euthanasia is currently forbidden by law and conventionally considered immoral.

Kant claims that a good will is the only thing that can be called good without qualification.

Aristotle claims that the function of human life is rational activity.

Aristotle conceives of a virtue as a state of character that enables practically wise choices.

The scene from The Bridge on the River Kwai shows that Colonel Nicholson insists that the soldiers work hard to build the best bridge because it is an expression of the strength and dignity of a soldier even in captivity.

Physicians find it hard to understand palliative care because they are focused on healing rather than helping die.

Tom Regan argues that the fundamental wrong with our current system is that it treats animals as resources, as though they exist for us.

Glaukon thinks that deep in our hearts we all believe that injustice is more profitable than justice.

Midgley explains that moral isolationism leads to a “perverse indulgence of the self-righteous.”

Peter Singer’s “basic principles of equality” applied to animals means animals should not be given the same rights as humans but should have an equal consideration of interests.

The Ring of Gyges gave the shepherd invisibility.

The moral theory endorsed by Jeremy Bentham, which Singer seems to agree with, is utilitarianism.

Kant claims that suicide is immoral because it involves treating one’s autonomous will merely as a means to the relief of suffering.

If the Ring of Gyges really existed, everyone would use it the same.

Kenneth Anderson argues that drones make the resort to force easier, which might lead enemies to be less afraid to attack us.

Egg-laying hens in factory farms tend to have it much better than meat hens but are kept in tight confinement and have their beaks painfully seared off.

Tom Regan’s position on animals in research and agriculture is that animals should never be used for medical research or commercial agriculture.

In Hill’s example, the wealthy eccentric man cut down an avocado tree and covered the yard with asphalt after buying a new house.

The difficulty in calculating the utility of an act includes the time frame of consequences, disagreements about the meaning of pleasure or happiness, and determining what constitutes the greatest good.

Rachels concludes that active euthanasia is not always worse than passive euthanasia.

In the video “Religion, War, and Violence,” Just War Theory asserts that military intervention can be seen as an act of altruism.

Hill might suggest that a lack of aesthetic perception indicates an inability to appreciate the true value of things in general.

Midgley’s analysis states that moral relativism is a position that each society is a separate culture with its own values.

Robinson argues that honor encourages restraint, heroism, and the waging of war in warfare.

Robinson describes magnanimity and integrity as both primarily concerned with honor.

Thomas Nagel argues that all rules of engagement should be governed by the utilitarian principle that any means can be justified if it leads to a worthy end.

Held states that historically, femininity has been associated with emotion, weakness, and passion.

Feminist ethics is based on the idea that emotions can be cultivated and ought to be taken into account in ethical theory.

Colin Stokes' film features all the heroic, wise, and villainous characters as female in “The Wizard of Oz.”

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical considerations surrounding animal rights and human morality have long been debated within philosophical circles. Central to this discourse is Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian approach, as described by Peter Singer, which emphasizes that the capacity to suffer, rather than rational faculties or love, should determine whether a being's interests are morally relevant. Bentham’s focus on suffering as the key criterion has significantly influenced modern perspectives on animal ethics, urging us to extend moral consideration beyond humans. Singer’s advocacy for equal consideration of interests underscores the importance of minimizing suffering across species, challenging traditional anthropocentric moral frameworks.

In contemporary ethical debates, the use of military drones has raised significant concerns regarding morality and accountability. Jeremy Waldron’s critique highlights that the transparency and secretive nature of drone operations undermine accountability, and the maintenance of clandestine death lists exacerbates moral issues. Drones’ ability to conduct targeted eliminations with minimal risk to military personnel complicates straightforward moral assessments. Critics argue that these qualities foster a detachment from the moral gravity of taking human life, potentially leading to unjustified killings and a decline in moral responsibility. This debate exemplifies the tension between technological advantages and ethical obligations in warfare, emphasizing the need to scrutinize the moral frameworks guiding drone use.

The moral permissibility of euthanasia remains a contentious issue, with philosophers like James Rachels advocating for reconsideration of the traditional distinctions. Rachels asserts that there is no inherent moral difference between active and passive euthanasia when evaluated within their consequences. This stance aligns with the conventional doctrine endorsed by institutions such as the American Medical Association, which historically considers passive euthanasia permissible under certain circumstances. Rachels’ argument challenges the moral hierarchy that often privileges letting die over killing, urging a focus on intentions and outcomes rather than the method of ending life.

Eleanor Noddings’ perspective on war emphasizes maternal instincts and natural opposition to the death of children. She suggests that mothers' natural responses may be overshadowed by patriotic displays and societal pressures to justify war. Such perspectives reveal that emotional bonds and natural aversions complicate ethical affirmations of war, especially when it involves the loss of innocent lives. Recognizing these maternal sentiments is vital in understanding the human dimension often neglected in rational justifications for warfare.

The conventional doctrine in bioethics, as endorsed by the American Medical Association, generally endorses the permissibility of passive euthanasia while maintaining restrictions on active euthanasia. This stance reflects a cautious approach that prioritizes the sanctity of life and the moral distinction traditionally drawn between killing and letting die. However, Rachels’ critique calls into question whether these distinctions hold moral weight when outcomes are comparable, promoting a more utilitarian evaluation of euthanasia debates.

Philosophers like Carol Gilligan emphasize gender differences in moral reasoning, particularly the tendency of females to prioritize relationships. Gilligan claims that women often perceive relationships as webs—complex interconnectedness—rather than hierarchies or rules. This perspective challenges traditional moral theories centered around justice and autonomy, suggesting that caring and relational contexts are central to understanding human morality, especially in femininity and motherhood.

Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy stipulates that the moral worth of an action lies in its conformity to the moral law, derived from duty rather than consequences. Kantian ethics emphasizes autonomy and universalizability, asserting that moral actions must stem from rational principles that could be willed as a universal law. This deontological approach contrasts with consequentialist theories, focusing on the inherent morality of motives rather than outcomes.

In contemporary film and media, the Bechdel test has become a popular tool to assess gender representation. It requires that a work features at least two female characters who speak to each other about something other than a man. This simple criterion highlights ongoing issues of gender equality in media portrayal, encouraging more nuanced and equitable representations of women.

Aristotle’s virtue ethics posits that ethics begins with understanding the nature of virtues—traits of character that enable moral and practical wisdom. The highest good, or eudaimonia, is achieved through rational activity and living in accordance with excellence. Virtue is cultivated through habituation, fostering virtues like courage, temperance, and justice, which collectively enable a flourishing life.

The scene from “The Bridge on the River Kwai” exemplifies the importance of dignity and moral integrity in adversity. Colonel Nicholson’s insistence on building the bridge reflects a commitment to maintaining personal virtue and moral dignity, even under captivity. Such narratives underscore that moral character persists amidst hardship, serving as a form of resistance and self-respect.

Understanding palliative care presents challenges for physicians because of its focus on alleviating suffering rather than curing disease. Medical training often emphasizes intervention and healing, which can hinder the acceptance of palliative approaches that prioritize comfort and dignity in dying processes. Recognizing this gap is essential for integrating holistic and compassionate end-of-life care into medical practice.

Peter Regan criticizes the current animal research and agriculture systems for their exploitation and mistreatment. He argues that animals are treated merely as resources, existing for human benefit, which is ethically unjustifiable. Regan advocates for recognizing animals as subjects with inherent rights, implying that their treatment should be governed by respect for their intrinsic value rather than utilitarian calculations aimed solely at human benefits.

Glaukon’s view, rooted in Plato’s republic, suggests that human beings inherently believe injustice can be more profitable than justice. Deep down, individuals are motivated by self-interest and the desire to maximize personal gain, which can motivate unjust behavior despite societal laws or moral codes. This cynical perspective raises questions about the true moral nature of human beings.

Midgley’s concept of moral isolationism warns that viewing each society as morally insular leads to moral blindness. This position can justify moral indifference or reduction of moral responsibility beyond cultural boundaries. In contrast, cross-cultural dialogue promotes moral understanding and recognizes the importance of shared human values.

Robinson highlights that honor encourages restraint, heroism, and the regulation of conduct during wartime, emphasizing that moral virtues are crucial in conflict. Magnanimity and integrity are linked with honor; these qualities foster moral discipline and respect even amidst the chaos of war.

Thomas Nagel advocates for regulation of military engagement based on utilitarian principles. He suggests that rules of engagement should aim to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering, although targeting noncombatants is especially problematic and generally unjustifiable for utilitarian reasons.

In feminist thought, femininity has historically been associated with emotion, weakness, and passion. Feminist ethics challenges these stereotypes by emphasizing that emotional capacity and relational understanding are vital components of moral reasoning and human experience.

Feminist ethics fundamentally rests on the idea that emotions and relationships are central to moral understanding. Unlike traditional abstract principles, this approach advocates that caring, empathy, and contextual judgment are essential to ethical decision-making.

Colin Stokes’ film “The Wizard of Oz” is notable for featuring all the heroic, wise, and villainous characters as female, challenging traditional gender stereotypes by normalizing female agency in diverse roles.

References

• Singer, P. (1975). Animal Liberation. Random House.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• Aristotle. (ca. 350 BCE). Nicomachean Ethics.
• Nagel, T. (1971). War and Massacre. Cambridge University Press.
• Midgley, M. (1984). Trying Out Our Fortunes. Routledge.
• Regan, T. (1983). The Case for Animal Rights. University of California Press.
• Hill, T. (1983). Environmental Ethics. Temple University Press.
• Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice. Harvard University Press.
• Kass, L. (1978). The Wisdom of Repugnance. The New Republic.
• Robinson, P. (2003). Marine Honour and Virtue.