Introduction to ethics 2020 test 3 study guide spring 2007
Be able to
Define
Classical Utilitarianism (generally)
Act Utilitarianism
Rule Utilitarianism
Do the Following
Tell how J.S. Mill defines happiness
Explain Mill's view on how we should evaluate pleasure
Tell what Mill thought about whether we would rather be happy fools or less happy intelligent people
Tell what Mill's view on why we value virtue
Explain Mill's view on why we desire things
Explain one reason why anti-utilitarians argue that consequences aren't the only morally relevant consideration. Explain one defense the utilitarian might make to the above objection.
Explain the objection that utilitarianism is too demanding. Explain one defense the utilitarian might make to the above objection.
Explain Robert Nozick's idea of the experience machine. Tell the three reasons Nozick thinks we would not want to plug into this machine. Would you want to spend your life in the experience machine? Why or why not? Do you think most people would agree with you (would they want to be in the machine or not)? Why or why not? (This essay must be written in paragraph form using complete sentences for full credit)