Dear Ethics students,

Because I have given you all the questions in advance, I cannot give the answers also. If I were to do so, students could just memorize and not have to think about philosophy and right & wrong at all.

So rather than have you have to guess what the questions might  be, I have given you the questions. If you use your notes and studies and other available materials to come know the answers well, I can then see your work in your very fine answers on the exam. I will be assured that you know well key issues in the philosophers.  And that is exactly what I am looking for and what I think is good for the development your mind and moral thinking.

Exam #2 The Ethical Theories of Kant and Mill

(20% of course grade)

All answers must be in full English sentences.

Answer on the basis of our study of Kant’s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals and Mill’s Utilitarianism.

Question #1 (40%) Compare and contrast the moral theories of Kant and Mill on five (5) key issues. Then choose one moral theory and give arguments and reasons why you think it is better than the other. It is expected that you provide a very substantial response to this question. NOTE: You must provide an outline of your response to this question before you present your response.

Only five (5) of the following questions will appear on the exam. You must answer three only (3), no more. Each question has a value of 20%. Answers are expected to be substantial, not short answer responses.

1. (20%) What is the nature of the Good Will and why is it important in the moral philosophy of Kant?

2. (20%) What does it mean to say that the Categorial Imperative is a synthetic a priori practical proposition?

3. (20%) What is Kant’s Two-World theory about the foundations of moral thought and obligation?

4. (20%) What is freedom for Kant and why is it important for his moral theory?

5. (20%) What does the English saying, “The proof is in the pudding” have to do with Mill’s determination of a suitable method in ethics?

6. (20%) What is the ultimate sanction of the principle of utility and what role does human sentiment play in the moral thinking of Mill?

7. (20%) What is justice and what connection does it have to rights in the thought of Mill? Be sure to explain the nature of rights in Mill.

8. (20%) Are rights and duties based on natural feelings for Mill? What makes duties moral for Mill? What makes rights moral for Mill?