ETHICS 101 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
ad hominem
an attack on the person rather than the issues at hand (a common fallacy)
Aesthetics
The study of beauty and taste
Altruism
Behavior that is oriented toward the well-being (vs egoism); see also pro-social behavior
Arguments from analogy
Arguments based upon a comparison between items; relevant similarities among things
are intended to incline us to accept conclusions about these things that are also
relevantly similar
begging the question
A fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. The
conclusion is assumed in the premises (circular argument)
Categorical Imperative
Kantian term for an absolute and universal moral demand or obligation founded on
reasoning. Act only according to that Maxine, whereby you can will that it should also be
a universal law. (Vs hypothetical imperative)
Circular Argument
An argument that commits the logical fallacy of assuming what it is attempting to prove.
Contractarianism
the idea of a social contract, or agreement, among individuals for mutual advantage
(assoc. with Hobbes and Rawls)
Deontological Ethics
The idea that actions are right and wrong in themselves independently of any
consequences (normative theory)
Descriptive Claims
claims that describe, state how the world is
ANSWERS
ad hominem
an attack on the person rather than the issues at hand (a common fallacy)
Aesthetics
The study of beauty and taste
Altruism
Behavior that is oriented toward the well-being (vs egoism); see also pro-social behavior
Arguments from analogy
Arguments based upon a comparison between items; relevant similarities among things
are intended to incline us to accept conclusions about these things that are also
relevantly similar
begging the question
A fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt. The
conclusion is assumed in the premises (circular argument)
Categorical Imperative
Kantian term for an absolute and universal moral demand or obligation founded on
reasoning. Act only according to that Maxine, whereby you can will that it should also be
a universal law. (Vs hypothetical imperative)
Circular Argument
An argument that commits the logical fallacy of assuming what it is attempting to prove.
Contractarianism
the idea of a social contract, or agreement, among individuals for mutual advantage
(assoc. with Hobbes and Rawls)
Deontological Ethics
The idea that actions are right and wrong in themselves independently of any
consequences (normative theory)
Descriptive Claims
claims that describe, state how the world is
