PHI 130 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is deontology? How is it different from consequentialism? - Answer -The right
action is one done in accordance with moral duties or moral motivations). No exceptions
to duties for the sake of maximizing pleasure.
Example: Do not lie. If lying is some case maximize happiness, you still shouldn't do it
Deontology is usually contrasted with consequentialism (and both with virtue ethics).
Whereas consequentialists maintain that the right action is determined solely by its
consequences, deontologists deny this and hold that the right action is not determined
solely consequences
Child drowning scenario, if you saved the child bc you knew you were supposed to do
it= deontology (acting on moral duty), consequentialism= saving the child bc someone is
recording and for self interest
What is Kant's Formula of Universal Law? Explain what it is and what it says. - Answer
-His principle is the "formula of Universal Law" . The idea of immoral action is trying to
make an exception for yourself to make rules for others to follow. The specific principle
you are acting on is one you will follow to be universal law. A universal law to lie when
anyone wants and needs, which will turn to when no one will believe you. A moral
principle that captures the rule that should work for me and not for everyone, then if
everyone can't use it then it shouldn't be a law
Honesty is the best policy
An action only has moral worth if it is done from duty-or-if you act on moral principle
You don't get moral duty for lying even if it's for self interest and a better outcome.
Explain Kant's lying promise case and how the Formula of Universal Law shows us that
lying is wrong. - Answer -The consequences are not what matters, what matters is why
you do what you do. Did you do what you did because of the moral duty you had?
The lying promise case is your promise to pay someone back and they give you money.
But, you have no intention of paying it back
Kant looks at it as a moral failure, not to your friend without money. The problem is how
you're reasoned to do, if I lie it will get me what a want
The formality of the universal law comes in, if everyone lies to get what they want we
would live in a world where no one trusts anyone. No longer a rational principle of the
answer, because you can't make a lying promise if no one believes what you say.
Lie to get what I want, under the assumption that others are telling the truth. Expect
others to follow a rule, and you mistakenly think that you justify being able to lie.
Morally wrong, because you are trying to free ride on others moral actions.
Explain the murderer at the door case. What does Kant say you should do and why?
What do you think you should do and why? - Answer -A nazi guard comes to your door
asking about where your Jewish friend is. She is hiding in your house. If you say
nothing, he'll know she's there.
What is deontology? How is it different from consequentialism? - Answer -The right
action is one done in accordance with moral duties or moral motivations). No exceptions
to duties for the sake of maximizing pleasure.
Example: Do not lie. If lying is some case maximize happiness, you still shouldn't do it
Deontology is usually contrasted with consequentialism (and both with virtue ethics).
Whereas consequentialists maintain that the right action is determined solely by its
consequences, deontologists deny this and hold that the right action is not determined
solely consequences
Child drowning scenario, if you saved the child bc you knew you were supposed to do
it= deontology (acting on moral duty), consequentialism= saving the child bc someone is
recording and for self interest
What is Kant's Formula of Universal Law? Explain what it is and what it says. - Answer
-His principle is the "formula of Universal Law" . The idea of immoral action is trying to
make an exception for yourself to make rules for others to follow. The specific principle
you are acting on is one you will follow to be universal law. A universal law to lie when
anyone wants and needs, which will turn to when no one will believe you. A moral
principle that captures the rule that should work for me and not for everyone, then if
everyone can't use it then it shouldn't be a law
Honesty is the best policy
An action only has moral worth if it is done from duty-or-if you act on moral principle
You don't get moral duty for lying even if it's for self interest and a better outcome.
Explain Kant's lying promise case and how the Formula of Universal Law shows us that
lying is wrong. - Answer -The consequences are not what matters, what matters is why
you do what you do. Did you do what you did because of the moral duty you had?
The lying promise case is your promise to pay someone back and they give you money.
But, you have no intention of paying it back
Kant looks at it as a moral failure, not to your friend without money. The problem is how
you're reasoned to do, if I lie it will get me what a want
The formality of the universal law comes in, if everyone lies to get what they want we
would live in a world where no one trusts anyone. No longer a rational principle of the
answer, because you can't make a lying promise if no one believes what you say.
Lie to get what I want, under the assumption that others are telling the truth. Expect
others to follow a rule, and you mistakenly think that you justify being able to lie.
Morally wrong, because you are trying to free ride on others moral actions.
Explain the murderer at the door case. What does Kant say you should do and why?
What do you think you should do and why? - Answer -A nazi guard comes to your door
asking about where your Jewish friend is. She is hiding in your house. If you say
nothing, he'll know she's there.
