Applied: Simulated killing

Question 1

What is the definition of simulated killing?

Answer 1

The dramatization or enactment of killing within a fictional context, such as in video games, films, and plays.

Question 2

Why is simulated killing considered a moral issue?

Answer 2

It raises questions about the representation of violence and its effects on behavior and morality.

Question 3

What are the three issues to consider regarding simulated killing?

Answer 3

• If simulated killing is wrong, it is not for the same reasons that killing is wrong * Is any representation morally acceptable, e.g., rape? * What are the real effects of simulated killing?

Question 4

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 4

A moral theory where the rightness of an act depends solely on its outcomes.

Question 5

What do hedonistic utilitarians aim to achieve?

Answer 5

To increase happiness, meaning pleasure and the absence of pain.

Question 6

What is the difference between act utilitarians and rule utilitarians?

Answer 6

• Act utilitarians consider the consequences of individual acts * Rule utilitarians consider the consequences of rules that allow certain actions.

Question 7

Who is a notable hedonistic utilitarian and what is his view on pleasures?

Answer 7

Mill, who considers some pleasures to be of higher quality than others.

Question 8

What is the concept of secondary principles in utilitarianism?

Answer 8

Moral guidelines developed in society that can be used to evaluate actions.

Question 9

True or False: The current evidence shows a clear long-term negative effect of simulated killing.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

What evidence is there regarding the short-term effects of simulated killing?

Answer 10

There is evidence of increased aggressive thoughts, emotions, and behavior, particularly in boys or those with violent personalities.

Question 11

What is the primary focus of Kantian ethics?

Answer 11

To act only on maxims that can be willed as universal laws.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: According to Kant, we should treat humanity never simply as a ______ but always at the same time as an ______.

Answer 12

[means], [end].

Question 13

What is a key concern of virtue ethics regarding simulated killing?

Answer 13

Whether simulating unjust acts develops an unjust character.

Question 14

What are virtues according to virtue ethics?

Answer 14

Traits that help us achieve eudaimonia, or ‘living well and faring well.’

Question 15

What does the ‘mean’ refer to in virtue ethics?

Answer 15

A balanced trait relative to the individual.

Question 16

What factors could affect the morality of watching simulated killing in media?

Answer 16

• The context of the portrayal * The moral implications of the story * The representation of killing within it.

Question 17

What is the role of intent in simulated killing according to the text?

Answer 17

Intent and conscious thought at the time of simulated killing are relevant to its moral evaluation.

Question 18

True or False: Virtual reality creates a less immersive experience than video games.

Answer 18

False.

Question 19

What is the difference between acting in a play and playing a video game regarding simulated killing?

Answer 19

Acting is for the entertainment of others and allows for detachment, while gaming is often for personal enjoyment.

Question 20

What does the evidence suggest about the psychological effects of simulated killing?

Answer 20

The evidence is unclear, and some people may not experience negative psychological effects.

Question 21

What is the main critique of utilitarianism regarding simulated killing?

Answer 21

It relies on calculations that are complex and may be misleading due to inconclusive evidence.

Question 22

What is a strength of Kantian ethics in the context of simulated killing?

Answer 22

It focuses on the good will and human dignity, not pleasure.

Question 23

What is a significant weakness of virtue ethics when applied to simulated killing?

Answer 23

Lack of clear guidance on when the activity is permissible.

Question 24

What should a virtuous person consider when engaging in simulated killing?

Answer 24

The right way, the right motive, and the right times.

Question 25

What is the challenge presented by the morality of simulated killing according to the text?

Answer 25

Determining whether the pleasure gained from simulated killing outweighs any potential harm.

Question 26

What is a strength of utilitarianism regarding simulated killing?

Answer 26

Simple and easy to understand – tendency to harm = bad ## Footnote Utilitarianism considers potential harm as a central concern when evaluating moral issues.

Question 27

What is a notable weakness of utilitarianism?

Answer 27

It relies on calculations which are very complex, especially as evidence is unclear ## Footnote This complexity makes it challenging to apply utilitarian principles effectively.

Question 28

What insight does Kantian ethics provide regarding moral development?

Answer 28

Kant's awareness that we can be hardened to violence is an insightful perspective ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the importance of moral development and rational will.

Question 29

What is a strength of virtue ethics in the context of simulated killing?

Answer 29

Focuses on character development and effects on character are a big concern ## Footnote Virtue ethics considers how actions influence personal character over time.

Question 30

What is a weakness of virtue ethics?

Answer 30

Insufficiently clear guidance, as the doctrine of the mean relative to us makes it too vague ## Footnote This vagueness can hinder practical decision-making.

Question 31

How does Mill’s concept of higher and lower pleasures relate to simulated killing?

Answer 31

Brings in a helpful extra dimension, matching our instincts that some simulated killing may be acceptable but not an admirable use of time ## Footnote Mill's distinction helps evaluate the moral weight of different types of pleasure.

Question 32

What is a concern regarding the consequences-focused approach of utilitarianism?

Answer 32

Focused entirely on consequences, which with this issue are particularly unclear ## Footnote Limited and mixed data complicates the assessment of harm in simulated killing.

Question 33

What does Kantian ethics emphasize regarding duties related to simulated killing?

Answer 33

Whether there is a duty against these acts depends on evidence of its effect on rational will ## Footnote The lack of comprehensive evidence limits the application of Kantian ethics.

Question 34

What is a strength of virtue ethics in considering the long-term impacts of simulated killing?

Answer 34

Attentive to long term impacts on character ## Footnote Virtue ethics prioritizes the development of an individual's moral character over time.

Question 35

What is a limitation of an agent-centered theory like virtue ethics?

Answer 35

Clear guidance is limited – what the virtuous person would do is unclear ## Footnote This ambiguity can lead to difficulties in moral decision-making.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism considers effects on _______ as well as concrete behaviour.

Answer 36

rationality ## Footnote This consideration is crucial when evaluating actions like simulated killing.

Question 37

What is a typical practice question for evaluating utilitarianism in simulated killing?

Answer 37

Explain how a utilitarian would approach the issue of simulated killing ## Footnote This question encourages exploration of different forms of utilitarianism.

Question 38

What should be considered when marking a partner's response to a simulated killing ethics question?

Answer 38

Is it full enough, clear, precise, and are links clearly made between the theory and the issue? ## Footnote These criteria help ensure comprehensive evaluation of ethical reasoning.