EXAM approach To Ethics

Question 1

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 1

The right response to an ethical issue is the one that is most useful in promoting the common good

Question 2

What is subjectivism?

Answer 2

The individual has the right to make whatever decision he or she chooses without interference from others

Question 3

What is situation ethics?

Answer 3

Nothing is wrong except an action that is unloving

Question 4

What is relativism?

Answer 4

Because different choices arise from the experiences of particular cultures and contexts, we cannot judge if one choice is better then the other

Question 5

What is nihilism?

Answer 5

As life is meaningless, there is no point in having any rules

Question 6

Name a strength and weakness in utilitarianism

Answer 6

Strength- appears to protect the common good

Weakness- may condone an action such as murder if it were seem to benefit common good

Question 7

Name a strength and weakness for subjectivism

Answer 7

Strength- protects individuals right to freedom of choice

Weakness- ignores the community dimension of decision making

Question 8

Name a strength and weakness for situation ethics

Answer 8

Strength- see’s each situation as unique

Weakness- basis of love can be interpreted however people wish

Question 9

Name a strength and weakness for relativism

Answer 9

Strength- takes into account the situation of the culture from which the decision arises

Weakness- may condone practices that are not acceptable in many. Eg allowing death of female babies

Question 10

Name a strength and weakness for nihilism

Answer 10

Strength- provides solidarity for those who see life as absurd

Weakness- denies any goodness in human life and built on pessimism