May 2009
Ethics MA Comp EXAM
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M.A. Exam in Ethics—Spring 2009
Answer three questions, one from each section.
I.
1. In the Groundwork and in the Critique of Practical Reason, Kant argues against moral theories
that he calls “heteronomous.” What makes a moral theory heteronomous, according to Kant?
Why does he think that no such theory can be valid? Do you find Kant’s reasoning here
compelling?
2. What kind of moral obligations might we have to people we do not know or specially care
about? Evaluate Hume’s “narrow circle” argument and compare or contrast it with the views of
at least one contemporary philosopher.
3. Virtue theorists claim that their theories give a more adequate account of moral character than do
theories based on principles. Evaluate this claim and explain what is at stake in the controversy
between virtue theorists and proponents of theories based on moral principles.
II.
4. Do ethical judgments have cognitive content? What do you take to be the best argument for?
What do you take to be the best argument against?
5. Describe Michael Smith’s so-called moral problem. What is the allegedly inconsistent triad
of propositions he points to? If the propositions are inconsistent, which one or ones should
we deny?
6. What role is played in McDowell’s moral philosophy by the notion of a moral (or ethical)
outlook (or point of view)? What philosophical position or set of concerns is this notion
meant to respond to? Do you find his appeal to this notion compelling?
III.
7. Explain the central idea of Scanlon’s contractualist account of morality. Does this account
provide a plausible standard of right and wrong? Is contractualism an expression of moral
relativism?
8. What does blame add to the judgment that a person has acted wrongly? Is blame central to the
moral life? Discuss with reference to at least two philosophers.
9. Describe the position known in contemporary ethical theory as “particularism.” What do you
take to be the best argument for it? What might be its main weaknesses?
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