Philosophy 313
Study sheet for final exam – December 10 (Thursday), 8-10am
The following is a list of the key terms and concepts we have covered since the midterm. The list
is to be used in studying for the short answer section of the final, where you will have to answer
10 out of 12 questions (4 points each):
Induction/deduction
Moral sentiment/interest
Reason/taste and moral judgment
consequentialism
principle of utility
moral calculus
quality vs. quantity
act/rule utilitarianism
greatest happiness principle
necessity of lies
will to power
master/slave morality
condemned man
problem of suicide
absurd hero
critique of utilitarianism
god is dead
good/bad vs. good/evil
denial of life
critique of Christianity
self-less-ness
business ethics
milgram experiment
sympathy
skepticism
social virtues
superstition
absurd walls
myth of Sisyphus
revolt
Essay topics. Two of the following will be on the exam. You are to write on one (60 points):
1. John Stuart Mill’s approach to utilitarianism develops some of Jeremy Bentham’s central
ideas but resolves two key problems that many found in Bentham’s philosophy. What
were these problems and how did Mill overcome them? Be sure to elaborate and give
examples to clarify. How might Kant, or someone who adheres to Kant’s theory of ethics,
criticize Mill? Be sure to discuss Kant’s ethical theory as you lay out
2. David Hume argues that reason cannot motivate one to be moral, and that it is the
passions, not reason, that is the key to our morality. Hume admits his position is at odds
with the traditional philosophical approach to understanding ethics. What is this
traditional approach, and how does Hume develop his contrasting view? Explain. In the
context of this essay, compare and/or contrast Hume with Camus.
3. Discuss the Milgram experiment. In the context of discussing this experiment, bring in the
relevant moral issues from Nietzsche and at least one other philosopher that we have
discussed in this class. Be sure to cover issues such as moral responsibility, slave
morality, and freedom. What would have to be different, in your opinion, for the results of
the Milgram experiment to have come out different than they did? Elaborate.