Philosophy 313
Study sheet for final exam – May 14 (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):
Good with/without qualification
Categorical imperative
Skepticism
social virtuesdegrees of reasonableness
Principle of utility
Moral calculus
Act/rule utilitarianism
Greatest happiness principle
Critique of utilitarianism
principle of utility
7 criteria
quality vs. quantity
act/rule utilitarianism
myth of sisyphus
revolt
duty (accordance with/from duty)
respect for persons
moral sentiment/interest
induction/deduction
Reason/taste and moral judgment
will to power
God is dead
good/bad vs. good/evil
life-denying values
critique of Christianity
self-less-ness
business ethics
milgram experiment
problem of suicide
absurd walls
Essay topics. Two of the following will be on the exam. You are to write on one (60 points):
1. Kant argues, unlike Aristotle, that happiness is not the highest end of human action for
without a good will even happiness can be a bad thing. Explain the argument behind
Kant’s claim. With this argument in place, explain what leads Kant to the categorical
imperative. Be sure to give examples throughout your essay.
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? Hume’s thought
would also be tremendously influential on Mill’s ethical theory. Discuss where you see
the most obvious areas of similarity between Mill and Hume, and where do you see
significant differences. Be sure to elaborate and offer detailed examples here and
throughout the essay.
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, and in the
context of this essay compare and/or contrast what Camus might say on these issues.