Global Justice: ETHR 1002
Exam 1
Choose three out of any of the five questions below and write a 1-2 page
essay. Answer each question in a concise, clear way. Remain focused on the
question and show a strong understanding of the philosophical positions of
each question.
1. Describe Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” and Chuang Tzu’s “Butterfly
Dream”? What are the philosophical messages contained in these stories,
and how do the stories relate to the philosophies of Plato and Chuang
Tzu?
2. Describe Thrasymachus’ view of Justice in Plato’s Republic and
Socrates’ criticism of Thrasymachus’ view. What is the main position
that Thrasymachus gives in the book and what is Socrates’ argument
against his position?
3. What is the argument for “virtue ethics” that Christina Hoff Summers
gives in article, “Teaching the Virtues”? Who is she arguing against and
what is the problem she’s trying to address? What does she mean by
“dilemma ethics” and how is this different from “virtue ethics”?
4. Describe Thomas Pogge’s view in his article, “Real World Justice.” What
are the three arguments he gives to support his position, and why does he
think that citizens of affluent countries have “negative duties” to help the
global poor? Do you think he gives a good argument in this article?
5. What are the differences and/or similarities between Plato’s view of
virtue as a “craft” and Chuang Tzu’s view of virtue as a “skill”? Cite
examples from each text that describe the views of Plato and Chuang Tzu
regarding virtue, and explain how their views of virtue relate to their
larger philosophical perpectives.