Ok, I’ve decided to format this test a little differently than usual:

1.There will be one True/False section with 10 questions worth 2 points each.

2.There will be a short answer section in which you will choose 7 out of 9 questions to answer, worth 4 pts each. These are answerable in (approx.) 3-4 sentences.

3.There will be one “Reflection” section worth 5 pts, resembling the section of Rachels’ “The Challenge of Relativism” reading that we discussed in class.

4.Finally, there will be one essay question that will be worth 20 points.

This makes for a total of 73 points possible and this test counts for 75 points. The reflection on the Bundy quote, due Thurday the 7^th at the latest, will be worth a possible 4 points, so I am giving you 2 points – there is a possibility of 77 points.

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1.For the True/False questions, I’m not sure how to give you a specific guide to prepare for these – assuming you’ve paid attention and done the readings, you shouldn’t have trouble with these.

2.Here is a pool of questions that I will use for the short answer:

What are some characteristics of moral standards that enable us to distinguish them from non-moral standards. Are these “foolproof” Why or why not?

Define Cultural Relativism. Can you reasonably be a Moral Realist and a Cultural Relativist at the same time? Why or why not?

Define validity and tell me how it applies differently than “True/False” evaluations.

Explain the significance of the following quote, “The Rhine flows north, the Rhone south. Yet both spring from the same mountain and also actuated in their opposite directions by the same principle of gravity.”

In Hume’s fictitious dialogue, what reasons does Palamedes give for Relativism?

After the narrator responds to Palamedes, he makes a natural/artificial distinction. Why does he do this and how does the narrator respond?

Rachels thinks there are serious consequences for taking CR seriously. What are they?

Rachels believes that all cultures have some values in common. One of these universals is the protection of children. He also describes the Eskimo practice of infanticide. So how does he work out this universal value within the Eskimo culture?

Argue for or against Rachels claim that societies and cultures need to positively value truth-telling and negatively value murder.

What does Rachels think that we can learn from CR?

Like Palamedes, J.L. Mackie also gives us a version of the “cultural differences argument (CDA)”. Think about how Rachels responded to the CDA and discuss why Mackie is unsatisfied with his objection.

Why does Mackie call his theory an “error theory?”

What does Mackie think is so “queer” about Moral Realism (or “Moral Facts”)?

Define psychological egoism and identify what makes this a challenging position to hold. How is Rand’s ethical egoism different than psychological egoism?

Explain the significance of the following quote from Rand: “This much is true: the most selfish of all things is the independent mind that recognizes no authority higher than its own and no value higher than its judgment of truth.”

Identify some of Pojman’s criticisms of ethical egoism and explain why you are or are not convinced by these.

3.For the Reflection section, read over pages 18 ½ - 20 in the text.

4.Here are some possible essay questions. You will only need to answer one. (But remember that you need to answer ALL parts of the question)

1. Trace the evolution of the ongoing argument we have examined concerning Moral Realism and Moral Relativism. (You should start with Palamedes, go on to the narrator’s and Rachel’s responses, and consider Mackie’s contribution to this “argument from relativity”.) Finally, discuss the significance of the Cultural Differences Argument.

2. First, generally describe Plato’s Theory of Forms. Second, give a detailed account of the analogies Plato uses in support of his theory. Third, discuss Mackie’s criticisms of Realism and the different ways in which his “argument from queerness” apply. (Not dealing with the Mackie on this question will only give you half credit, at best.)