Final
Ethics
Dr. Lee Basham
Please answer, to the best of your ability, the following questions. Be sure to hear the review on our podcast! https://drlabasham777.podbean.com
- What is Utilitarianism? What is Rights Theory? Where do they fundamentally disagree? What is Bernard Williams’ “Ten-Indians case?” How does Bernard Williams attack Utilitarianism? Please explain the three options and how does Williams use this in his argument against Utilitarianism. What is the critical distinction between negative and positive rights? Give examples of each, please. How does the capabilities approach deal with positive rights? How does the freezing person and blanket example illustrate positive rights? Do you believe we have positive rights? Or do you believe we have negative rights and it is our personal choice how we approach the needs of others? Please explain.
- What is the Transhumanist argument for immortality? What is the outline of the Dragon-Tyrant story by Nick Bostrom? What is the debate between the people in favor and against? How does, for Bostrom, the child’s remark settle the debate? How do Transhumanists deal with concerns about (1) population growth and (2) boredom with life(s). If you had the opportunity (see, for instance, video link) would you opt for potential immortality or not? Please explain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRt7LjqJ45k
- What is the definition of a conspiracy? What is the definition of a conspiracy theory? What is the prior probability of conspiracy? Give examples. What is the “UFO” conspiracy theory? Give an example of it at work. What is Baker’s “No Planes” conspiracy theory? What is his various evidence? (see video link or listen to audio supplied). What is at stake, epistemologically? Were there planes on 9/11 or not? Please explain why you think there were or not.
- Thanks so much! See you all, hopefully in-class, next semester. Miss you all.