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King’s College London
University of London
This paper is part of an examination of the
College counting towards the award of a degree.
Examinations
are
governed
by
the
College
Re g u l a t i o n s u n d e r t h e a u t h o r i t y o f t h e A c a d e m i c
Board.
BSc/BA/BEng EXAMINATION
4AANA002
ETHICS I
Period 2 (Summer) 2012
TIME ALLOWED: TWO HOURS
Answer TWO questions.
Avoid overlap in your answers.
DO NOT REMOVE THIS EXAM PAPER FROM THE
EXAMINATION ROOM
TURN OVER WHEN INSTRUCTED
2012 © King’s College London
4AANA002
1.
Explain and assess Mackie’s arguments for the view that
moral judgements involve error.
2.
Ayer rejected the idea that we use moral language to
express our beliefs about right and wrong. Why? If Ayer is
right, what purpose do we have for using moral language?
3.
‘Because all reasons are internal reasons (i.e., reasons that
depend upon the elements of our subjective motivational
set), there is no reason to do morality’s bidding.’ Discuss.
4.
Does moral responsibility depend on a freedom to do
otherwise?
5.
Is there a good reason to endorse the hedonist’s account of
well-being? What (if anything) can the hedonist say in
response to Nozick’s objection? (Hint: Nozick invented the
experience machine.)
6.
Can utilitarians truly be beneficent?
7.
In choosing between two options, it is never rational to pick
an acknowledged lesser good over a greater good. Thus, it is
never rational for a morally conscientious agent to do
anything other than that which will bring about the best
outcome. Thus, it is never rational for a morally
conscientious agent to do anything but act like a
consequentialist. Discuss.
8.
Some object to consequentialism on the grounds that it does
not respect the separateness of persons. Should the
separateness of persons be respected?
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4AANA002
9.
What, according to Kant, is the one thing with unconditional
worth? Defend Kant’s answer to this question and explain
why he rejects the hedonist’s view.
10. State the Categorical Imperative. Explain why Kant thinks
that it is never permissible to make a lying promise and why
he thinks we have some duty to render aid. What happens
on his view when the duty to render aid comes into conflict
with the duty to refrain from making lying promises?
11. 'In debates about the permissibility of abortion, the issue of
foetal rights is a distraction. Abortion is wrong (to the
extent that it is) because it deprives the foetus of its
future.' Discuss.
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