Tiberius and Gaius Speaking...

Discussion Question 5: Frankena

    To what extent do you think that Frankena's reconciliation of deontology and utilitarianism succeeds? Does he accurately capture the strengths and weaknesses of each theory? How might a "pure" deontologist or utilitarian respond to Frankena?

Due Thursday at midnight.

Discussion Question 4: Utilitarianism

    Take up one of Harwood's objections to utilitarianism (there are 11), and critically evaluate it. You may a)rebut it b) extend it/make it stronger or c) respond to someone else's posts. This is due by 11 am on Friday.

Patrick

Discussion Question 3:

    Answer or respond to another student's answer to the following question:

You are the sheriff of a city where there have been a series of murders. If the murderer is not brought to justice, there will be a riot that will probably cost the lives of several people. You have someone that you could easily (and in all likelihood, never get caught doing so) frame for the crime as everyone would believe but is entirely innocent. If you frame and hang this innocent man, then you will very likely save several lives. Tell me what an act-utilitarian would say. What would a rule-utilitarian say? What is the difference? Which is more plausible?

You have until Thursday night to answer. Please answer with at least a couple paragraphs.

Phil 105 Discussion Question 3: Value

    So, reading Nozick, Nietzsche, Bentham, and Parfit, what is it that we value? Is it pleasure? Power?  Satisfaction? States of affairs? Defend your answer.

105 Discussion Question 2: Psychological egoism

"Human beings are inherently self-interested. In fact, human beings can only act to further their self-interest. Even actions that appear altruistic are, in fact, not."

Write a short post either in support of or opposed to the above statement, or respond courteously to one of your classmate's responses. Please post by Thursday night.

Discussion Question 1: Ethical egoism...

    This week we will be discussing ethical egoism in our section. As part of your participation grade, please write a brief, maybe 150 words, response doing one of the following: 1) either arguing in favor or against of ethical egoism (remember, we want an argument, not just assertions) or 2) a civil response or extension of someone's else's argument.

This is due by Friday at 11 am.