Topic
Philosophy
Instructions
1. What are some of the features of Plato’s theory of justice as set out
in his Republic? How can these features of justice be applied to the
opposing views on distributive justice according to the positions
developed by Rawls and Nozick?
2. Explain Aristotle’s three-way distinction of human action as a)
voluntary, b) involuntary and c) non-voluntary. Give examples of
each kind of action. How can Aristotle’s theory of human agency be
applied to the three models of punishment: retributivism, deterrence,
and rehabilitation.
3. Explain the nature and role of ‘moral sentiment’ in Hume’s outline
of morality. What role, if any, is played by reason in Hume’s account
of moral action? In light of Hume’s theory, reconstruct the debate
between Singer and Arthur.
4. Explain Kant’s two formulations of the ‘categorical imperative’
according to a) universalizability and b) non-instrumentalization.
How might these formulations be applied to the question of
preemptive international conflict? Give examples to illustrate these
applications.
5. What is Mill’s concept of the basic ethical principle according to
utilitarianism and what is his proof of this principle? What are Mill’s
views on the freedom of speech and thought and how do these shed
light on the debate about pornography between Altman and Brison?
Answer Preview
There are three main features of Plato’s theory of justice which are; Reason, Spirit, and Appetite. With these elements in place, Plato argues that an individual is just whenever each part of his or her soul does its functions without infringing the roles of other factors. For instance, reason is meant to rule on behalf of the soul with forethought and wisdom. The element of spirit, on the other hand, will work to rule the element of reason. Mental and bodily training brings these two features into harmony. Appetite forms a greater part of man’s soul, and the other two elements have to be set in command over the appetites. Rawls, J. (1958). According to Plato, spirit and reason should control these appetites which could grow on the bodily pleasures. Appetites should also be controlled not to enslave the other elements of since it will end up usurping the dominion they are not entitled to.
Word count; 1000