Assignment
Answer the following in 1-2 short paragraphs.
1. Explain, according to Plantinga and the assumption that free will is very valuable, how Plantinga thinks we can avoid the problem of evil. Why is it that God cannot create being that are free but always good? Do you think this genuinely avoids the problem of evil, or is Plantinga explicitly or implicitly rejecting one of the propositions? If the former, explain. If the latter, which one(s) and why?
2. How does Ayer view determinism? Why might one believe that determinism is true? If one doesn't accept determinism, but rather holds that everything is a matter of chance Does Ayer think we can hold people morally responsible? Why or, why not? What should freedom be contrasted with, if not determinism?
3. What principle is Frankfurt against? Describe a situation where someone has no alternatives, but Frankfurt thinks they can still be held responsible? If Frankfurt is right, how important is a concept of free will for moral responsibility? Why?
4. What does Mackie think about values, are they subjective or objective? At what level does he pitch this moral theory? Why doesn't the existence of standards make some values objective? What is one good argument for Mackie's position?
5. What is the starting point of virtue ethics, instead of questions about which action is right? What is the doctrine of the mean? Explain a virtue using the doctrine of the mean, be sure to explain what vices are associated with the virtue.
6. What is a practice, according to McIntyre? How do practices give rise to virtues? Which type of value in a practice is able to give rise to the virtue?
7. What is the ultimate value according to utilitarianism? What two conditions comprise this value? How can one decide what is right or wrong based on this value, according to Mill? Why might one disagree with this principle? Give an example of a situation that you find troubling for Mill to deal with. Do you think Mill's Utilitarianism is still tenable, given your example?
8. What is the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative, according to Kant? How does it show that borrowing money without intending to pay it back is wrong? How does it show that one has an obligation to be beneficent? Is there a situation where following the Categorical Imperative leads to the wrong moral choice? Given an example. Do you think Kant's Categorical Imperative is tenable, given your example?
9. What is the level of marginal utility? How much does one have to give in order to reach it? Is there any good reason, according to Singer, for a less restrictive principle? Can you think of one?
10. What is the original position? What sorts of knowledge to people have in the original position? What sort of motivations do they have, and lack? Is this a plausible model of moral reasoning for principles of justice?
11. What is the difference principle? Why does Rawls think we would choose it in the original position? What would it allow and what would it disallow? Is it plausible?
12. What relationship does Held think we should hold as a model for political society? What are the features of the contractual relationship that she finds lacking? What are the main strengths of the relationship Held suggests as a model for political society? What are some weaknesses?
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.