(EQ52)-(FC) (*)
What is the Utilitarian course of action?; and
what is the Kantian one? Explain your answer.
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(EQ53)-(FC) (*)
We as moral agents find ourselves being caught up in a
particular context defined by the two different "forces," if
you will:
(1) the "rigid" nature of human states of affairs,
where we happen to fall under and are subject to
the constraints therein, on the one hand, and
(2) our "inherent" drive (stemming from our desires
as well as obligations) to make the right choice,
or at least a best one with good intentions, on
the other hand.
Given that these above two, (1) & (2), are, respectively,
external and internal, we are bound to ponder about the mode
and extent to which these two forces from opposite directions
"interact" with each other in the name of pursuit of moral
goodness and righteousness as human ideal.
Now, try your best to come up with thoughtful responses to the
three "sub-questions" below. (Copy only these 3 sub-questions
into your submission of IR-5.)
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*. 1st Sub-Question:
Suppose we try to exert ourselves to "transcend" a sort of
"precariousness" of the circumstances by giving higher
priority to (2) over (1).
Would this mode of moral thinking be considered as Kantian or
Utilitarian? Why?
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*. 2nd Sub-Question:
What would the opposite mode of moral thinking be like? In
other words, what does it imply that we reversely subject (2)
to (1)?
Would that be Kantian or Utilitarian? Why?
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*. 3rd Sub-Question:
So far we have studied numerous "dichotomies," according to
which these two dominant ethical schools of thought can be
contrasted diametrically. These dichotomies have been studied,
applied, and referenced in many scenarios, not to mention, the
lecture modules and the associated questions. At this point,
you're expected to be well conversant with all of these
dichotomies:
1. two loci of values
2. two ways of means/ends relationship
3. two conceptions of good in hierarchy of values
4. two attributes in human nature
5. two schools of thought in metaphysics and epistemology
6. two notions of imperative
Which one of the these dichotomies is "directly relevant" to
the above two sub-questions? And why?
NB: As was aforementioned, perhaps the very task of understanding
the questions asked here itself may be challenging. If you
find yourself perplexed over the questions in this (EQ53),
that is a good start... Read the questions very carefully and
even at multiple times, if needed, and ponder about them.
Correspondingly, a simple answer will not do. Your answer
should be accompanied by explanations given as clearly and
elaborately as possible.
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(EQ54)-(FC) (*)
Considering that morality matters more poignantly in a social
context, to what extent do you think the situation on the
lifeboat portrayed in the Edutainment may (or may not) reflect
the conditions of the current society we are living in?
What are the similarities or the differences (if any at all)?