Study Guide for Test 1

There will be an in-class exam on Monday, February 3 in 13 Carpenter. Two of the following questions (one on Mill and one on Kant) will be chosen by the instructors. You will have one hour to write your responses to these questions. Consultation of books or notes during the exam will not be allowed.

1. Can utilitarianism provide a satisfactory foundation for a theory of justice? Why or why not?

2. Some have argued that utilitarianism demands too much of us morally. Why? How might a utilitarian respond to this charge? Is this response satisfactory? Why or why not?

3. State the end-in-itself formulation of the categorical imperative and explain it in detail. Your response should include, but not be limited to, answers to these questions: What does Kant mean by an end-in-itself and a means? What is required in order to treat humanity as an end-in-itself? In your discussion, include an example of an act that is consistent with this principle and one that is not. Then critically evaluate this principle.

4. One objection to Kant's ethics is that its requirements are too demanding for human beings. Explain this objection and how Kant responds to it. Then evaluate his response: Is it adequate? Could he respond more effectively in another manner?