CMP Compilation - Hernandez!!!

CONTEMPORARY MORAL
PROBLEMS
ITETHICS BOOK REVIEW
DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT
BENILDE
Copyright©2009
Mike Hernandez
All Right Reserved
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Philippines License.
Contemporary Moral Problems
Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:
James Rachels: Egoism and Moral Skepticism
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-
White/dp/0534584306/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233793391&sr=8-1
Quote:
“Theory of the right tries to tell us what is morally right and what is morally wrong.”
Review:
this book talks about how one individual's mind works, it shows how ones interest work they are just
focused on things they love, they do not care about the things happening around them, this chapter shows
how the ego of an individual work and because of that ego, it takes conroll of a person's capability to
contibute to society properlly it takes away the functionallity of an individual in society, people are not
always the same or the people you think that they are, you may never know what is going on in their
minds. for them they do not have an obligation on anything but only to their interest, to only things that
will benefit them.
What i have learned:
i have learned that because of the thought of egoism there can be different interpretations on how a human
being can unction can contribute in society, their only focus is themselves, what will do them good,not
caring about other people with their actions.
Integrative quesions:
• What is the divine command theory?

• What is cultural relativism?
• What is the theory of good?
• What is perfect duty?
• What is virtue theory?
1. Explain the legend of Gyges. What questions about morality are raised from the story?
"Gyges of Lydia was a shepherd in the service of King Canduales of Lydia. After an earthquake, a cave
was revealed in a mountainside where Gyges was feeding his flock. Entering the cave, Gyges discovered
that it was in fact a tomb with a bronze horse containing a corpse, larger than that of a man, who wore a
goldenring, which Gyges pocketed. He discovered that the ring gave him the power to become invisible
by adjusting it. Gyges then arranged to be chosen as one of the messengers who reported to the king as to
the status of the flocks. Arriving at the palace, Gyges used his new power of invisibility to seduce the
queen, and with her help he murdered the king, and became king of Lydia himself. King Croesus, famous
for his wealth, was Gyges' descendant."-wikipedia.com
2. Distinguish between psychological and ethical egoism.
pscological egoism is being selfish towards the things a person have or a
person is doing while ethical egoism is being only interested in things a person love or wants.
3. Rachels discusses two arguments for psychological egoism. What are these arguments, and how does he
reply to them?
4. What three commonplace confusions does Rachels detect in the thesis of psychological egoism?
confusion of selfishness with self interest
confusion of the assumption that every action is done either from self-interest or from other-regarding
motives
confusion is the common but false asssumption that a concern for ones's own welfare is incompatible with
any genuine concern for the welfare of others.
5. State the argument for saying that ethical egoism is inconsistent. Why does Rachels accept the argument?
Egoism is inconsistent because there is not a uniform thing, meaning that it does not apply to all human
beings, there are still people who do not agree with egoism. Rachels does not agree with the argument
because Rachels can prove that egoism is inconsistent.
6. According to Rachels, why shouldn’t we hurt others, and why we should help others? How can egoist
reply?
we should not hurt others because it will not do us good and in the first place we will not benefit from
hurting other people we usually do things that we know we will benefit from it.
Book Review Chapter :2 Religion,Morality, and Concience
James Rachels: Egoism and Moral Skepticism
Amazon:
Quotation: “Morality depends on socially learned language”
I agree with this quotation because the morality of an individual depends on the beliefs of a person, on his
culture, on the way the person grew up, how he interpreted actions in society, what a person sees in
society, it is up to him to distinguish the right from the wrong acts.
Learning expectations
I am expecting to learn what is the purpose of religion in lives of people, why does it have to be different
kind of beliefs in the world? I am also expecting to learn what is the purpose of morality to mankind, and
also what is conscience, I know what I is but why did it have to exist. I am also expecting to learn why
did they create morals but different beliefs why not have a uniform religion for everyone?
Review:
This part of the book explains the importance of religion in our lives, why is important for an individual
to have a certain religion, certain belief? This part of the book talks about the different individuality of
people because of different religions, people have their own beliefs, their own morals that they follow.
People have different standards of what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong.
What I have learned:
I learned that people have their own standards of morals, with every belief; every religion an individual
has their own standard of morals. I learned that people who are truly dedicated to their religion has the
conscience to know whether their actions are right or wrong, people are always in a situation wherein they
our confused, I think every human being goes through this situation and I also learned that conscience is
what our minds are going through to survey our morals if it is right or wrong, the conscience is what put
human beings in guilt because of wrongful actions.
Integrative questions
• What is Morality?
• What is Religion?
• What is Conscience?
• How does the three related to each other?
• Who is John Arthur?
Review Questions:
1. According to Arthur how are Morality and Religion different?
morality is determinting the right things to do, it is in the person to which action is the right thing to do,
and religion is what the person believes in, religion is what makes the person think about hte morality of
his actions.
2. Why isn’t religion necessary for moral motivation?
It is necessary for moral motivation to bring people to the mentality of knowing what is right
from what is wrong, people lack from this, I think this is what people needs today.
3. Why isn’t religion necessary as a source of moral knowledge?
Because it is given that even without religion you should know your actions, ypu should no what
is right and what is wrong.
4. What is divine command theory? Why does Arthur reject this theory?
The divine command theory holds that an act is either moral or immoral solely because God either
commands us to do it or prohibits us from doing it, respectively.
5.According to Arthur, how are morality and religion connected?
With religion people will have a brighter view, a better perspective of what is right, what are the right things to do,
since this is what religion teaches, the morality of life.
6. Dewey says that morality is social, what does this mean according to Arthur?
Morality is social meaning that morality is what you should have in society what you should be
presenting towards society.
Discussion Questions:
1. Has Arthur refuted the divine command theory?
yes
2. If morality is social, then how can we have any obligations to nonhuman animals?
we have to give, treat the nonhuman animals the rights they should have, they should not be treated as
toys or things that does not have feelings, they are part of society and they are even sometimes provide
the work, jobs and livelihood that human beings depend on to live.
3. What does Dewey mean by moral education? Does a college ethics class count as a moral education?
What moral education is the correct manner of learning, what is right from what is wrong, people are
capable of this even without religion but it is must for people to know the morals in life.
Book Review Chapter :1
Friedrich Nietzsche – Master and Slave Morality
Amazon:
Quotation:
“Particular morality is inseparable from the formation of a particular culture.”
I am expecting to learn what is the mentality with the master- slave concept why did it have to
exist? There are different things that intrigue me about this slavery. From the title itself I am expecting to
learn the different issues concerning slavery because usually slavery is related to racism, that’s how I
always related slavery to things. I am expecting to learn that this chapter to explain the different concept
of why slavery had to exist in life.
Review:
"Slavery is a legal system facilitating exploitation of labor. Political economies permit slavery through
government and social sanction. Under slavery a worker (called "a slave") is compelled to work for
another (sometimes called "the master" or "slave owner")."
this chapter talks about how the system of a master-slavery works, the morals about this things, today in
any view this is wrong, no one should take advantage of any otrher person even if he has the power to do
it is not right.

I have learned that there are things that can be helpful in our lives, people may thinks that just because it
is good they do not deserve it, people also think that what is good is too much to handle, people are
always in the situation to take advantage of what will benefit them, what will be good for them that is
how I understood the concept of how people take advantage of what is good.
• What is Morality?
• What is Master-Slave Morality?
• What is the difference between the two?
• What is the central theme of the author?
• Who is John Arthur?
Review Questions:
1. How does Nietzsche characterize a good and healthy society?
Nietzsche characterizes a good health in society by letting an individual practice his/ her
superiority over their subordinates with the fair treatment to other people.
2. What is Nietzsche’s view of injury, violence and exploitation?
Nietzsche’s view of injury, violence, and exploitation does not help us do good things, these
things gives us a bad perspective of doing good in society.
3. Distinguish between master-morality and slave-morality.
Master morality shows power of a person, his control, and capabilities with the concerns of morality
while slave-morality the positive attribute of a subordinate to follow a person with higher power.
4. Explain the Will to Power.
Will to power is the will to succeed I achieving power, control. The will to achieve a higher power towards
other people.
Discussion Questions
1. Some people view Nietzsche’s writings as harmful and even dangerous. For example, some
have charged Nietzsche with inspiring Nazism. Are these charges justified or not? Why or why
not?
I don’t think Nietzsche has the intention of doing harm to the writings, and I think it is not fair
on Nietzsche’s side to be related to Nazism, every people has their own perspective, view and
understanding towards their writings.
2. What does it mean to be “a creator of values”?

A creator of values is someone who starts shows, set an example of what the right things to do, simply a
person who set an example of values.
Mary Midgley: Trying Out One’s New Sword
Library Reference: N/A
Amazon:
Quote:
“Consists in simply denying that we can never understand any culture except our own well enough to
make judgements about it”
From the title, I am expecting to learn what does the title mean by trying out one’s new sword.
Review:
In this chapter Midgley discusses about moral isolation. In this chapter it was discussed about the
differences a.”Midgley provides numerous examples to show the importance of analyzing other culture’s
morals in order to form educated judgments about them. She gives an example of ancient Chinese
samurai warriors whom before going off to battle would test the sharpness of their swords on innocent
strangers in order to ends”. I this chapter they also discussed what is moral isolationism, the Japanese
custom of tsujigiri.
In this chapter I have learned about moral isolation also in this chapter I learned about the
Japanese custom of tsujigiri. I learned different things that I was not expecting to learn.
What is “moral isolationism”?

What is the custom of tsujigiri?
Who is Midgley?
What is the title of this article?
Can people adopt this culture?
Review Questions:
1. What is “moral isolationism”?
According to Midgley “moral isolationism consists in simply denying that we can ever understand any
culture except our own well enough to make judgments about it.”
2. Explain the Japanese custom of tsujigiri. What questions does Midgley ask about this custom?
Tsujigiri is custom practiced by the Japanese Samurais to test their weapons. Midgley asks if other
people question their own customs.
3. What is wrong with moral isolationism, according to Midgley?
What is wrong with Moral Isolationism I it makes us go against our own culture, own beliefs.
4. What does Midgley think is the basis for criticizing other cultures?
According to Midgley think is the basis for criticizing other cultures is that the loyalty to ones
culture and a background, knowledge about other cultures.
1. Midgley says that Nietzsche is an immoralist. Is that an accurate and fair assessment of
Nietzsche? Why or why not?
No
2. Do you agree with Midgley’s claim that the idea of separate and unmixed cultures is unreal?
Explain your answer.
No I do not agree, because there will always be the uniqueness of a culture and it is just up to a
person to show respect to others culture and perhaps adopting others culture is just for paying
respect and acknowledgement to other’s culture.
John Stuart Mill defending Utilitarianism
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn why John Stuart Mill is defending Utilitarianism
Review:
“One of the points that John Stuart Mill responds to in his defense of utilitarian ethics was that the
utilitarianism advocates merely a bestial life of pleasure. Mill argues that by "happiness" he means
pleasure both intellectual and sensual. However, we have a sense of dignity which has us prefer
intellectual pleasures over sensual ones. He continues that the principle of utility involves an assessment
of only an action's consequences, and not the motives or character traits of the agent performing the
action. In this regard, he rejects classical virtue theory.”from exampleessays.com
I learned different things from this chapter I learned about the principle of utility, the difference between
higher and lower pleasures and Mill’s proof on utility.
• What is utilitarianism?
• What is extreme happiness?
• What does Mill discuss about happiness?
• Is this concept right?
• Does people agree with this concept?
Review Questions:
1. State and explain the Principle of Utility. Show how it could be used to justify actions
that are conventionally viewed as wrong, such as lying and stealing.
The principle of utility is being comfortable with what we believe in, being happy with the
actions we do. We lie, to get away with something in our own perspective we are happy because
we got away with lying but it still goes against our beliefs and religion
2. How does Mill reply to the objection that Epicureanism is a doctrine worthy only of a
swine?
What I understand from this is that whatever is good for an individual is good for the others,
whatever a person will benefit from, will benefit the others.
3. How does Mill distinguish between higher and lower pleasures?
Mill distinguished an individual with higher pleasure is someone who always tends to satisfy his
want and needs to become happy.
4. According to Mill, whose happiness must be considered?
According to Mill the happiness that must be considered are the ones of the Utilitarian.
5. Carefully reconstruct Mill’s proof of the Principle of Utility.
We only desire things that makes us happy. Therefore, happiness is the one thing that is
desirable.
1. Is happiness nothing more than pleasure, and absence of pain?
Yes,
2. Does Mill convince you that the higher pleasures are better than the lower ones? What
about the person of experience who prefers the lower?
Yes,but I still depends on other people’s understanding.
3. Mill says "In the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth, we read the complete spirit of ethics
of utility." True or not?
Not true.
4. Many commentators have thought that Mill's proof of the principle of utility is
defective. Agree?
I do not agree.
James Rachels: The Debate over Utilitarianism
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn what is utilitarianism? what are the benefits of learning about utilitarianism. I am
also expecting to learn why are the different concepts behind utilitarianism
Review:
This chapter talks about Utilitarianism, Rachels gave the three positions on how Rachels summed up
utilitarianism. In this chapter it also showed the problems of hedonism. How the people who believes in
Utilitarianism disagree with Hedonism. They also showed the difference between rule-utilitarianism and
act of utilitarianism.
I have learned what is utilitarianism, the different positions of utilitarianism, why are there debates about
utilitarianism and what is Hedonism.
• What is Rachels viewpoint to Utilitarianism?

• What is Utilitarianism?
• Who is James Rachels?
• What is the title of this article?
Review Questions:
1. Rachels says that classical utilitarianism can be summed up in three propositions. What are
they?
1. Actions are to be judged right or wrong solely in virtue of their consequences.
2. In assessing consequences, the only thing that matters is the amount of happiness (pleasure) or
unhappiness (pain) that is produced.
3. Each person’s happiness/unhappiness is equally important.
2. Explain the problem with hedonism. How do defenders of utilitarianism respond to this
problem?
Hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is of ultimate importance, the most important pursuit. The name
derives from the Greek word for "delight"
3. What are the objections about justice, rights and promises?
Justice is fair judgment.
4. Distinguish between rule- and act- utilitarianism. How does rule- utilitarianism reply to the
objections?
Rule-utilitarianism is how utilitarianism should be followed or done, while act-utilitarianism is how

utilitarianism is acted or suppose to be.
5. What is the third line of defense?
Act Utilitarianism
1. Smart’s defense of utilitarianism is to reject common moral beliefs when they conflict with
utilitarianism. Is this acceptable to you or not? Explain your answer.
No, people have different perspective on different things. It depends on a person’s mentality.
2. A utilitarian is supposed to give moral consideration to all concerned. Who must be

considered? What about nonhuman animals? How about lakes and streams?
There is no special treatments for any person, everyone are considered everyone is under moral
consideration.
3. Rachels claims that merit should be given moral consideration independent of utility. Do you
agree?
Agree.
Immanuel Kant: The Categorical Imperative
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn about categorical imperative, I do not have any idea about this, that is
why I am expecting to learn about this since it is the title of this chapter.
Review:
In this chapter Immanuel Kant discusses the differences of Hypothetical and Categorical imperative. Also
in this chapter Kant discusses how the actions of an individual can result to a moral maybe for a certain
individual only but not for the other people. Also in this chapter Immanuel Kant discusses his account on
goodwill, his perspective in goodwill
I have learned about Kant’s account on goodwill, the difference between categorical and hypothetical
imperative, the different versions of categorical imperative.
• What is categorical imperative?

• What is good will?
• What is hypothetical imperative?
• Who is Kant?
Review Questions:
1. Explain Kant’s account of the good will.
Kant’s account about goodwill is that great things will not be created by anyone in this world
without goodwill.
2. Distinguish between hypothetical and categorical imperatives.
Hypothetical imperative is something that requires an action. Categorical requires something that
has to be fulfilled or finished.
3. State the first formulation of the categorical imperative (using the notion of a universal law),
and explain how Kant uses this rule to derive some specific duties toward self and others.
Moral proposition that is true must be one that is not tied to any particular conditions, including
the identity of the person doing the moral deliberation
4. State the second version of the categorical imperative (using the language of means and end)
and explain it.
The end justifies the mean, meaning for every action that you do there will be a corresponding
result to it.
1.Are the two versions of the categorical imperative just different expressions of one basic
rule, or are they two different rules? Defend your view.
They are two different rules because what the two does is completely different from the other.
They contrast.
2. Kant claims that an action that is not done from the motive of duty has no moral truth.
Do you agree or not?
No because it doesn't mean there is no moral truth when you do something that isn't in your
motive. I think everything you do has moral truth in it, otherwise you won't be doing it.
3. Some commentators think that the categorical imperative can be used to justify
nonmoral or immoral actions. Is this a good criticism?
Just like what I have said in one of the previous discussion questions, everyone has his or her
own opinion. To others it may sound good, and to others it may sound bad. In my opinion, I
think it's a bad criticism.
ARISTOLE:HAPPINESS AND VIRTUE
Library Reference: N/A
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn about Aristotle’s perspective on happiness, how is happiness is related to virtue.
Review:
In Aristotle’s piece entitled “Happiness and Virtue,” he discusses the different types of virtues and
generally how one can achieve happiness. According to Aristotle, human happiness is a lifelong process.
It is continuously ongoing and the purpose has the end in itself. Happiness is an activity of the soul and in
that is an ongoing actualization of the soul’s potential for virtue. Being virtuous is self- sufficient in itself
and therefore leads to human happiness. There are four parts of the soul which are discussed. The first is
the vegetative which the sole activities are growth and nutrition. This is known as the natural virtue.
Every human has this portion in their soul yet it is still on the same level as lower organisms which
perform these basic metabolic processes. The nest and moderately more complex portion of the soul is the
sensitive area which evokes animalistic sensation, desires, and appetites. This is an example of what
Aristotle refers to as an ethical virtue. It is a habitual behavior where a “relative mean” between excess
and deficiency must be mastered according to circumstance.
I learned about how we morality, moral virtue is related to happiness of a certain individual, I
also learned how people consider virtue in their lives to consider happiness as part of their daily
routines.
• What is moral virtue?

• What is happiness?
• How is society happy?
• Who is Aristotle?
• How is virtue related to being happy?
Review Questions
1. What is happiness, according to Aristotle? How is it related to virtue? How is it related to

pleasure?
Living well, doing well, this is the reason why they love the life of enjoyment. Virtue is
described as being asleep a person with virtue is like living a life with happiness because of the
life he is living.
2. How does Aristotle explain moral virtue? Give some examples.
Moral virtue comes from training and habit, and generally is a state of character that is a mean
between the vices of excess and deficiency. An example of this is I think simply being honest,
being patient.
3. Is it possible for everyone in our society to be happy, as Aristotle explains it? If not, who cannot
be happy?
Yes, it is possible for everyone in society to be happy. Everyone in one point in their lives has
experienced this and in their whole life they should have experience happiness consciously or
unconsciously
Discussion questions:
1. Aristotle characterizes a life of pleasure as a suitable for beasts but what, if anything is
wrong with a life of pleasure?
A life with pleasure may still have things not going the way they want it in their lives it is always inside a
human being if they will accept pleasure in their lives, it is how they treat events in their life things
may be good for one person but bad for the other, people have different interpretations for plaesure.
2. Aristotle claims that the philosopher will be happier than anyone else. Why is this? Do
you agree or not?
No, I don’t think so; a philosopher is still a person, a human being. and equally we all experience
happiness it is just in the manner how we accept, feel happiness a philosopher can be happier than another
person but not always he is above the happiness of another, happiness is inside all of us, so it is up to us
how we accept happiness no one can prove that one is happier than another person. we are all equally it is
just how we interpret happiness.
Joel Feinberg: The Nature and Value of Rights Library
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn about the different values and rights of people.
Review:
This chapter showed the different treatment to people, it showed what the purpose of rights in people’s
lives is. There are many aspects towards this, each individual has the right to express their actions, their
emotions, and there are so many things that could be learned from this chapter. In this chapter Feinberg
also discussed the concept of personal desert, there are many things in life that could be determined and
limited because of our rights
I have learned different things about a person’s individuality.
• What is Nowheresville?
• What is logical correlativity?
• Who is Feinberg?
• What are claims of right?
• What is the importance of rights?
Review Questions:
1. Describe Nowheresville. How this world different from our world?
Nowheresville is a place where there is no fair treatment for people there are no rights given to
the people. Nowheresville is different from our world because obviously this is not how people
are treated in our world.
2. Explain the doctrine of the logical correlativity of rights and duties. What is Feinberg’s position
on this doctrine?
Rights and duties are related, to every corresponding rights there should be duties that has to be acquired
or followed by each individual
3. How does Feinberg explain the concept of personal desert? How would personal desert work
in Nowheresville?
He explained that having something in your life that will benefit you is being deserved by an
individual. There should not be any conflicts for what good a person has is being earned and
deserved.
4. Explain the notion of a sovereign right monopoly. How would this work in Nowheresville
according to Feinberg?
Introducing rights of a sort into Nowheresville, but they are not personal rights. The sovereign has a
monopoly on all rights.
5. What are claim rights? Why does Feinberg think they are morally important?
This is important because the rights which maintain the fair treatment to people, this is he basis
for the actions of people towards the limitations of their actions.
1. Does Feinberg make a convincing case for the importance of rights? Why or why not?
Yes, Feinberg main a convincing case for the importance of rights.
2. Can you give a noncircular definition of claim-right?
no.
Ronald Dworkin: Taking Rights Seriously
Amazon:
Quote:
Before reading this chapter I am expecting to learn by what Dworkin mean by taking rights seriously.
Review:
In this chapter it talks about the different theories of law. In this chapter they also talk about the different
rights of people, the right of strong sense is also discussed, the also talk talked about legal and moral
rights, what are differences of the two? In this chapter they showed the different models of government
that will define the rights of the people.
I learned the different models that will show or define the rights of people.
• Who is Dworkin?
• What are moral rights?
• What are legal rights?
• What are institution rights?
• What is the right of citizens?
Review Questions:
1. What does Dworkin mean by rights in the strong sense? What rights in this sense are
protected by the USA Constitution?
What Dworkin mean by this is, once a person has a right or granted a right there is no way of taking it
away from that person, it is a person’s right and no one can take it away from that person.
2. Distinguish between legal and moral rights. Give some examples of legal rights that are not
moral rights, and moral rights that are not legal rights.
Legal rights are rights that are related the law, it concerns about the law towards an individual’s right
while moral act is base on the mentality of an individual.
3. What are the two models of how a government might define the rights of its citizens? Which
does Dworkin find more attractive?
The first model recommends striking a balance between rights of the individual and the demands of
society. The second model says that the government inflates a right. The first one is more attractive.
4. According to Dworkin, what two important ideas are behind the institution of rights?
• Act of faith by the Majorities

• Minorities
1. Does a person have the right to break the law?
No, that is why there are laws, so no one will break them, to keep it organized and fair.
2. Are rights in the strong sense compatible with Mill's utilitarianism?
No.
3. Do you think that Kant would accept rights in the strong sense?
Yes.
John Rawls: A Theory of Justice
Amazon:
Quote:
Review:
In this part of the chapter it discussed about the different ethical theories about justice, there are
so many things to be learned about justice, people are always aware about their rights, it is therir
responsibility to know their capabilities and their limitations. People will always update
themselves concerning their rights people should be aware the morals connected to their actions.
I learned about the different theories of justice
• What is original position?

• What are theories of justice?
• Who is Rawl?
• What is a ratonal person?
• How many principles of justice are there?
Review Questions:
1. Carefully explain Rawl’s conception of the original position.

We have no idea about this but Rawl made it for the fair treatment of people in society.
2. State and Explain Rawl’s first principle of Justice.
Rawl’s first principle of justice is that all people, all human beings have equal rights and everyone should
be treated fairly.
3. State and explain the second principle. Which principle has priority such that it cannot
be sacrificed?
1. On the first principle, each person has an equal right to the most extensive basic liberty
as long as this does not interfere with similar liberty for others. What does this allow to do?
It allows fair treatment for everyone, it limits the legal actions of people.
2. Is it possible for free and rational persons in the original position to agree upon different
principles than those given by Rawls?
Yes, but I it still depend on the person’s mentality and perspective.
J Annette Baier: The Need for More Than Justice
Amazon:
Quote:
I am expecting to learn about the need for justice.
Review:
philosophers have argued about justice and what is the true meaning of it. Even today, many intractable
conflicts are fought over the concept of "justice," but defining exactly what that concept means is very
difficult. The word justice comes from the Latin word meaning lawful and the dictionary defines it as
“The principle of moral rightness; equity,” but I think there is a lot more to it. We seek “justice, equity,
and compassion in human relations,” and maintain “the goal of world community with peace, justice and
liberty for all.”
I have learned about the different perspectives about justice, the different critics about the different
theories on justice.
• What is justice?
• What is care perspective?
• Who is Giligan?
• Who is Kohlberg?
• Who is Bajer?
Review Questions:
1. Distinguish between the justice and care perspective. According to Gilligan, how do these
perspectives develop?
Gilligan stated justice perspective is what women need since care perspective is what women have all
their lives, it is what they do.
2. Explain Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. What criticisms do Gilligan and Baier make
of this theory?
• Pre-conventional level
• Conventional
• Post-conventional.
3. Baier says there are three important differences between Kantian liberals and their critics.
What are these differences?
The relative weight put on relationships between equal, the relative weight put on freedom of choice, and
the authority of intellect over emotions.
4. Why does Baier attack the Kantian view that the reason should control unruly passions?
History says a lot of things, this is the basis for many things that we learn in life.
1. What does Baier mean when she speaks of the need "to transvalue the values of our
patriarchal past"? Do new values replace the old ones? If so, do we abandon justice, freedom, and
rights?
What she means for me is be open to new values, it is still valuable to people, there will be
lessons learned from new values to be learned.
2. What is wrong with Kantian view that extends equal rights to all rational beings, including
women and minorities? What would Baier say? What do you think?
Baier did not agree with Kantian’s view because of history.
3. Baier seems to reject the Kantian emphasis on freedom of choice. Granted, we do not
choose our parents, but still don't we have freedom of choice about many things, and isn't
this very important?
I think this is an important account.
mporary Moral Problems

USECASE: Copy right Existing System
Title: USECCASE NARRATIVE OF EXISTING COPYRIGHT SYSTEM
Summary: This use case allows an individual to have his/her own copyright
Actors: Applicantr, National Library
Creation Date: Feb 27 2009 Date of Update: Feb 27 2009
Person in Charge: Mike Hernandez
Flow of Events
Preconditions:
1. Individual must have a document to be copyrighted
2. Fill up application forms
3. Forms must be notarized
Main Success Scenario:
1. The applicant submits document to copyright
2. The applicant filed his/her application form
3. The applicant has notarized his/her form
Alternative Sequences:
A1: Incomplete form
1. The Copyright administrator informs applicant form is incomplete
A2: Improper notarization
1.Copyright administrator informs applicant form was not notarized properly
Error Sequences
E1: Invalid Forms and documents
1. Invalid form because of incomplete data
2. Invalid document.
PostConditons:
1. applicant has a copyright document
2. Copyright administrator has more work
ACTIVITY DIAGRAM: CREATES 2
COPIES OF CM
Student
Reads CMP
Answer Review And Discussion questions
Rights books Review
Generates copy of CMP bookreview

ACTIVITY DIAGRAM:FILLS UP APPLICATION FORM
Student
Request for application form
fill up application form

ACTIVITY DIAGRAM: HAVE FORMS NOTARIZED
PROPESED USECASE DIAGRAM:COPYRIGHT SYSTEM
Validates
application
form
LOG-IN
Verify
Fill up application application
form
applicant information
Copyright
Upload document to system
copyright Verify
personal
information
form
Upload document to
copyright
Process copyright
request
Title: USECCASE NARRATIVE OF PROPOSED COPYRIGHT SYSTEM
Summary: This use case allows an individual to have his/her own copyright online
Actors: Applicant, National Library
Creation Date: Feb 27 2009 Date of Update: Feb 27 2009
Person in Charge: Mike Hernandez
Flow of Events
Preconditions:
1. Individual must log-in to system
2. Fill up application forms
3. have a document to copyright
Main Success Scenario:
1. The applicant uploads document to copyright system
2. The applicant upload his/her application form
Alternative Sequences:
A1: Incomplete form
1. The System informs applicant form is incomplete
A2: Improper notarization
1.Copyright system informs applicant form was not notarized properly
Error Sequences
E1: Invalid Forms and Documents
1. Invalid form because of incomplete data
2. Invalid document.
PostConditons:
1. applicant has a copyright document
USECASE DIAGRAM:PROPOSES COPYRIGHT SYSYTEM
Applicant Copyright System Cashier/Administrator
LOG-IN
Register to
system
Fill up
requirements
Uploads document Process forms

to copyright and documents
Picks finisprocess
Generates billing
document and pay Manage
statements
cashier receipts
Informs applicant
copyright is finish
Rceives payment

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CONTEMPORARY MORAL

ITETHICS BOOK REVIEW

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

James Rachels: Egoism and Moral Skepticism

What i have learned:

• What is the divine command theory?

2. Distinguish between psychological and ethical egoism.

pscological egoism is being selfish towards the things a person have or a

confusion of selfishness with self interest

Book Review Chapter :2 Religion,Morality, and Concience

James Rachels: Egoism and Moral Skepticism

Quotation: “Morality depends on socially learned language”

What I have learned:

1. According to Arthur how are Morality and Religion different?

2. Why isn’t religion necessary for moral motivation?

3. Why isn’t religion necessary as a source of moral knowledge?

5.According to Arthur, how are morality and religion connected?

1. Has Arthur refuted the divine command theory?

Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter :1

Friedrich Nietzsche – Master and Slave Morality

“Particular morality is inseparable from the formation of a particular culture.”

What I have learned:

1. How does Nietzsche characterize a good and healthy society?

2. What is Nietzsche’s view of injury, violence and exploitation?

3. Distinguish between master-morality and slave-morality.

4. Explain the Will to Power.

2. What does it mean to be “a creator of values”?

Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

Mary Midgley: Trying Out One’s New Sword

Library Reference: N/A

What I have learned:

What is “moral isolationism”?

What is the title of this article?

Can people adopt this culture?

1. What is “moral isolationism”?

3. What is wrong with moral isolationism, according to Midgley?

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

John Stuart Mill defending Utilitarianism

I am expecting to learn why John Stuart Mill is defending Utilitarianism

What I have learned:

3. How does Mill distinguish between higher and lower pleasures?

4. According to Mill, whose happiness must be considered?

5. Carefully reconstruct Mill’s proof of the Principle of Utility.

1. Is happiness nothing more than pleasure, and absence of pain?

Yes,but I still depends on other people’s understanding.

Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

James Rachels: The Debate over Utilitarianism

What I have learned:

• What is Rachels viewpoint to Utilitarianism?

3. Each person’s happiness/unhappiness is equally important.

3. What are the objections about justice, rights and promises?

Justice is fair judgment.

Rule-utilitarianism is how utilitarianism should be followed or done, while act-utilitarianism is how

5. What is the third line of defense?

2. A utilitarian is supposed to give moral consideration to all concerned. Who must be

Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

Immanuel Kant: The Categorical Imperative

What I have learned:

• What is categorical imperative?