two essay questions 3 paragraphs each philosophy class
2 essays
Philosophy builds on itself over time. We discussed two views of Ethics and Justice associated with John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham (The Utilitarians) and with Immanuel Kant (Rationalist Theory of Value and Retributivism). These philosophers from the 18th and 19th century built their own philosophical views, however, they were each clearly influenced by the philosophy of one of the ancient Greek groups who wrote over 2000 years before them (The Epicureans and The Stoics) Of course the modern views are not exactly like their ancient counterparts, so this will require some thought, but the multiple examples of inspiration, influence, and connections are undeniable.
References: Lecture material AND:
Chapter 8 – “Happiness for the Many†– The Great Conversation
Chapter 19 – “The Utilitarians†– The Great Conversation
Chapter 7 – “The Utilitarian Approach†– The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Chapter 9 – “Are There Absolute Moral Rules†– The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Chapter 10 – “Kant and Respect for Persons†– The Elements of Moral Philosophy
1) IN ESSAY FORM (3 paragraphs recommended – 1 for EACH connection or influence)
- Which of the 2 ancient views was the influence behind the Utilitarians?
- Identify any 3 ways that you can connect the Utilitarian view with its ancient counterpart.
- Support your answer using quotations or paraphrasing from the above references.
- IN ESSAY FORM (3 paragraphs recommended – 1 for EACH connection or influence)
- Which of the 2 ancient views was the influence behind Immanuel Kant’s philosophy?
- Identify any 3 ways that you can connect Kant’s views with his ancient counterpart.
- Support your answer using quotations or paraphrasing from the above references.
