Week 1 – Discussion 1

Theory, Evidence, Belief, and Bias

The purpose of this discussion is to contrast theories, evidence, beliefs, and biases. Prepare and post a response to the following questions: Define what a theory is. What is the goal of a theory? What are the components of a theory? Using one of the theories presented in the textbook, identify two of the components and describe the relationship between them. Note: Do not use the same components as one of your classmates has used in a previous post. Describe how you can know if a theory is valid. What is evidence or data? Where does evidence/data come from? What role does evidence/data play in understanding a theory? Using one of the theories presented in the textbook, describe what sort of data might be useful in testing this theory. How might you collect this data? Note: Do not describe the same sources of data as one of your classmates has done in a previous post. Contrast a theory from a personal belief. What are the practical uses for a theory, and what are the practical uses for beliefs? Which is more likely to represent a bias, a theory or a belief? Using one of the theories presented in the textbook, explain how the theory differs from personal beliefs. Offer examples of personal beliefs that contrast with the components of the theory. Note: Do not use the same beliefs as one of your classmates has used in a previous post.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly sources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.   

 

Week 1 – Discussion 2

 

Three Classical Ethical Theories

The purpose of this discussion is to help you investigate the ethical theories of Western philosophical thought. Prepare and post a response to the following prompt: Identify and define each of the three dominant ethical theories in Western philosophy. Describe a situation that you have faced recently that presented an ethical dilemma. How would you evaluate this situation and your actions to determine if they were good or virtuous under each theory? What duties would each theory impose on you if your aim was to act in a way that is good or virtuous in the situation you just described?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly sources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.

Respond   

 

 

SOC 120 week 1 Quiz ( All correct)

 

Question 1.                

The Golden Mean is best captured by which slogan?

everything for the good of all

  nothing according to evil

  do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Nothing in shortage, nothing in excess

  none of the above

 

  Question 2.               

Which human action might present problems of consistency for the moral relativist?

slavery

  genocide

  subjugation of women

all of the above

  none of the above

 

            

Question 3.                

Which statement might a libertarian most agree with?

The state should be responsible for the welfare of its citizens.

The state should be allowed to restrict freedom whenever it deems it necessary to do so.

  The state should restrict freedoms based on the greatest happiness of the citizens.

  The state should only be allowed to restrict behavior that harms others.

  None of the above

 

                        

           

Question 4.                

Which statement is an objection to ethical egoism?

It can’t be shown to be false and thus doesn’t explain anything.

  Few people demonstrate that they act out of self-interest.

  Being selfish isn’t a very nice way to act.

  It is always clear what is in one’s self-interest.

All of the above

 

  Question 5.               

Which argument might be used to support the claim that pornography should not be illegal?

Pornography is a form of speech that should be protected.

  People have been harmed in the production of pornography.

  The pornography industry has harmed children.

  Pornography makes men more likely to rape women.

  A and C

 

 

Question 6.                

Which statement represents a utilitarian viewpoint about the legality of pornography?

Pornography harms people who participate in it.

  Pornography demonstrates the virtue of sex.

  Pornography serves to enhance the enjoyment of a certain portion of the population.

  Men use pornography as an aid in supplying sperm samples for the purposes of in vitro fertilization.

  C and D

 

            

Question 7.                

According to literature on violence in television, the average 18 year old will have seen how many violent acts?

1,000

  6,000

8,000

  60,000

  200,000

 

Question 8.                

The ethical emotivist would most agree most which statement?

Ethical judgments are based in factual evidence.

  Ethical judgments are based in universal ethical principles.

  Ethical judgments are the result of moral senses that one experiences when seeing a moral act.

  Ethical judgments are the outcome of developing a specific character.

  none of the above

 

Question 9.                

Which outcome results from applying ethical theories to social and ethical issues?

We can prove that other people are wrong in their beliefs.

  We can learn more about the theories themselves.

We will have greater evidence and support for our own ethical positions.

  A and B

  B and C

 

 

 

Question 10.              

Which of these situations would be unjust if someone was using the ethical approach of “Rule Utilitarianism”?

the creation of laws that favor the dominant race over another

the creation of laws that favor a certain sex over another

the creation of laws that favor a specific sexual orientation over another

  none of the above

  all of the above