Mr. Pogreba
Debate Class
Ethics Quiz
Section 1: Short Answer
Instructions: Answer each question completely, showing understanding of the concept. You don’t need to write complete sentences, but do need to have complete, clear ideas.
1. What is metaethics
2. What are normative ethics
3. What is the difference between act and rule utilitarianism
4. What did Kant mean by the idea of transcendental idealism
5. What does the term deontological mean
6. What are two parts of the categorical imperative
7. Provide 2 reasons why utilitarian thinking is flawed.
Section 2: Paragraph Response
Answer each question with a full paragraph, demonstrating knowledge and application of the ethical concepts we have learned.
1. You run an animal shelter. Budget cutbacks have forced you to make a decision between firing five of your workers or euthanizing many of the animals at the shelter, something you have never done before. Using either Bentham or Kant as your ethical guide, pick one option and explain what makes it the more ethical choice.
2. You are the principal of an elementary school with an unusual student body. 40% of your students are incredibly gifted students and thinkers, and 60% are far below their grade level in reading and math. One group of teachers believes that you should teach all the students equally so that everyone can achieve, one believes you should focus on the gifted students because they have the most promise, and one group believes that you should focus on the students with special needs because they deserve the attention. Using Betham or Kant as your ethical guide, what do you do
3. Analyze what might make application of the categorical imperative problematic in modern society. List specific problems with the philosophy and make the case that it is not a useful framework for ethical decisions.
