Moral Language: Exploring the Language of Morality

Question 1

According to emotivism, what is the primary function of moral judgments?

Accepted Answer

To express the speaker's emotions or attitudes

Answer

To convey objective truths

Answer

To issue commands or imperatives

Answer

To determine the meaning of moral terms

Question 2

Which of the following is a characteristic of moral language?

Accepted Answer

It is prescriptive.

Answer

It is devoid of any emotive terms.

Answer

It is purely descriptive.

Answer

It is objective and factual.

Question 3

According to A.J. Ayer, what is the 'emotive theory' of moral language?

Accepted Answer

Moral statements express emotions rather than objective truths.

Answer

Moral statements are nonsensical and have no cognitive meaning.

Answer

Moral statements are objective truths that can be verified empirically.

Answer

Moral statements are subjective opinions that vary from person to person.

Question 4

What is the primary criticism of the naturalistic fallacy?

Accepted Answer

It conflates descriptive and prescriptive language by deriving moral values from factual statements.

Answer

It relies on circular reasoning by defining moral terms in terms of themselves.

Answer

It is based on a false dichotomy between facts and values.

Question 5

Which of the following is a well-known ethical dilemma that involves the use of moral language?

Accepted Answer

The trolley problem.

Answer

The paradox of hedonism.

Answer

The Euthyphro dilemma.

Answer

The ship of Theseus.

Question 6

What is the key difference between a moral norm and a moral principle?

Accepted Answer

Moral norms are specific rules or guidelines, while moral principles are general and abstract.

Answer

Moral norms are created by individuals, while moral principles are established by society.

Answer

Moral norms are subjective, while moral principles are objective.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a moral fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to emotion.

Answer

Utilitarianism.

Answer

Golden rule.

Answer

Categorical imperative.

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of meta-ethics?

Accepted Answer

To examine the nature, meaning, and foundations of moral language and concepts.

Answer

To provide practical guidance on how to live a moral life.

Answer

To develop new moral theories and principles.

Question 9

Which philosopher introduced the 'veil of ignorance' thought experiment?

Accepted Answer

John Rawls

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Question 10

What is the main premise of moral relativism?

Accepted Answer

Moral beliefs and values vary across different cultures and societies.

Answer

Moral beliefs can be objectively proven to be true or false.

Answer

Moral beliefs are always subjective and based on personal preferences.

Answer

Moral beliefs are constantly evolving and changing over time.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of moral language?

Accepted Answer

To express scientific data

Answer

To convey moral principles

Answer

To evaluate actions

Answer

To guide behavior

Question 12

According to the emotivist theory of ethics, what is the primary function of moral statements?

Accepted Answer

To express emotions or attitudes

Answer

To determine the validity of logical arguments

Answer

To describe objective facts

Answer

To provide definitions of abstract concepts

Question 13

Which theory of ethics holds that moral statements make claims that can be evaluated as true or false?

Accepted Answer

Cognitivist theory

Answer

Emotivist theory

Answer

Non-cognitivist theory

Answer

Performative theory

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes descriptive language from evaluative language?

Accepted Answer

The presence or absence of value-laden terms

Answer

The tone of voice used by the speaker

Answer

The context in which the language is used

Answer

The grammatical structure of the sentence

Question 15

The meta-ethical question 'What is the meaning of 'good'?' focuses on:

Accepted Answer

The analysis of moral language

Answer

The application of moral rules to specific situations

Answer

The justification of moral principles

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a moral concept that is considered open-textured?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Murder

Answer

Lying

Question 17

The performative theory of ethics suggests that moral statements:

Accepted Answer

Function primarily to express intentions or perform actions, rather than to make truth-evaluable claims

Answer

Have no practical significance

Answer

Are always objectively true or false

Question 18

The universalizability test, developed by Immanuel Kant, is used to determine:

Accepted Answer

Whether a moral rule can be universally applied without contradiction

Answer

The meaning of moral terms

Answer

The motivation behind moral actions

Answer

The truth-value of moral statements

Question 19

What is the difference between descriptive ethics and normative ethics?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive ethics describes moral beliefs and practices, while normative ethics evaluates and justifies moral beliefs and practices

Answer

Descriptive ethics evaluates and justifies moral beliefs and practices, while normative ethics describes moral beliefs and practices

Question 20

Which philosopher argued that moral judgments are objective and can be known through reason?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Jean-Paul Sartre

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Question 21

What is the difference between a moral rule and a moral principle?

Accepted Answer

A moral rule is a specific rule of conduct, while a moral principle is a general principle of conduct

Answer

A moral rule is a general principle of conduct, while a moral principle is a specific rule of conduct

Question 22

What is the difference between a virtue and a vice?

Accepted Answer

A virtue is a positive moral quality, while a vice is a negative moral quality

Answer

A virtue is a negative moral quality, while a vice is a positive moral quality

Answer

A virtue is a subjective, personal quality, while a vice is an objective, universal quality

Question 23

What is the difference between an ethical dilemma and a moral paradox?

Accepted Answer

An ethical dilemma is a situation with no clear right or wrong answer, while a moral paradox is a situation where two moral principles seem to conflict

Answer

An ethical dilemma is a situation with a clear right or wrong answer, while a moral paradox is a situation where two moral principles seem to conflict