Class Today – Prof. Richard C. Taylor

FINAL EXAM for Phil 1001 Spring 2024 (20% of course grade) Prof. Taylor

This is an in-class exam. You must provide in the blue book short outlines before your essays for each of the two Parts of the exam. For this Exam you may bring notes on one 3” x 5” index card. On this card you may have only outlines of your essays. On one side provide an outline of your Part 1 essay in no more than 50 words; on the other side provide an outline of your Part 2 essay in no more than 50 words. PROVIDE THE WORD COUNTS FOR EACH SIDE. You must hand in this card with your exam.

Part 1 (50%): On philosophical ethics in the movie, The Island.
For this part students will have to rent and study the movie, The Island. It is available for about $3.99 at Amazon, YouTube (it may be free there) and elsewhere. Some of you may be able to find it at a site for free. This 2005 movie stars Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson. It was directed and produced by Michael Bay. (So you know it is an action film. Try not to be too distracted by that and keep focus on the philosophical issues.) It might be smart to watch the movie two times, one time with popcorn and the other with your pen and notebook.

Part 1, Section A: Prepare an essay explaining key notions of these five (5) major ethical theories: (i) Aristotle‘s Virtue Ethics or Ethics of Happiness (Eudaimonistic Ethics), (ii) Kant’s Deontological Ethics, (iii) Mill‘s Utilitarianism, (iv) Ethical Egoism and (v) Moral Relativism. Give one paragraph for each of these. After each paragraph add another paragraph about two characters from the movie who exemplify that kind of ethical thinking. Be sure to explain why you think that character in the movie does exemplify that ethical thinking.

Part 1, Section B: In a final paragraph explain (i) what ethical theory you think is dominant in the movie and (ii) what ethical theory you think is most right in your own mind regarding the issues of the movie. Be sure to give reasons for your views in several convincing sentences.

Part 2 (50%): Write an essay on the work we have done in this class and the various philosophical writings we have studied and discussed. Be sure to address each of the following three points in detail.

(i) What did you find most valuable for your own thinking in this class? Indicate at least two things and explain them in some detail and explain the reasons why you found them valuable.

Then (ii) state at least two objections to your view that might be made by someone who would disagree with your view of those teachings and their value.

(iii) Then respond to each of those two objections and defend your view.

You are smart so do not blow off (ii) and (iii): take your time and provide thoughtful answers to them. This question is 50% of the exam grade so your response must be substantial and well thought out.