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Gavin Walton
- August 18, 2024
This article is going to guide you all the way through the study.com Philosophy 102: Ethics in America final proctored exam! This course will guide you through the evaluation of the moral and ethical concepts of ancient Greek philosophers to the modern ones. Also, you’ll uncover the multifaceted concepts of ethics in contemporary America and the ways specific philosophical attitudes solve or fail to solve the problems arising.
Consider this class as an extremely condensed introduction to Shafer’s moral decision-making, theory, and philosophy of the rights and wrongs of laws and rules. By the end of this course, you will not only know what it means for something to be ‘moral’ or ‘ethical’, but will, with the help of practical cases, be able to improve your problem-solving skills. Also, who does not want to impress his or her friends with deep thoughts concerning the ethical dilemmas of contemporary society at dinner??
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Preparing for study.com Philosophy 102 : An Overview 📖
Well, let me ask you, what are you going to be submerging yourself in study.com Philosophy 102: Ethics in America? Let’s break it down!
The Moral and Ethical Theories Journey
First, to give the overall cognition, you will begin with the fundamentals of morality and ethicality. This knowledge of what defines a theory, the principles of a theory, and the composite of the different theories and approaches will form the basis of the rest of the learning. Here, you will discover how early great philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle provided the early foundation for the ideas thought of today on ethics. Be prepared to review these concepts as they form the basis for the next lessons and you will be given numerous quizzes on them.
Navigating Moral Belief Systems
Subsequently, moral systems of beliefs that the course will present include moral realism, nihilism, subjectivism, and relativism. Both facets of moral reasoning will be compared, which will assist you in realizing that the subject matter is quite diverse. In this section, you are going to face different cases that will push you to reflect on the possibilities and realities of morality.
Tackling Modern Ethical Dilemmas
After learning the theories and their basic components, one of the most interesting activities in the course is analyzing current events according to the chosen theories. You will learn about specific topics on life and death Ethics, for instance, euthanasia and capital punishment as well as engage in the analysis of justice and economic distribution of wealth, and human rights. It will not only make for a good read as you study for the exam but it will also endow you with important knowledge that will assist you to argue intelligently on these topics in day-to-day life.
The course format is you watch short, fun videos and take small, fun quizzes throughout the video lessons to see how much you’ve learned. The final examination shall be proctored and shall comprise questions from all the chapters; therefore, ensure you study all the chapters carefully. A student should also note that issues such as ethical theories and their relation to the actual world will dominate the final exam!
Weekly Prep for the Philosophy 102 Exam📝
Ready to fight for the study.com Philosophy 102: Ethics in America exam success? Use this schedule on the topics discussed above as a guideline to know how to program your study week. This plan is intended to aid the digestion of the content and provide reinforcement through other resources, which will be discussed in this plan.
Week 1: Introduction and Foundations
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Philosophy Definition & Purpose, What is Morality?, and Ethics, Morals & Values.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
- Crash Course Philosophy YouTube Channel
- Quizlet: Ethics and Morality Flashcards
Week 2: Moral Belief Systems
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Moral Realism, Moral Nihilism, Moral Subjectivism, and Moral Relativism.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
- The School of Life: Philosophy – Ethics and Morality
- Quizlet: Moral Philosophy Flashcards
Week 3: Ancient Greek Views and Western Religion
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Thucydides.
- Watch lessons on Morality in Western Religion, Divine Command Theory, and Theonomy, Autonomy, and Heteronomy.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
Week 4: Natural and Moral Law Theories
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Theories of Natural Law, Hobbes’ Natural Law, Moral Law Theories of Epictetus, Kant, and Locke, and Moral Law Theories of the Stoics.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
Week 5: Consequentialist vs. Non-Consequentialist Philosophies
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Consequentialism & Non-Consequentialism, Utilitarian Ethics, Egoism, and Ethics of Care Theory.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
Week 6: Ethical Issues in Life & Death
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Euthanasia, Right to Die, Capital Punishment, and Suicide.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
Week 7: Economic Inequality & Morality
Tasks:
- Watch lessons on Economic Equality & Inequality, Poverty Amongst Affluence, and Justice, Fairness & Taxation.
- Take the quizzes for these lessons.
Resources:
Week 8: Final Review and Practice Exam
Tasks:
- Review all chapters and lessons.
- Take the practice exam on study.com.
- Focus on any weak areas identified in the practice exam.
Resources:
- Quizlet: Ethics Practice Test
- YouTube: Final Exam Study Tips
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Top Free Resources for Philosophy 102📂
While you already have access to all the valuable resources on study.com, supplementing your study with additional free resources can help reinforce your understanding of complex concepts. Here are some excellent free resources available online:
YouTube Channels and Playlists
- This playlist covers a wide range of philosophical topics, including ethics, moral theories, and key philosophers.
- Offers in-depth discussions on various philosophical concepts, including natural law, consequentialism, and more.
- Short, engaging videos on philosophical questions and ethical dilemmas.
Quizlet Flashcards and Study Sets
Quizlet: Ethics and Morality Flashcards
- Study sets and flashcards on ethics and morality concepts to test your knowledge.
Quizlet: Philosophy Flashcards
- Covers various philosophical theories, key philosophers, and important terms.
Online Articles and Guides
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- Comprehensive and authoritative articles on virtually every philosophical topic.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- A free, peer-reviewed academic resource that covers major philosophical topics and figures.
Podcasts
- Accessible and entertaining podcast that delves into different philosophical ideas and thinkers.
- Engaging in discussions on a wide range of philosophical topics is perfect for deepening your understanding.
Having access to these resources in combination with your study.com resources will help you greatly on your journey to success in this course. To summarize, reading these materials will help you acquire a vast amount of knowledge on the course subject and contribute to an effective preparation for the final exam.
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Core Topics to Master in Philosophy 102 🔑
For your ease in managing the study.com Philosophy 102: Ethics in America course and to enable you to acquire mastery in it, let us discuss some key topics that you might come across. Let’s differentiate, and give examples, using tables, comparisons, and so on regarding these topics. This will make the knowledge to be easy to comprehend and therefore retain in the long-term memory.
- Consequentialism vs. Non-Consequentialism
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Aspect
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Consequentialism
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Non-Consequentialism
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Definition
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Judge's actions by their outcomes
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Judges actions by adherence to moral rules
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Key Focus
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Results of actions
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Intentions and principles
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Example
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Utilitarianism: The greatest good for the most
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Kantian Ethics: Duty-based actions
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Real-World Scenario
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Justifying war for peace (consequences)
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Following laws regardless of the outcome
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Example:
- Consequentialism: In a business setting, a consequentialist might justify a layoff if it leads to the company’s long-term success.
- Non-Consequentialism: Conversely, a non-consequentialist would oppose the layoff if it violates the duty to treat employees fairly, regardless of the outcome.
Key Points:
- Utilitarianism: The greatest good for the greatest number.
- Ethical Egoism: The best action benefits the individual.
- Deontology: Duty and adherence to rules are paramount.
- Ethical Theories of Life and Death
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Ethical Issue
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Conservative View
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Liberal View
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Euthanasia
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Generally opposed
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Supports under specific circumstances
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Capital Punishment
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Often supported
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Often opposed
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Suicide
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Immoral (e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas)
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Can be morally justified (e.g., David Hume)
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Example:
- Euthanasia: A conservative view would argue that only a divine power can end life, whereas a liberal view might support euthanasia to relieve extreme suffering.
Key Points:
- Doctor-Assisted Suicide: Often debated in terms of patient autonomy vs. ethical medical practice.
- Capital Punishment: Weighs retribution against potential miscarriages of justice.
- Justice: Retributive vs. Utilitarian
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Aspect
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Retributive Justice
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Utilitarian Justice
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Definition
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Punishment based on what is deserved
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Punishment to achieve greater social good
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Key Focus
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Desert and proportionality
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Deterrence, rehabilitation, societal benefit
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Example
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Eye for an eye
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Imprisonment for rehabilitation
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Real-World Scenario
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Sentencing based on crime severity
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Community service to prevent future crimes
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Example:
- Retributive Justice: A judge imposes a strict sentence on a thief to ensure they get what they deserve.
- Utilitarian Justice: A judge might opt for rehabilitation programs to help the thief reintegrate into society and reduce future crime.
Key Points:
- Retributivism: Focus on past actions and proportional punishment.
- Utilitarianism: Focus on future outcomes and prevention of crime.
- Environmental Ethics: Anthropocentric vs. Ecocentric
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Aspect
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Anthropocentric Ethics
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Ecocentric Ethics
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Definition
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Human-centered view
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Nature-centered view
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Key Focus
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Human benefits
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Intrinsic value of nature
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Example
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Using resources for economic growth
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Preserving ecosystems regardless of utility
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Real-World Scenario
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Developing land for housing
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Protecting land for biodiversity
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Example:
- Anthropocentric: Supporting deforestation for economic development.
- Ecocentric: Opposing deforestation to protect wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
Key Points:
- Human-Centered Ethics: Values nature primarily for its utility to humans.
- Life-centered Ethics: Values all living things intrinsically, regardless of their utility to humans.
I hope that these tables and comparisons will make some of the concepts that may be somewhat vague in your course clearer to you. After that, we will turn to the part often left behind by students; the Frequently Asked Questions section.
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Answers to Common Philosophy 102 Questions❓
Q: What is the best way to prepare for the proctored final exam?
A: Follow a structured study plan and review all lessons and quizzes on study.com. Take the practice exam to familiarize yourself with the format. Use additional external resources to reinforce difficult concepts.
Q: How significant are the quizzes in this course?
A: Quizzes are important because they contribute to 100 from 300 points and help to check your knowledge of each lesson. Each quiz is offered three times so students can obtain the highest score possible. Try to shoot to get at least a score higher than 80% to move to the next level.
Q: Can I retake the final exam if I’m not satisfied with my score?
A: Yes, you can retake the final exam twice if needed. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period between attempts. Make sure to review your weak areas before retaking the exam.
Q: What are some key topics that will be heavily tested in the final exam?
A: Focus on ethical theories, moral belief systems, and ethical issues in life and death. These areas are heavily featured in the course and exam. Reviewing these topics thoroughly will help you succeed.
Q: Are there any free resources to help me understand difficult concepts?
A: Yes, there are several free resources available online. Use YouTube channels like Crash Course Philosophy and Quizlet flashcards for additional practice and explanations. These resources can help clarify difficult concepts.
Q: What are the proposed time management tips when undertaking this course?
A: Utilize the schedule provided in this article. Reinforce your knowledge by always going through lessons and taking quizzes. You should employ practice exams in order to measure your progress and to make necessary changes to the timeline accordingly.
Follow readings and other resources from outside your class to get a fresh angle in your consultation pools. You can seek help from your course instructor or can join the study group to discuss with them and get clarity. Do not be afraid to pose questions and have two-way conversations.
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Closing Remarks on Philosophy 102📄
Congratulations! You’re now armed to face the study.com Philosophy 102: Ethics in America class and pass the final proctored examination. Thus, by sticking to the timetable, using free sources of information, and concentrating on the most important subjects, you will be able to study thoroughly. It is crucial to pay lots of attention to the consistency of the multisensory methods used in the classroom, and it is never wrong to consult when necessary.
Each of the lessons that you go through should be done with interest in the content; this should be accompanied by the mastery tests. Not only will the ethical theories and real-world cases that you will encounter create a good foundation to prepare for the exam but it will also sharpen your ethical thinking abilities. Good luck, and happy studying!
