PHIL 440A: FINAL EXAM PART II (TAKE-HOME ESSAY)

DUE IN THE PHIL 440 ELECTRONIC DROPBOX AT MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22.

WORD LIMIT = 1500 WORDS

Topic: What is the Fundamental Basis for Moral Judgment: Reason or Sentiment?

In your paper, you should explain and critically evaluate the disagreement between Baier and Friedman on the role of reason in moral judgment. Your paper should contain the following elements:

(1) You should briefly explain the moral point of view of the care perspective as advocated by Baier.

(2) You should explain the three ways that Friedman claims that morally appropriate care requires justice. You should give an example of each. The first time through, give an example involving an explicit appeal to principles--for example, explicit appeal to a right of a certain kind.

(3) You should consider how Baier would respond to Friedman on each of the three claims that morally appropriate care involves justice. In doing so, you should explain how Baier would argue that sentiment would provide a better solution to the problems raised by your examples. Support your argument with cites to Baier.

(4) Explain how Friedman might respond to Baier's argument. Your response should distinguish explicitly applying a principle and being implicitly sensitive to or implicitly guided by principles of justice. Make sure you consider whether the Friedman text provides support for this response, or whether this is our addition to her account.

(5) Consider how Baier would respond to the claim that morally appropriate care care involves implicit sensitivity to objective principles of justice. (Hint: She would not agree!)

(6) Your discussion of (1)-(5) should provide the basis for your own discussion of the following issue: What is the fundamental basis of morality—reason or sentiment? How would your resolve the disagreement between those who claim that to be truly moral, moral sentiments must be based on reason (where the role of reason may be understood as being implicitly guided by or implicitly sensitive to principles of justice) and those who claim that to be truly moral, moral principles or rules must be based on moral sentiments? Explain.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOPIC, DISCUSS THEM WITH ME OR SEND THEM TO ME BY EMAIL. DO NOT DISCUSS THIS ASSIGNMENT WITH ANYONE ELSE. YOU ARE TO WRITE THIS ESSAY ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN.