(EQ52)-(FC) (*)

What is the Utilitarian course of action?; and what is the Kantian one? Explain your answer.

(EQ53)-(FC) (*)

We as moral agents find ourselves being caught up in a particular context defined by the two different "forces," if you will:

(1) the "rigid" nature of human states of affairs, where we happen to fall under and are subject to the constraints therein, on the one hand, and

(2) our "inherent" drive (stemming from our desires as well as obligations) to make the right choice, or at least a best one with good intentions, on the other hand.

Given that these above two, (1) & (2), are, respectively, external and internal, we are bound to ponder about the mode and extent to which these two forces from opposite directions "interact" with each other in the name of pursuit of moral goodness and righteousness as human ideal.

Now, try your best to come up with thoughtful responses to the three "sub-questions" below. (Copy only these 3 sub-questions into your submission of IR-5.)

*. 1st Sub-Question:

Suppose we try to exert ourselves to "transcend" a sort of "precariousness" of the circumstances by giving higher priority to (2) over (1).

Would this mode of moral thinking be considered as Kantian or Utilitarian? Why?

*. 2nd Sub-Question:

What would the opposite mode of moral thinking be like? In other words, what does it imply that we reversely subject (2) to (1)?

Would that be Kantian or Utilitarian? Why?

*. 3rd Sub-Question:

So far we have studied numerous "dichotomies," according to which these two dominant ethical schools of thought can be contrasted diametrically. These dichotomies have been studied, applied, and referenced in many scenarios, not to mention, the lecture modules and the associated questions. At this point, you're expected to be well conversant with all of these dichotomies:

1. two loci of values
2. two ways of means/ends relationship
3. two conceptions of good in hierarchy of values
4. two attributes in human nature
5. two schools of thought in metaphysics and epistemology
6. two notions of imperative

Which one of the these dichotomies is "directly relevant" to the above two sub-questions? And why?

NB: As was aforementioned, perhaps the very task of understanding the questions asked here itself may be challenging. If you find yourself perplexed over the questions in this (EQ53), that is a good start... Read the questions very carefully and even at multiple times, if needed, and ponder about them.

Correspondingly, a simple answer will not do. Your answer should be accompanied by explanations given as clearly and elaborately as possible.

(EQ54)-(FC) (*)

Considering that morality matters more poignantly in a social context, to what extent do you think the situation on the lifeboat portrayed in the Edutainment may (or may not) reflect the conditions of the current society we are living in?

What are the similarities or the differences (if any at all)?