Philosophy questions

1. Cultural anthropologist Ruth Benedict argued in favor of cultural relativism in the following way: "Morality... is a convenient term for socially approved habits - The concept of the normal is properly a variant of the concept of the good. It is that which society has approved. A normal action is one which falls well within the limits of expected behavior for a particular society." Since she also asserted that normality is culturally defined, it follows that morality is culturally defined. This is a prototypical characterization of norms and morality in the social sciences.

What do you think of Benedict's argument? What does "normal" mean? Is there a "standard"," template", or "model"? Examples?

2. Ethical Choices

"Using an illustration, discuss Kant's reasons for thinking that we cannot be responsible for the consequences of our actions. How far do you agree with Kant on this?"

3. Often the penalty for white-collar crime is considerably less than for street crime. Someone who makes millions of dollars in illegal insider trading in stocks, for example, will spend less time in jail than someone who steals a car. Moreover, he will serve his time in a comparatively comfortable facility. Is this difference in punishment morally justifiable?"