AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 2

Question 1

Which ethical theory holds that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Consequentialism evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences, with utilitarianism being the most well-known consequentialist theory.

Question 2

The 'straw man' fallacy occurs when someone:

Accepted Answer

Misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

Answer

A straw man fallacy involves distorting or exaggerating an opponent's position to make it easier to refute, rather than addressing the actual argument.

Question 3

In Plato's Allegory of the Cave, the prisoners in the cave represent people who:

Accepted Answer

Perceive only shadows and mistake them for reality

Answer

The prisoners symbolize those who mistake appearances and sensory perceptions for true reality, unaware of the deeper philosophical truths outside the cave.

Question 4

Which term describes a statement that is true by definition and cannot be denied without contradiction?

Accepted Answer

Analytic proposition

Answer

An analytic proposition (e.g., 'All bachelors are unmarried') is true by the meaning of the terms involved and is necessarily true.

Question 5

Aristotle's concept of the 'Golden Mean' suggests that virtue is:

Accepted Answer

The midpoint between excess and deficiency

Answer

Aristotle argued that virtuous traits (like courage) represent a mean between two extremes (recklessness and cowardice), and are developed through habit.

AA - Associate of Arts Practice Test

AA - Associate of Arts Practice Test

AA Philosophy and Critical Thinking 2