(1) Argument for ETHICAL RELATIVISM:  Inductive, Inference to the Best Explanation 

9th) Buddhist argument for No-Self: Deductive, modus ponens 

Chapter 2: 

Oakham's Razor- The explanation that makes the fewest assumptions is more likely to be true.  

Principle of Conservatism- the explanation that is the most consistent with other well-established beliefs in more likely to be true.  

Enumerative inductive Argument: drawing a conclusion based on the number and variety of cases. 

Inference to the best explanation: Drawing a conclusion based on something being the best possible explanation for a particular phenomenon. 

Straw man: Misrepresenting an opponent’s view so that it can be easily dismissed. 

Begging the question: an argument where we must already accept the conclusion in order to accept the premises.  

Domino argument fallacy: arguing without warrant that if we allow some event to occur, then other more significant events will follow. 

Line drawing fallacy: rejecting a vague claim because it is not as precise as well would like. 

Equivocation: an argument that contains an ambiguous word of phrase whose intended meaning shifts from one occurrence to another. 

Sufficient condition: Some criterion or criteria that, once it is met, is all that is needed. 

Chapter 8: 

Ethical Relativism: the view that individuals or cultures determine which action are right or wrong. 

Ethical Objectivism: the view that at least some ethical standards are true for everyone.  

Moral Nihilism: the view that there are no moral truths at all. 

Divine Command Theory; the theory that good determines which action are right and wrong. 

Utilitarianism: the view that we ought to maximize the happiness and well-being of those affected by our actions. 

Three problems with Ethical relativism:  

1. It means that actions do not have inherit moral value  

2. It means that we are morally infallible  

3. It cannot explain moral disagreement.  

Euthyphro's Dilemma- is something morally right because God commands to or does God commands something because is morally right?  

Lower pleasurees: the pleasures a being receives in virtue of its sentience (being contious)  

Higher pleasures: the pleasure a being receives in virtue of its ability to reason.  

Mill say about Socrates and the fool: “Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied” 

The principle of Humanity: Always treat people as an end in themselves and never as a mere means. (give them the respect that they deserve) (to use people)  

Kant’s four examples: (maxims) (all contradictions) 

1) Lying about repaying a loan. (lying that you will pay back then you get money and don’t pay) 

2) Suicide out of self-love. (trying to kill yourself by saying that you love yourself,) 

3) Wasting talents. (wasting your talent and wanting to use them) 

4) Not helping others. (being able to help people but still don’t) 

Aristotle’s 

Virtue: Moral virtue is a means between two vices. So, all virtues can be between two extremes. Not enough or too much of something like kindness. 

Eudaimonia: true happiness or flourishing. 

Moral agents: those who bear responsibility for their actions. Those who know right or wrong 

Three advantages of the ethics of care 

1. It reflects our common experience of dependency and responsibility for others 

2. It explains the role that emotions play in moral reasoning. 

3. It explains why we ought to be partial to our family and friends. 

The principle of Nonmaleficence: we should not cause unnecessary or harm to others. 

The principle of Justice: equals should be treated equally. 

Chapter 6:  

Qualitative identity: two things are qualitatively identical if they share similar features. 

Numerical identity: two things are numerically identical if they are one and the same thing. 

Four theories concerning personal identity: 

1. Body theory 

2. Soul theory – spiritual  

3. Memory theory- our incautious  

4. Illusion theory- illusion (budhha)  

Lock – memory, and illusion theory.  

Lock’s definition of a person: An intelligent being endowed with reason and with consciousness. 

Possible solution to Reid's Objection 

Direct Memory: A memory that can be recalled consciously right as this moment. 

Aristotle’s four causes: 

1. Material cause 

2. Formal cause –a specific design like a table  

3. Efficient cause- whatever crated you (ex. Who created me, my parents)  

4. Final cause- to be virtuous 

Moral implication - It encourages equal treatment of all 

Practical implication - It gives us a way to live our lives free from desire and false beliefs