Ethics audiobook cover - A Very Short Introduction

Ethics

A Very Short Introduction

Simon Blackburn

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Philosophy

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Ethics by Simon Blackburn
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Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
Why do people often attempt to evade ethical thinking, according to the text?
  • A. Because moral philosophy is too academic and disconnected from real-world problems.
  • B. Because ethical concerns can threaten their comfort levels and the status quo they benefit from.
  • C. Because the law already dictates all necessary moral actions, making ethics redundant.
  • D. Because humans are naturally and biologically programmed to avoid social conflict.
Question 2 of 8
How does the text respond to the 'Death of God' threat to ethics?
  • A. It argues that a return to religious values is necessary to prevent a lawless society.
  • B. It suggests that without a supernatural authority, humans must rely entirely on evolutionary survival instincts.
  • C. It asserts that humans are fully capable of establishing shared moral principles and laws without relying on a supernatural authority.
  • D. It claims that the 'Death of God' is a myth and that religion still dictates all modern laws.
Question 3 of 8
According to the text, what is a positive use of a 'dash of relativism'?
  • A. It acts as the ultimate conversation-stopper to end hostile debates.
  • B. It proves that all ethical opinions are equally valid and cannot be judged.
  • C. It allows individuals to completely detach from their inherited cultural preferences.
  • D. It increases tolerance, aids in imagining another person's perspective, and encourages compromise.
Question 4 of 8
Why does the text reject the idea that humans are fundamentally and exclusively selfish?
  • A. Because altruistic and principled behavior is actually admired, rewarded, and enhances survival in social environments.
  • B. Because evolutionary science has proven that the drive to perpetuate the species is a myth.
  • C. Because selfishness is a modern concept created entirely by capitalist societies.
  • D. Because humans are the only animals capable of experiencing genuine emotions.
Question 5 of 8
How does Immanuel Kant's 'categorical imperative' differ from the 'golden rule'?
  • A. The categorical imperative allows for exceptions in extreme circumstances, whereas the golden rule is absolute.
  • B. The categorical imperative is based on achieving the greatest happiness, while the golden rule focuses on individual duty.
  • C. The categorical imperative is stricter and relies on universal laws, preventing subjective loopholes like a judge giving a murderer a light sentence.
  • D. The categorical imperative was derived from religious texts, while the golden rule is strictly secular.
Question 6 of 8
According to a strict deontological system like Kant's, what should you do if an axe murderer asks where your children are hiding?
  • A. Lie, because protecting innocent lives outweighs the duty to tell the truth.
  • B. Tell the truth, because you are bound by duty to never lie under any circumstance.
  • C. Remain silent, because deontology only governs actions, not speech.
  • D. Lie, but only if you are certain it will result in the greatest overall happiness.
Question 7 of 8
What is a major criticism of utilitarianism mentioned in the text?
  • A. It provides no clear methodology for making moral decisions.
  • B. It places too much emphasis on an individual's moral character rather than their actions.
  • C. It relies heavily on divine authority to determine what constitutes 'happiness.'
  • D. It could theoretically justify the suffering or oppression of a minority if it brings greater happiness to the majority.
Question 8 of 8
What is the primary focus of virtue ethics?
  • A. Following universal rules that apply equally to all people.
  • B. Calculating the long-term consequences of every individual action.
  • C. Cultivating a moral character and habits over a whole lifetime.
  • D. Ensuring that the maximum number of people achieve happiness.

Ethics — Full Chapter Overview

Ethics Summary & Overview

Ethics: A Very Short Introduction (2001) does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a clear and accessible introduction to the branch of philosophy that’s concerned with how we ought to treat each other. By exploring key challenges and theories within ethics, Simon Blackburn cuts through philosophical jargon so we can learn to think clearly about how we ought to behave.

Who Should Listen to Ethics?

  • Beginners looking to get started with philosophy
  • Cynics secretly wondering if an ethical life is even possible 
  • Altruists who want to live more ethical lives

About the Author: Simon Blackburn

Simon Blackburn is a retired professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge, and a distinguished research fellow of philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Along with his significant contributions to academic philosophy – particularly in metaethics and quasi-realism – Blackburn is known for his books aimed at a general audience, such as the best-selling Think. 

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