Self-Quiz 2.6: W. D. Ross, What Makes Right Acts Right?

Ross thinks the correct moral theory is

utilitarianism.

egoism.

Kant's theory.

None of the above

Which of the following is not on Ross's list of prima facie duties?

Keeping promises

Repaying favors

Keeping the environment clean

Self-improvement

According to Ross, the data from which we should construct ethical theories are

the testimony of moral philosophers.

the moral convictions of thoughtful and well-educated people.

our sensory experiences.

logical principles.

According to Ross, how can we know what to do when two prima facie duties conflict?

It is self-evident.

We can calculate the consequences of our options.

We can consult religious texts.

We cannot know.

What feature does Ross claim that all right actions have in common?

They maximize well-being.

They are universalizable.

They conform to principles which free, informed, rational people would endorse.

None of the above (there is no single feature shared by all right actions)

Ross objects to utilitarianism because it does not take into account obligations created by

promises.

family relationships.

favors others have done in the past.

All of the above

What is the difference between a prima facie duty and a duty proper?

Prima facie duties can be overridden; duties proper cannot.

Duties proper can be overridden; prima facie duties cannot.

Prima facie duties are not actually morally relevant factors; duties proper are.

Duties proper are not actually morally relevant factors; prima facie duties are.

How does Ross think we can come to know what our duties (proper) are?

We must consult moral experts.

We learn them through observation.

They are self-evident.

We cannot know for sure what our duties (proper) are.

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