Chapter 9 Self-test questions

. What is the purpose of politics, according to Aristotle?

To advance the interests of politicians.

To produce virtuous citizens and encourage righteousness in individuals.

To obtain power.

To secure justice by abolishing slavery.

. What is Kant's 'categorical imperative?

You must not consciously harm another person.

You must always act in the best interests of the community.

You must treat human beings as means rather than ends.

You must act according as if your values apply to everyone.

. Which proposition below is the most powerful refutation of Bentham's felicific calculus?

Happiness is less important than economic prosperity.

It is impossible to calculate all the consequences of one's acts.

Pain and pleasure are inevitable features of life.

Utilitarianism fails to take account of differences in social background.

. Posner denies the autonomy of law on two grounds. Name one of them.

He denies that law develops independently of social and economic forces.

He claims that law is economically immoral.

He rejects a positivist account of law.

He opposes any sociological analysis of the law.

. Posner's economic analysis of law is roundly attacked by Dworkin who says the theory 'has not achieved the beginning of a beginning.' What is the basis of this criticism?

Posner's approach fails to offer a means by which to calculate individual prosperity.

It neglects the importance of individual choice.

It regards wealth as a value, which it is not.

The theory is economically unsound.

. Which position does Rawls claim is the least likely to be adopted by the POP (people in the original position)?

The POP would choose equality above liberty.

The POP would opt for the 'maximin' strategy.

The POP would opt for the 'difference principle'.

The POP would reject the 'system of natural liberty.'

. Which proposition below is the most consistent with what Rawls claims the POP would opt for in respect of 'social primary goods'?

The POP will choose wealth over a compassionate society.

The POP will choose equality over power.

The POP will be unselfish.

The POP will choose to protect the disabled.

. Why does communitarianism resemble Aristotle's philosophy more than Kant's?

Because Aristotle justified slavery.

Because Kant failed to distinguish individual from social morality?

Because Aristotle believed that man is a 'social animal'

Because Kant regarded the individual as unimportant.

. How does Nozick answer the criticism of his historical entitlement theory that if the distribution of goods in society is unjust those at the bottom always lose?

It can be remedied by redistribution of wealth.

If each person's holdings are just, then the total distribution of holdings is just.

Historical factors are secondary to moral imperatives.

He has no answer.

. Why does Parfit oppose equality?

He argues than an unequal society is inevitable.

He claims that by giving priority to the needs of the poor, we can increase equality.

He asserts that we are each responsible for our poverty.

He rejects the idea of equality altogether.

. Why does the 'capability' approach to justice reject Rawls' theory?

Because it fails to address the actual capabilities people have to benefit from his theory of justice.

Because it ignores the duties of individuals.

Because it applies only to democratic societies.

Because it overlooks the importance of the courts.

. What is the main objection to globalization?

It does not generally benefit the poor.

It is difficult to enforce.

It is supported by authoritarian regimes.

It applies only to Western countries.

. What is 'environmental racism'?

The idea that people of colour do not protect the environment.

The fact that poor countries abuse the environment.

The location of hazardous waste sites in or near residential areas where minority racial groups live.

Pollution caused by particular racial groups.

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