Aristotle
What is the ultimate goal towards which all human beings strive?
What are the three different kinds of lives that people believe will lead to happiness?
What is the specific function of human beings?
What are the three parts of the soul?
What are the two components of virtue, and how is each gained?

Mencius
What is human nature inherently like?
What four natural endowments are provided to everyone through human nature?
What is the example of the sowing of barley intended to demonstrate about human nature?

Kant
What is the only thing that is good without qualification?
Why does Kant reject the claim that happiness is the ultimate goal for humans?
How does Kant distinguish between duties and inclinations?
What motivation should lie behind a good moral act?
How can you determine your duty?

Bentham
What are the two sovereign masters of humankind?
What is the principle of utility, and how is “utility” defined?
What is the true meaning of the “interests of the community?”
What is the true meaning of the terms “right” and “wrong?”
Why is it impossible to deny that right and wrong are founded on the principle of utility?

Schweitzer
How is the good defined?
How does indifference toward others develop?
In what way is nature cruel and senseless?
What is the highest achievement in the evolution of life?
What three temptations lead us away from the good, and how should we respond to them?

McGaa
What is meant by Mother Earth, and for what things do we owe her?
Why did Europeans found it necessary to migrate?
What is Wakan Tanka?
What are the four commandments of the Great Spirit?
What are the true motives behind war, and how can we end it?
How does McGaa recommend that we should live?

Hospers
What criteria does Hospers consider in seeking an account of responsibility?
Why are all of these criteria unacceptable?
Why are we ultimately unable to take responsibility for our successes or our failures?
Does this mean that no one who comes from the “wrong side of the tracks” can succeed?
Why should we bother making moral judgements at all?
How does Hospers suggest that we deal with criminals?

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Last Updated: 2 February 2001