CVSP 203 Final, Fall 2008

American University of Beirut Civilization Sequence Program CVSP 203, Make up / Fall 2008-9 Dr. Malek Sharif Ms140@aub.edu.lb Second Midterm (Make up, 21 January, 2009) Answer two of the following questions in the form of a short essay. 1. […] But the precept [teaching or principle] of happiness is often so constituted as greatly to interfere with some inclinations, and yet men cannot form any definite and certain concept of the sum of satisfaction of all inclinations that is called happiness. This is Kant’s criticism of Utilitarianism, How do you think Jeremy Bentham would have defended his principle? 2. An object of respect can only be what is connected with my will solely as ground and never as effect—something that does not serve my inclination but, rather, outweighs it, or at least excludes it from consideration when some choice is made—in other words, only the law itself can be an object of respect and hence can be a command. Explain Kant’s perception of the hypothetical and categorical imperative, universal law, human dignity and Man as an Autonomous lawgiver. 3. In view of the current international economic crisis do you think that liberal laissez- faire ideas of Adam Smith are still tenable? Good Luck! Malek Sharif