Answer:
When evaluating ethical arguments, the two basic questions that must be asked are:
Is the general ethical principle that underlies the argument plausible?
Is the general ethical principle that underlies the argument correctly applied to the case under consideration?
These two questions are crucial for assessing the strength and validity of an ethical argument. The first question examines whether the foundational ethical principle behind the argument is reasonable, widely accepted, and can stand up to scrutiny. The second question ensures that the ethical principle is being applied appropriately and consistently to the specific situation or case being discussed in the argument.