Bentham And Kant

Question 1

What does Bentham believe about moral decision making?

Answer 1

Moral decision-making should be based on the principle of utility, which he called the “greatest happiness principle”

Question 2

What is the principle of utility/greatest happiness principle?

Answer 2

The idea that actions should be evaluated based on their ability to promote happiness and reduce suffering, and the moral course of action is the one that maximises the overall happiness of society

Question 3

Betham believed that happiness was the only…

Answer 3

intrinsic good and that all other goods, such as wealth and power, were only insofar as they contributed to happiness

Question 4

What is Kant’s ethical philosophy known as?

Answer 4

Deontological ethics

Question 5

What does deontological ethics emphasise?

Answer 5

The inherent value of every individual and stresses the importance of treating others as ends in themselves, rather than as a means to an end

Question 6

Kant believed that moral principles should be grounded in…

Answer 6

reason and that we should act based on what is universally and morally right, rather than on subjective desires or interest

Question 7

Kant’s categorical imperative

Answer 7

We should act only according to the Maxim (or principle) that we could will to become a universal law. This means that if we cannot will our actions to be universally applied, then they are not morally right

Question 8

Summarise Kant’s categorical imperative

Answer 8

Kant believed in universal moral principles and treating others with respect and dignity