Key Terms

Question 1

Principle of Utility/Greatest Happiness?

Answer 1

The idea that the choice that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number is the right choice.

Question 2

Deontological?

Answer 2

From the Latin for “duty”, ethics focused on the intrinsic rightness and wrongness of actions.

Question 3

Teleological?

Answer 3

Looking to the end results (telos) in order to draw a conclusion about what is right and wrong.

Question 4

Hedonic calculus?

Answer 4

The system for calculating the amount of pain or pleasure generated.

Question 5

Consequentialism?

Answer 5

Ethical theories that see morality as driven by the consequences, rather than actions or character of those concerned.

Question 6

Hedonistic?

Answer 6

Pleasure-driven.

Question 7

Quantitative?

Answer 7

Focused on quantity (how many, how big).

Question 8

Qualitative?

Answer 8

Focused on quality (what kind of thing).

Question 9

Act utilitarian?

Answer 9

Weighs up what to do at each individual occasion.

Question 10

Rule utilitarian?

Answer 10

Weighs up what to do in principle in all occasions of a certain kind.