Module 04: Ethics Modern Moral Philosophy

Question 1

He is known as the founder of utilitarianism. He is a philosopher, economist, social reformer and philanthropist.

Answer 1

Jeremy Bentham

Question 2

Who coined the word utilitarianism?

Answer 2

John Stuart Mill

Question 3

What was the book of Jeremy Bentham?

Answer 3

An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation

Question 4

This is the philosophy which advocates the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

Answer 4

Utilitarianism

Question 5

Explain the mechanism of pleasure and pain.

Answer 5

(1) Pleasure is good while pain is evil
(2) God is good and He created man a pleasure-seeking being; so, God created pleasure for man’s enjoyment

Question 6

According to Bentham, pleasure equates to what?

Answer 6

Happiness

Question 7

According to Bentham, what is the aim of life?

Answer 7

To maximize pleasure and minimize pain

Question 8

According to Bentham, how is an act judged?

Answer 8

The act is judged based on the result or consequence.

Question 9

This philosophy states that humans by nature pursue pleasure and avoid pain.

Answer 9

Hedonism

Question 10

How does man make decisions in view of hedonism?

Answer 10

When a person makes decisions, he thinks in terms of pleasure or pain

Question 11

According to this philosophy, humans by nature are selfish, egocentric

Answer 11

Egoism

Question 12

How are people described in light of egoism?

Answer 12

(1) They are primarily concerned with their own pleasure or happiness
(2) They would even try to satisfy themselves at the expense of others
(3) They would take advantage of others for their own benefit
(4) Some people obtain pleasure when they help or satisfy others

Question 13

What is the goal of egoism?

Answer 13

Still, every act is aimed at one’s own satisfaction

Question 14

These are checking devices to prevent overindulgence or excessive pursuit of pleasure. They prevent harm to individuals and society when people pursue pleasure. They also prevent the pursuit of pleasure from getting out of control

Answer 14

Four (4) Sanctions

Question 15

What does the four sanctions do?

Answer 15

They limit the pursuit of pleasure within reasonable boundaries.

Question 16

These are limitations of the body which prevent overindulgence or excessive indulgence in pleasure

Answer 16

Physical sanction

Question 17

This sanction pertains to laws that prevent actions harmful to society

Answer 17

Legal Sanction

Question 18

This sanction pertains to the fear of what others would think or say about you; fear of shame or embarrassment

Answer 18

Conventional Sanction

Question 19

This sanction pertains to the fear of God, divine punishment.

Answer 19

Religious Sanction

Question 20

This is a guide to select pleasure and avoid pain or to maximize pleasure and minimize pain

Answer 20

Hedonistic Calculus

Question 21

Ceteris Paribus means?

Answer 21

With other conditions remaining the same

Question 22

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is more enjoyable

Answer 22

Intensity

Question 23

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that lasts longer.

Answer 23

Duration

Question 24

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is more certain; don’t take the risk.

Answer 24

Certainty

Question 25

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is attainable sooner, not later

Answer 25

Propinquity

Question 26

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that may lead to other pleasures.

Answer 26

Fecundity

Question 27

This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that will not cause pain

Answer 27

Purity

Question 28

This criteria states, to share the pleasure or not; share the pleasure if it increases the pleasure.

Answer 28

Extent