Unit 3 - Ethical Theories: Contractarian, Utilitarian, and Kantian

Question 1

Would not hesitate to break a moral rule if breaking it would lead to the greatest good for the greatest number in a particular case.

Answer 1

Act Utilitarians

Question 2

_________ reserve a more significant place for rules, which they do not regard as expendable on grounds that utility is maximized in the circumstances. By not following the rules, you threaten the general effectiveness of the rules, the observance of which maximizes social utility.

Answer 2

Rule Utilitarians

Question 3

This is the supreme principle of Kantian morality.

Answer 3

Categorical Imperative

Question 4

Kant thinks we should follow “maxims” (rules of action based on principles) like “do not steal.” He thinks that all maxims ought to be universalizable - that is, that they should be able to be accepted by all people.

Answer 4

Categorical Imperative

Question 5

Morality based on duty.

Answer 5

Deontology

Question 6

Any act or practice that maximizes pleasure is right. Only pleasure/happiness can be intrinsically good.

Answer 6

Hedonistic utilitarian

Question 7

There are several independent principles or duties, and that a theory of ethics should fit with the moral convictions of thoughtful and well-educated people.

Answer 7

Pluralistic deontology

Question 8

There are many goods or values that make up human happiness, but no single unit of measure.

Answer 8

Pluralist utilitarian

Question 9

Makes no judgment but simply tries to maximize everyone’s subjective preferences.

Answer 9

Preference utilitarian

Question 10

Acts that would be one’s duty unless overridden by more important moral obligation.

Answer 10

Prima Facie duties.

Question 11

Literally means “on the face of it” or “ apparent”.

Answer 11

Prima facie

Question 12

Kant says we must “treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means.”

Answer 12

Respect for persons.

Question 13

Hobbes’ Leviathan: In a __________ lacking a common power or government, everything would be permitted, there would be no right or wrong, no natural conscience.

Answer 13

State of Nature

Question 14

_________ has been the most influential ethical theory in English-speaking philosophy over the past two centuries.

Answer 14

Utilitarianism

Question 15

It holds the ethics is about promoting happiness, and we should give equal consideration to the happiness of all. It further holds that the moral worth of actions is measured by their consequences.

Answer 15

Utilitarianism