UT Flashcards
What is the main principle of Utilitarianism?
The greatest happiness principle, which states that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness. Greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Who is considered the founder of classical Utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham.
True or False: Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism.
True. it is deontological duty based
What is the difference between act and rule Utilitarianism?
Act Utilitarianism evaluates each act individually for its consequences, while Rule Utilitarianism follows rules that generally promote the greatest good.
Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism judges the morality of an action based on its _____ consequences.
overall.
Who expanded on Bentham’s ideas and introduced the concept of higher and lower pleasures?
John Stuart Mill.
What is the principle of utility?
The idea that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Utilitarianism? A) It can justify immoral acts B) It is too demanding C) It ignores individual rights D) It is always practical
D) It is always practical.
True or False: Utilitarianism can be applied in both personal and public decision-making.
True.
What does ‘hedonism’ refer to in the context of Utilitarianism?
The pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the highest good.
Fill in the blank: A key challenge for Utilitarianism is measuring _____ and _____ accurately.
happiness; suffering.
What is a common method used in Utilitarianism to evaluate actions?
Cost-benefit analysis.
Multiple Choice: Which philosopher is associated with the harm principle, which is often discussed in Utilitarianism? A) Kant B) Mill C) Aristotle D) Aquinas
B) Mill.
What is the ‘greatest happiness’ that Utilitarianism seeks to achieve?
The overall well-being of the greatest number of people.
True or False: Utilitarianism allows for the sacrifice of an individual for the greater good.
True.
Fill in the blank: In Utilitarianism, actions are evaluated based on their _____ and _____ outcomes.
short-term; long-term.
What is the ‘utility monster’ objection to Utilitarianism?
The idea that a being could derive so much utility from resources that it would justify the suffering of many others.
Who criticized Utilitarianism for neglecting justice and rights?
Immanuel Kant.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key feature of Rule Utilitarianism? A) Focus on individual actions B) Following established rules C) Ignoring consequences D) Prioritizing intentions
B) Following established rules.
What is the significance of the ‘principle of impartiality’ in Utilitarianism?
It states that everyone’s happiness counts equally in moral decision-making.
True or False: Utilitarianism is often criticized for being too flexible in its moral guidelines.
True.
What is an example of a real-world application of Utilitarianism?
Public health policies that aim to maximize the health outcomes for the majority of the population.
Fill in the blank: In Utilitarianism, justice may sometimes be compromised for the sake of _____ happiness.
greater.
What does ‘act Utilitarianism’ focus on?
The consequences of individual actions in specific situations.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes ‘preference Utilitarianism’? A) Focus on pleasure B) Focus on preferences of individuals C) Focus on societal norms D) Focus on intentions
B) Focus on preferences of individuals.
What is ‘negative Utilitarianism’?
The ethical theory that suggests minimizing suffering is more important than maximizing happiness.
