Act-Utilitarianism Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is act-utilitarianism?

Act-utilitarianism argues that an act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative.

What is one practical problem with act-utilitarianism?

One practical problem with act-utilitarianism is that we cannot do the necessary calculations to determine which act is the correct one in each case, for often we must act spontaneously and quickly.

What is the alternative to act-utilitarianism?

The alternative to act-utilitarianism is a view called rule-utilitarianism.

What is rule-utilitarianism?

Rule-utilitarianism: An act is right if and only if it is required by a rule that is itself a member of a set of rules whose acceptance would lead to greater utility for society. Signup and view all the answers

What are some practical rules of thumb mentioned in the text?

Practical rules of thumb mentioned in the text are, for example, 'In general, don’t lie,' and 'Generally, keep your promises.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the etymological definition of morality?

Morality from an etymological definition refers to the concept of human action which pertains to matters of right and wrong – also referred to as “good and evil”. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to teach morality despite not fully understanding it?

Teaching morality is of prime importance and must be learned, even if we do not fully understand it. Teaching must not be brainwashing; it must be moral. Signup and view all the answers

What is the commonly used word in most cultures?

Morality is a commonly used word in most cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What can morality be used to mean in a society?

Morality can be used to mean the generally accepted code of conduct in a society, or within a subgroup of society. Signup and view all the answers

How can morality be viewed from different perspectives?

Morality can be viewed from different perspectives, and it can be seen as a complex concept that can mean different things to different people. Signup and view all the answers