Consequentialism in Ethics
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Questions and Answers

What fundamental principle does consequentialism focus on when evaluating the morality of an action?

  • The beliefs and intentions of the actor
  • The outcomes or results of the action (correct)
  • The adherence to rules and obligations
  • The intrinsic nature of the action itself

    • Which philosopher is primarily associated with the establishment of consequentialism?

  • John Stuart Mill
  • Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Immanuel Kant
  • Jeremy Bentham (correct)

    • Which phrase best summarises the goal of consequentialist ethical theories?

  • To ensure actions adhere to moral laws
  • To cultivate personal virtues and character
  • To bring about the greatest good for the greatest number (correct)
  • To achieve the utmost freedom for individuals

    • What does the historical development of consequentialism emphasize compared to strict rule-based ethical frameworks?

    <p>Flexibility in moral decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contrasting ethical theories should one explore to fully comprehend the principles of consequentialism?

    <p>Deontology and Virtue Ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of ethical relativism?

    <p>It holds that moral standards vary across cultures and times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does ethical relativism encourage dialogue between cultures?

    <p>By recognizing and valuing diverse moral perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critique is often leveled against ethical relativism?

    <p>It tends to equate all cultural practices as equally valid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following philosophers is associated with the concept of Nietzschean perspectivism?

    <p>Hegel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Protagoras claim regarding truth?

    <p>Truth is subjective and varies based on perception.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of ethical relativism?

    <p>It encourages flexibility in ethical decision-making.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does descriptive relativism argue regarding moral judgments?

    <p>Moral judgments are social constructs influenced by cultural contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophical stance opposes the ideas of ethical relativism?

    <p>Moral absolutism which asserts universal principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to John Mackie, what is a significant consequence of the lack of objective moral values?

    <p>The existence of moral disagreements even within a single culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of moral relativism?

    <p>Moral principles derive from sociocultural contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure is most closely associated with subjective epistemological relativism?

    <p>Protagoras.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of descriptive ethical relativism?

    <p>Cultural variances in the perception of women's rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one benefit of ethical relativism highlighted in discussions?

    <p>It encourages understanding of cultural diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Nietzsche, Hegel, and Dilthey influence the practice of science in the 20th century?

    <p>They modified the approach to include philosophical interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Mackie's argument from quietness suggest about objective values?

    <p>They would differ fundamentally from natural facts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept illustrates a form of moral relativism and its cultural specificity?

    <p>The understanding that whether private property is moral depends on cultural context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Consequentialism

    • Consequentialism is a normative ethical theory focusing on the outcomes of actions.
    • It evaluates actions based on their results, aiming for the "greatest good for the greatest number."
    • The morality of a choice hinges solely on its consequences, not the action itself.
    • Consequentialism emerged as a dominant ethical framework after the Enlightenment.
    • Prior to this, rule-based ethical approaches were criticized for potentially leading to harmful outcomes.
    • Understanding consequentialism requires examining opposing ethical viewpoints like deontology and virtue ethics.

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    Description

    Explore the principles of consequentialism, a theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes to achieve the greatest good. This quiz covers its emergence after the Enlightenment and its distinctions from other ethical frameworks like deontology and virtue ethics. Test your understanding of this normative ethical theory and its implications.

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