40 Questions
What is conventional morality based on?
Accepted ideas about right and wrong within a culture
What is the primary purpose of critical morality?
To evaluate conventional morality
What is an example of a mistaken moral belief based on conventional morality?
Slavery was once morally acceptable
What is the focus of value theory in moral philosophy?
Defining the good life and what is worth pursuing
What is normative ethics concerned with?
Fundamental moral duties and virtues
What is the focus of metaethics in moral philosophy?
Understanding the status of moral claims
What is a key difference between conventional and critical morality?
Conventional morality is based on culture, while critical morality is based on universal standards
What is the relationship between critical morality and conventional morality?
Critical morality evaluates and critiques conventional morality
According to the disadvantages of utilitarianism, what may occur as a result of decision-making?
Ignoring individual needs and preferences
What is a potential issue with the utilitarian approach in a hospital setting?
Favoring patients of higher social status
What should the university do, according to utilitarianism, when considering a donation from a controversial figure?
Accept the donation because it will benefit the university financially
What is Jeff Sebo's area of expertise?
Animal and environmental studies
What is the main topic of discussion in the passage?
Decision-making approaches in healthcare and education
What is a potential drawback of utilitarianism in a healthcare setting?
Ignoring the needs and preferences of individual patients
What is the primary concern of utilitarianism?
The greater good of the majority
What is a potential consequence of sacrificing the well-being of a minority for the greater good?
Unequal treatment of patients based on social status
What is the central idea of the utilitarian theory of what is valuable?
Happiness and the absence of suffering are the only things that are valuable in themselves.
What is the right action according to the utilitarian theory?
The right action is the one that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering.
What is the main difference between the utilitarian theory of what is valuable and the utilitarian theory of right action?
The first one is about what is valuable, and the second one is about how to act based on that value.
What is the main reason why the doctor should divide the medicine among the five patients?
Because it will save more lives and reduce suffering.
What is the relationship between the theory of what is valuable and the theory of right action in utilitarianism?
They are complementary parts of utilitarianism.
What is the role of money in the utilitarian theory of what is valuable?
It is derivatively valuable because it helps us get happiness.
What is the consequence of accepting the utilitarian view of what is valuable?
You are free to choose your own theory of right action.
What is the main difference between Needy and the other five patients?
Needy needs more doses of the medicine.
What is the primary goal of an action according to utilitarianism?
To maximize happiness and minimize suffering
What is the key factor in determining the morality of an action according to utilitarianism?
The consequences of the action
Who should be considered when making moral decisions according to utilitarianism?
All rational beings, regardless of their personal interests
What is the utilitarian approach to resolving moral dilemmas?
Consider the consequences of the action and choose the option that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering
What is the moral obligation of an individual according to utilitarianism?
To maximize happiness and minimize suffering for all rational beings
What is the role of personal values and beliefs in utilitarian moral decision-making?
They are irrelevant to the moral decision-making process
What is the primary consideration in determining the morality of an action according to utilitarianism?
The consequences of the action
How does utilitarianism approach the moral dilemma of using animals for testing products?
It considers the consequences of the action and chooses the option that maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering
What is the primary focus of ethics according to the passage?
The happiness of beings in this world
What is the name of the ethical theory that argues for the goodness of pleasure?
Utilitarianism
What is the main criterion for determining the morality of an action in Utilitarianism?
The consequences of the action
What is the main benefit of considering the costs and benefits of actions in Utilitarianism?
It enables the maximization of happiness
What is the significance of Sigmund Freud's story in the context of Utilitarianism?
It provides a real-world example of euthanasia and the pursuit of happiness
What is the main concern of the passage regarding morality?
The maximization of happiness in this world
What is the primary goal of Utilitarianism according to the passage?
To maximize happiness in this world
What is the relationship between pleasure and goodness in Utilitarianism?
Pleasure is a form of goodness
Study Notes
Conventional and Critical Morality
- Conventional morality refers to the patterns of behavior, accepted ideas about right and wrong, and character traits that are admired in different cultures.
- Conventional morality can differ from society to society.
- Critical morality, on the other hand, refers to the moral standards that are independent of conventional morality and can be used to evaluate its merits.
Example of a Past Moral Belief
- One example of a past moral belief based on tradition/conventional morality that is now considered mistaken is the practice of slavery.
Three Core Areas of Moral Philosophy
- Value Theory: concerned with questions about the good life, what is worth pursuing, and how to improve our lot in life.
- Normative Ethics: concerned with questions about fundamental moral duties, what makes right actions right, and which character traits are virtues or vices.
- Metaethics: concerned with the status of moral claims and advice, and what morality is based on.
Utilitarianism
- Definition: an ethical theory that argues for the goodness of pleasure and the determination of right behavior based on the usefulness of the action's consequences.
- Key Principle: an action is morally right if it maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering.
- Application: Utilitarianism can be applied to real-world issues, such as euthanasia, animal testing, and resource allocation.
Examples of Utilitarianism
- Euthanasia: Sigmund Freud's request to end his life due to unbearable suffering can be seen as a utilitarian decision.
- Animal Testing: a company may decide to use animals for testing products to ensure human safety, despite potential harm to animals.
- Resource Allocation: a hospital administrator may decide to allocate limited resources to prioritize the greater good of the majority.
Criticisms of Utilitarianism
- Disadvantages: may lead to unequal treatment of individuals based on their social status, prioritize quantity of care over quality of care, or ignore individual needs and preferences.
- Sacrificing the Well-being of a Minority: may require sacrificing the well-being of a minority for the greater good of the majority.
Moral Status
- Definition: refers to who we have moral obligations to, and why.
- Utilitarianism: according to utilitarianism, the only thing that is valuable in its own right is happiness and the absence of suffering.
- Theory of Right Action: the right action is the one that maximizes or produces the most expected value.
Explore the differences between conventional and critical morality, including how they vary across cultures and evaluate moral standards.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
