DHVSU Overview and Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What is the central claim of consequentialism regarding moral judgment?

Moral actions are those that fulfill personal desires.

The consequences of an action are what ultimately determine its morality. (correct)

Actions are assessed on their alignment with virtuous character.

Actions are judged based on adherence to moral rules.

Which aspect of moral evaluation evaluates an action based on its outcomes?

Character

Desires

Consequences (correct)

Rules

In consequentialism, what type of consequences are considered morally relevant?

Consequences involving an intrinsic good. (correct)

Consequences that adhere to social norms.

Consequences that follow individual desires.

All consequences without exception.

How does consequentialism differ from deontology and virtue ethics?

It evaluates actions based on the intrinsic good of their consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What example is provided to illustrate a consequentialist justification?

Legalizing the death penalty to deter crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding rules in moral evaluation?

An action is good if it aligns with a good moral rule. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of moral evaluation focuses on whether an action aligns with virtuous character?

Character Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would likely be criticized by consequentialists?

Actions that prioritize strict adherence to rules. Signup and view all the answers

What does exclusive non-hedonism assert about pleasure?

Pleasure is not an intrinsic good. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recognized by inclusive non-hedonism as an intrinsic good?

Knowledge Signup and view all the answers

In agent-relative consequentialism, what is the primary consideration when evaluating the morality of an action?

The consequences for the agent performing the action. Signup and view all the answers

How does agent-neutral consequentialism differ from agent-relative consequentialism?

It considers the happiness or welfare of all individuals equally. Signup and view all the answers

If Mario chooses Option Y, which statement is true?

It brings pleasure solely to Juan. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of agent-neutral consequentialism?

It accounts for the overall pleasure aggregated from all individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes complex forms of consequentialism?

They combine multiple ethical perspectives into one framework. Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario, if Option Z is chosen, what is the outcome according to agent-neutral consequentialism?

Lito and Bong's happiness is prioritized over personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill argue about the comparison between mental pleasures and physical pleasures?

Mental pleasures are of a higher quality than physical pleasures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism regarding the lack of objective criteria in utilitarianism?

There is no objective method to determine the value of different pleasures. Signup and view all the answers

According to the argument presented, when is self-sacrifice considered morally good in utilitarianism?

When it contributes to overall happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assertion of exclusive non-hedonistic utilitarianism?

Satisfaction of preferences is the intrinsic good. Signup and view all the answers

Which thinkers are primarily associated with preference utilitarianism?

Peter Singer and Richard Hare. Signup and view all the answers

How does inclusive non-hedonistic utilitarianism differ from hedonistic utilitarianism?

It includes pleasure as an intrinsic good along with other intrinsic goods. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of preference utilitarianism, what makes an action morally good?

It maximizes the satisfaction of preferences for the greatest number. Signup and view all the answers

What do critics argue about utilitarianism regarding self-sacrifice and martyrdom?

It fails to recognize the importance of self-sacrifice. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a good rule in rule utilitarianism?

It maximizes aggregate good when generally followed. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of paying a plumber, what would a rule utilitarian most likely argue?

Honor contracts is an optimific rule that should be followed. Signup and view all the answers

What critique is commonly associated with act utilitarianism?

It can justify breaking promises or contracts when they do not maximize good. Signup and view all the answers

How does rule utilitarianism differ in its approach from act utilitarianism?

It adheres to rules that maximize good when generally followed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with rule worship in rule utilitarianism?

It may lead to following rules even when breaking them would produce better outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

In rule utilitarianism, what dictates the goodness of a rule?

The consequences that result from generally following it. Signup and view all the answers

What stance might act utilitarianism take regarding a promise made on a desert island?

Breaking the promise to save lives would be the right action. Signup and view all the answers

What can rule utilitarianism be viewed as a compromise between?

Consequentialism and deontological ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of agent-relative hedonism?

Maximizing the agent's own pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Which form of hedonism does Epicurus advocate?

Passive hedonism prioritizing long-lasting tranquility Signup and view all the answers

What fundamentally differentiates Nietzsche's view in agent-relative non-hedonism?

Will to power is seen as the intrinsic good. Signup and view all the answers

What type of hedonism do Aristippus and Epicurus differ on?

The type of pleasure that offers the most value Signup and view all the answers

What does agent-neutral non-hedonism emphasize?

Maximizing overall benefits for everyone involved Signup and view all the answers

In agent-relative hedonism, what is the sole criterion for judging the morality of an action?

The agent's pleasure Signup and view all the answers

According to Nietzsche's ethical theory, an action is morally good if it?

Enhances the agent's will to power Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is known for advocating active hedonism?

Aristippus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Consequentialism

Consequentialism determines morality based on the outcomes of actions.
The theory prioritizes results over intentions or inherent values of actions.
Only consequences that bring about an intrinsic good are morally relevant.

Moral Evaluation Aspects

Consequences: Morally good actions yield positive outcomes, like increased happiness or well-being.
Rules: Actions are morally assessed based on adherence to good rules or laws, such as prohibitions against harm.
Character: Assessments can depend on whether actions align with virtuous traits like compassion.

Intrinsic Goods

Exclusive Non-Hedonism: Rejects pleasure as the sole intrinsic good; considers other benefits like power.
Inclusive Non-Hedonism: Accepts pleasure as an intrinsic good while recognizing other goods like knowledge and beauty.

Agent Relativity vs. Neutrality

Agent-Relative Consequentialism: Considers only the agent's well-being in moral judgment.
Agent-Neutral Consequentialism: Weighs the impacts on everyone affected equally, promoting the greatest overall good.

Complex Forms of Consequentialism

Distinct categories include hedonistic vs. non-hedonistic, and agent-relative vs. agent-neutral.
Examples:
- Agent-Relative Hedonism: Good actions maximize the agent's pleasure.
- Agent-Neutral Hedonism: Good actions maximize overall pleasure for everyone.

Key Proponents

Agent-Relative Hedonism: Advocated by Aristippus (active hedonism) and Epicurus (passive hedonism).
Agent-Relative Non-Hedonism: Friedrich Nietzsche emphasizes will to power as the primary intrinsic good.

Criticisms of Utilitarianism

Swinish Doctrine: Claims that utilitarianism equates human pleasures with animal pleasures; countered by Mill's differentiation of mental and physical pleasures.
Lack of Objective Criteria: Challenges the subjectivity in comparing varied pleasures; Mill argues that experienced judges can discern value.
Self-Sacrifice: Questions the moral values surrounding self-sacrifice; Mill states it's valid only if it enhances overall happiness.

Non-Hedonistic Utilitarianism

Exclusive Non-Hedonistic Utilitarianism: Asserts preferences rather than pleasure as the intrinsic good (e.g., Richard Hare, Peter Singer).
Inclusive Non-Hedonistic Utilitarianism: Recognizes multiple intrinsic goods alongside pleasure, such as knowledge and relationships.

Preference Utilitarianism

Focuses on maximizing satisfaction of preferences as the measure of moral value.
Principles based on optimific rules, which when followed generally yield the greatest good.

Differences in Utilitarian Approaches

Act Utilitarianism: Evaluates individual actions based on their specific outcomes.
Rule Utilitarianism: Focuses on rules that, when consistently applied, create the most favorable outcomes.

Ethical Dilemmas in Utilitarianism

Example of Hiring a Plumber:
- Act utilitarianism may suggest not paying if it generates greater good through charity.
- Rule utilitarianism would emphasize the importance of honoring contracts for social trust.
Desert Island Promise:
- Act utilitarianism prioritizes saving lives over keeping a promise.
- Rule utilitarianism upholds promise-keeping as an essential value but may face "rule worship" concerns in extreme cases.

Rule Utilitarianism's Position

Although it incorporates moral rules, it remains consequentialist as rules are evaluated based on their outcomes.
Seen as a bridge between deontological ethics and utilitarianism to prevent extreme outcomes by stabilizing moral considerations.

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