Ethical Decision-Making: Utilitarianism & Deontology

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Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a utilitarian approach to ethical decision-making?

A doctor prioritizes treating patients based on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of the severity of their condition.
A government implements a policy that slightly reduces the overall happiness of the majority to prevent severe suffering for a small minority.
A city council approves a new highway project, even though it displaces a few families, because it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and benefit the majority of commuters. (correct)
A company CEO decides to donate a large sum of money to a local charity because it aligns with their personal values.

How does utilitarianism weigh individual happiness in its calculations?

Each person's happiness is considered equally. (correct)
Individual happiness is weighted based on social status.
Individual happiness is weighted based on the intensity of emotion.
Individual happiness is irrelevant.

A local government is considering building a new sports stadium. Supporters argue it will bring economic benefits and entertainment to many, increasing overall happiness. Critics argue it will displace residents and increase local taxes, causing unhappiness. How would a utilitarian likely approach this decision?

Oppose the project, as forced tax increases are a violation of rights.
Support the project, as economic benefits always outweigh individual costs.
Oppose the project, as any displacement is inherently unethical.
Support the project if the increase in overall happiness outweighs the unhappiness caused. (correct)

What is a key difference between utilitarianism and deontology?

Utilitarianism focuses on consequences, while deontology focuses on adherence to moral rules. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential challenge or criticism of utilitarianism?

It may justify actions that violate individual rights if they maximize overall happiness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant's categorical imperative, which principle is most crucial when determining the morality of an action?

Whether the maxim behind the action can be willed to become a universal law without contradiction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates a challenge to deontological ethics, as exemplified by 'the inquiring murderer' scenario?

The conflict that arises when different moral duties or rules clash with one another. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central focus of virtue ethics when evaluating the morality of an action?

The character and moral qualities of the person performing the action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a key aspect of virtue ethics?

Virtues are the means between two vices, representing a balanced character trait. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario highlights a significant challenge associated with virtue ethics?

It can sometimes struggle to provide concrete guidance on how to act in specific situations, such as deciding whether or not to disclose one's HIV status. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario poses the most significant challenge to a purely utilitarian approach to ethical decision-making?

A doctor prioritizing treatment for a large group of patients with minor illnesses over a single patient with a rare, life-threatening condition, due to resource constraints. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor distinguishes utilitarianism from other ethical frameworks?

Focus on the consequences of actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A utilitarian calculus is used to determine which course of action maximizes happiness. What is a limitation of such a calculation?

It is impossible to predict everyone's level of happiness accurately. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant's categorical imperative primarily assess the morality of an action?

By determining whether the action aligns with universalizable principles and respects human dignity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In deontological ethics, what presents a significant challenge when moral rules conflict?

It becomes difficult to determine which duty takes precedence, leading to moral dilemmas. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central critique of utilitarianism related to individual rights?

Utilitarianism can potentially allow the sacrifice of individual rights if it maximizes overall happiness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does deontology differ from utilitarianism in its approach to ethical decision-making?

Deontology emphasizes adherence to moral rules and duties, regardless of consequences, while utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to virtue ethics, what is the primary factor in determining the morality of an action?

Whether the action is what a virtuous person, acting virtuously, would do in the circumstances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does virtue ethics address the role of partiality in moral decision-making?

It recognizes that different virtues are appropriate for different roles and relationships. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of virtue ethics regarding its practical application as an action guide?

It struggles to provide specific guidance on how to act in complex moral dilemmas. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Within utilitarianism, what is the primary consideration when evaluating the morality of an action?

The extent to which the action maximizes overall happiness and minimizes unhappiness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does utilitarianism address the distribution of happiness?

It focuses on maximizing the total quantity of happiness, regardless of how it is distributed among individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential challenge to utilitarianism related to justice and individual rights?

It may lead to decisions that violate individual rights or are considered unjust if they maximize overall happiness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant's categorical imperative, how should one's actions treat individuals?

Always as an end, respecting their rationality and autonomy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does deontology differ from utilitarianism in determining the morality of an action?

Deontology determines morality based on adherence to moral rules or duties, while utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of the action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to deontology, what aspect of an action determines its moral worth?

Its adherence to moral rules or duties. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes virtue ethics from both utilitarianism and deontology?

Virtue ethics centers on the character of the moral agent rather than rules or consequences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What presents a significant challenge to applying virtue ethics in complex situations?

Its subjectivity and lack of specific action guidance which hinders decision-making. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what is the relationship between rationality, autonomy, and treating someone as an end?

Respecting someone's rationality and autonomy is essential to treating them as an end. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Ethical Theories

Theories that try to explain what makes behavior morally right or wrong.

Consequentialism

A type of ethical theory stating that the consequences of an action determine its moral value.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory maximizing overall happiness and minimizing unhappiness determines the best action.

Utilitarianism Principles

Judging actions solely by their consequences, prioritizing the amount of happiness created for each individual affected.