Ethical Egoism Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the core principle of ethical egoism?

Every individual must act in their self-interest. (correct)

Community welfare is more important than individual interests.

Individuals should always prioritize the well-being of others.

Moral rules should be based on historical traditions.

How does ethical egoism suggest it can benefit the community?

By forcing people to compromise their values.

By individuals focusing on their own well-being. (correct)

By promoting self-sacrifice among individuals.

By encouraging individuals to neglect their own needs.

What does the 'categorical imperative' in Kantianism require?

Following traditions and societal norms.

Universality in moral actions. (correct)

Actions based on individual desires.

Prioritizing personal happiness over honesty.

In the context of the first formulation of the categorical imperative, why is making a promise with the intention of breaking it flawed?

It contradicts the desire for trust. Signup and view all the answers

Which action would Kantianism argue is morally wrong?

Lying to achieve a good outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested when evaluating a proposed action in the context of Kantianism?

Reflect on whether the action could be made a universal rule. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of ethical egoism is often criticized?

It can lead to disregard for the welfare of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key idea in Kantian ethics regarding respect for individuals?

Respecting others involves honesty and integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What does act utilitarianism primarily focus on to determine the morality of an action?

Consequences of the action Signup and view all the answers

In the context of act utilitarianism, which of the following is NOT a criterion used to weigh pleasure and pain according to Bentham?

Ethical preference Signup and view all the answers

What is the conclusion derived from the evaluation of the highway routing scenario?

Building the highway is a good action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is viewed as a weakness of act utilitarianism?

It ignores our innate sense of duty Signup and view all the answers

According to act utilitarianism, when is an action deemed good?

If the overall change in happiness is greater than zero Signup and view all the answers

What major concern does the evaluation of act utilitarianism raise regarding predictions?

Consequences cannot be predicted with certainty Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of act utilitarianism is highlighted as its strongest point?

Practical and down-to-earth approach Signup and view all the answers

What is one common criticism regarding the calculation process in act utilitarianism?

It raises questions on who to include in calculations Signup and view all the answers

What does the Categorical Imperative (2nd Formulation) emphasize in moral actions?

Treating oneself and others as ends in themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Which action would be considered a violation of the Categorical Imperative?

Submitting someone else's work as one's own. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kantian ethics, what is a perfect duty?

A duty that must always be fulfilled without exception. Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the conclusion that Carla's action of purchasing a report is morally wrong under Kantian ethics?

The rule if universalized would lead to a breakdown in academic integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Principle of Utility primarily concerned with?

Achieving the greatest overall happiness. Signup and view all the answers

In Kantian ethics, what happens in the case of a conflict between two perfect duties?

There is often no resolution to the conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary critique of Kantianism?

It lacks a mechanism for resolving conflicts between duties. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'utility' refer to in the context of ethical actions?

The ability of an action to produce happiness or prevent unhappiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects the case for Kantianism?

It produces universal moral guidelines applicable to all. Signup and view all the answers

What is the desired outcome of ethical actions according to Act Utilitarianism?

Increasing the total happiness of all affected parties. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Egoism

Ethical egoism posits that individuals or groups should act in their own self-interest regardless of circumstances.
The approach is seen as practical since humans naturally prioritize their well-being, which can lead to broader community benefits.
Many moral ideas originate from the principle of prioritizing oneself first.

Kantianism

Rightness of actions relies on adherence to universal moral rules or principles.
Emphasizes respect for individuals, advocating against using others solely for personal gain.
The concept of the "categorical imperative" guides actions to align with universalizable moral laws.
Promotes honesty, suggesting that even in tempting situations, truthfulness is a universal ethical requirement.

Categorical Imperative

First Formulation: Only act according to maxims that could be willed as universal moral laws.
Example: Making a promise with the intention of breaking it is flawed; if universalized, it undermines the trust in promises.

Second Formulation of Categorical Imperative

Treat all individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.
More straightforward to apply compared to the first formulation.

Kant: Ethical Stance on Manipulation

Using individuals solely for personal advantages contradicts moral respect.

Case Study: Plagiarism of Carla

Carla, a full-time worker and single mother, submitted a purchased report instead of her own work.
Kantian evaluation identifies this action as wrong under both formulations of the categorical imperative:
- Asserting credit for another's work fails the universalization test.
- Deceiving the professor treats them merely as a means to pass her course.

Perfect and Imperfect Duties

Perfect duties: Obligations that must be fulfilled without exception, such as telling the truth.
Imperfect duties: Obligations that are generally required but not always mandatory, like helping others.

Critiques of Kantianism

Some actions cannot be easily categorized under moral rules.
Conflicts between perfect and imperfect duties may arise.
Universal rules can lack exceptions, leading to rigidity in moral reasoning.

Act Utilitarianism

Principle of Utility: Actions are deemed good if they yield more benefits than harms, with happiness seen as the ultimate goal.
A consequentialist theory that focuses on outcomes rather than intentions.

Act Utilitarianism in Practice

Evaluate actions by calculating the net change in happiness for all affected.
An action is good if its total happiness sum is greater than zero.

Weighing Pleasure and Pain (Bentham)

Assess actions based on factors like intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent of pleasure or pain.

Highway Routing Scenario Evaluation

Proposed highway construction displayed a cost-benefit analysis, with substantial savings outweighing costs associated with removing homes and habitat destruction.

Critiques of Act Utilitarianism

Difficulty determining who should be included in happiness calculations and over what timeframe.
High burden of analysis and unpredictability of consequences.
Potential neglect of inherent moral duties; subject to "moral luck" criticism while still being recognized as a viable ethical framework.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of Ethical Egoism, including its definition and the rationale behind its practical implications. It explores why individuals and groups may prioritize self-interest in moral decision-making. Test your understanding of this ethical theory.