Week 5: Consequentialism

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Questions and Answers

Which ethical framework posits that individuals should prioritize actions that maximize good consequences for themselves, irrespective of the impact on others?

  • Utilitarianism
  • Deontology
  • Altruism
  • Egoism (correct)

What is a primary critique leveled against egoism as an ethical framework?

  • It is difficult to maintain consistently. (correct)
  • It is inherently easy to uphold consistently.
  • It emphasizes the importance of social harmony.
  • It aligns perfectly with the golden rule.

According to the content, which approach aligns with the golden rule by emphasizing the treatment of every sentient being?

  • Nationalism
  • Familism
  • Egoism
  • Utilitarianism (correct)

What is the potential motivation for humans which sometimes goes against both self-interest and concern for others, according to the content?

<p>Impulses like revenge or lust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does the content suggest could challenge psychological egoism?

<p>Modern evolutionary theory and our survival as social animals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of consequentialism, what does egoism primarily focus on when evaluating the morality of an action?

<p>The action's consequences for the individual performing it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which level of maximizing good considers the well-being of a particular group, such as family, city, nation, or race?

<p>Group-centric ethics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ethical egoism from psychological egoism?

<p>Ethical egoism prescribes how people should behave, while psychological egoism describes how they do behave. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key problem with a group-centered approach to maximizing good consequences, where each group prioritizes its own members?

<p>It is inherently inconsistent since it encourages inter-group conflict leading to overall suffering. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle is violated by prioritizing the consequences for all humans while disregarding other sentient beings?

<p>The Generalized Reciprocity consistency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core tenet of utilitarianism, as described in the content?

<p>Maximizing good consequences for all sentient beings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is the basis for hedonistic evaluation of actions?

<p>Whether they are pleasurable, bring future pleasure, or prevent future pain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why, according to the text, can a painful action sometimes be considered 'good' under hedonism?

<p>Because it may be necessary for achieving long-term pleasure or preventing future pain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about the scope of 'pleasure' within the framework of hedonism?

<p>It encompasses any form of contentment or happiness, not just physical sensations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might an action that is immediately pleasurable be considered 'bad' according to the information?

<p>Because it could have negative long-term consequences that outweigh the initial pleasure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which consideration is most important when utilizing hedonism to make ethical judgements?

<p>Predicting and accounting for the long-range repercussions of actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is the most important for a utilitarian when deciding whether to take the Mafia job?

<p>The overall consequences of taking the job versus the alternative, considering all affected parties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the individual in the scenario consider that the harm caused by the Mafia should not count against taking the job?

<p>The harm will occur regardless of whether the individual takes the job. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Ima Rule Utilitarian, what is the ultimate goal of morality?

<p>To maximize long-term good consequences for everyone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Pluralistic Rule Utilitarianism from other forms of utilitarianism?

<p>It considers a variety of goods, such as virtue, knowledge, and freedom, when evaluating consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle should be followed in Pluralistic Rule Utilitarianism?

<p>Always follow the rules whose following would maximize long-term good consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a rule utilitarian disagree with the decision to take the Mafia job, even if it seems to maximize immediate good consequences?

<p>Because a rule utilitarian might believe that a general rule allowing people to take jobs that harm others when someone else would do it anyway would have negative long-term consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes the fictional Ima Rule Utilitarian's version of utilitarianism 'improved'?

<p>It tries to avoid problems like those numbered from 1 to 8, which could be potential flaws or criticisms of simpler utilitarian approaches. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best embodies the reasoning a consequentialist would use to justify taking the Mafia job?

<p>The positive consequences of having job security and benefits outweigh the negative consequences of the Mafia's actions, especially since those actions are unavoidable no matter what. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the examples provided, what is a key criticism of classical utilitarianism?

<p>It can justify morally questionable actions if they lead to the greatest overall pleasure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example of the utilitarian philosopher justifying slavery, what action does the philosopher take to maximize pleasure?

<p>Encouraging slave owners to derive greater enjoyment from owning slaves and using methods to make slaves content with their situation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the examples, what is a potential outcome of utilitarianism regarding individual harm?

<p>Utilitarianism permits harm to individuals if it maximizes the total pleasure or minimizes overall pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does utilitarianism suggest when the same pleasure-pain results can be achieved through either honest or dishonest means?

<p>The choice between honest and dishonest means is morally irrelevant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario where someone harms another person for personal pleasure with no further consequences, what does utilitarianism imply?

<p>Utilitarianism would approve the action as long as the pleasure gained by the one person outweighs the pain caused to the other. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one of the difficulties in applying classical utilitarianism to real-world situations?

<p>The inability to accurately predict all the consequences of an action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central issue with the example involving killing a rich father and donating money to buy a park for poor children?

<p>It highlights the utilitarian justification for violating moral norms like 'do not kill' for the greater good. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example of choosing between a job with a normal company and a job with the Mafia, what does utilitarianism suggest one should consider?

<p>The long-term consequences of each choice on overall happiness and well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central claim in the improved version of utilitarianism presented?

<p>Consequences should be evaluated in terms of multiple goods, and rules with the best consequences for society should be followed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might pluralistic rule utilitarianism be considered an improvement over classical utilitarianism?

<p>It has a deeper understanding of human psychology and avoids bizarre implications with a pluralistic approach to intrinsic value. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one of the main difficulties in applying rule utilitarianism (RU)?

<p>It's challenging to predict the long-range results of following one rule instead of another. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concern is raised about rule utilitarianism (RU), even if it generally leads to the 'right' answers?

<p>It might arrive at the correct conclusions for the wrong underlying reasons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the improved version of utilitarianism address human psychology differently from classical utilitarianism?

<p>It recognizes that humans may justify foolish actions without strict rules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the pluralistic approach to intrinsic value in the context of the improved utilitarianism?

<p>Virtue, knowledge, pleasure, life, and freedom all hold intrinsic value. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative aspect of not having concrete and unchangeable rules according to the improved version of Utilitarianism?

<p>Humans might rationalize or talk themselves into actions that yield undesirable outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is potentially difficult in maximizing good consequences when creating rules?

<p>Determining the long-range effects versus implementing another rule. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential foundations for ethical considerations, besides GR (Golden Rule)?

<p>God's will, self-evident truths, or feelings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to apply utilitarianism indirectly?

<p>Applying a 'rule of thumb' about what kinds of action tend to have good or bad results. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do many utilitarians view moral rules?

<p>As loose 'rules of thumb' that can be broken if doing so leads to better consequences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common objection to utilitarianism?

<p>It can have bizarre implications that violate the Golden Rule and can be self-defeating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of pluralistic rule utilitarianism?

<p>It accepts a pluralistic view of value, recognizing many things as intrinsically good. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to many utilitarians, when is it acceptable to break a moral rule?

<p>When breaking the rule leads to better consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of pluralistic rule utilitarianism in contrast to traditional utilitarianism?

<p>It allows for a variety of intrinsic goods such as virtue, knowledge, and freedom. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might someone apply utilitarianism directly in a moral dilemma?

<p>By calculating the consequences of different actions and choosing the one with the best overall outcome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the ultimate end that all other things should be desirable?

<p>An existence as free as possible from pain and as rich as possible in enjoyments, both in quantity and quality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the discussion, what serves as the test of quality and the rule for measuring it against quantity in pleasures?

<p>The preferences of those best equipped to make the comparison through experience and self-awareness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In evaluating pleasures, what does the content suggest should be respected, apart from the question of intensity?

<p>Feelings and judgments declaring pleasures derived from higher faculties preferable in kind. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do experienced individuals' feelings and judgements determine according to the content?

<p>Whether a particular kind of pleasure is worth purchasing at the cost of a particular kind of pain. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between health and sensual pleasures, as described in the content?

<p>Health is the greater good, but sensual pleasures are pursued because they are more immediate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should decision makers ensure, in the context of pleasure and pain, according to the content?

<p>That their feelings and judgments are informed by experience. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what determines the intensity of pleasurable sensations?

<p>The collective opinion of those familiar with both pleasurable sensations and pain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of self-consciousness and self-observation habits, according to the content?

<p>They equip individuals to best make the comparison of quality against quantity in pleasures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what distinguishes a person with a strong sense of dignity?

<p>Their dignity is so integral to their happiness that they cannot desire anything conflicting with it for long. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does the content suggest contributes to the decline of noble feelings in many young people?

<p>Job environments and social lives that do not foster the use of higher capacities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between contentment and happiness according to the content?

<p>A being with low capacities for enjoyment has a greater chance of being fully satisfied and therefore contented, while highly endowed beings may experience imperfect happiness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply when it mentions that a superior being may learn to bear imperfections?

<p>Superior beings can adapt to the imperfect nature of the world without envying those who are more easily contented. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how does the strength of a person's higher faculties relate to their sense of dignity?

<p>The strength of a person's higher faculties is roughly proportional to their sense of dignity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk to noble feelings, according to the passage?

<p>Lack of opportunities to exercise those feelings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that a preference for the higher faculties over lower ones:

<p>Is strongly preferred, where people's higher faculties are preferred over catering to their lower ones. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about those who shift from youthful enthusiasm for noble endeavors to laziness and selfishness?

<p>They have likely lost the capacity for higher pleasures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a primary reason individuals might opt for 'lower pleasures'?

<p>They lack access to 'higher pleasures' or have lost the ability to appreciate them. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the comparison between a satisfied pig and a dissatisfied Socrates highlight?

<p>The greater value of intellectual dissatisfaction over base satisfaction, even if the latter seems more appealing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about individuals (fools and pigs) who disagree with the assertion that intellectual dissatisfaction is preferable to base satisfaction?

<p>Their judgment is limited because they only understand their own limited perspective and experiences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what often leads individuals to choose 'nearer goods' over 'more valuable ones'?

<p>A weakness in character that affects choices between both bodily and mental experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In evaluating the worth of pleasures or ways of life, whose judgment is considered 'final'?

<p>That of individuals knowledgeable about both options. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content say happens as a result of one not being aware of imperfections?

<p>They lose sight of pursuing higher goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What point does the content make by saying that ‘many people have broken down in an ineffectual attempt to have both at once’?

<p>It is difficult to obtain both higher and lower pleasures at the same time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to people's intellectual tastes when they give in to lower pleasures?

<p>Their intellectual tastes disappear because they do not have time or opportunity for them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the excerpt, what is a primary factor, besides selfishness, contributing to an unsatisfactory life?

<p>Lack of mental cultivation and development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conditions, if avoided, contribute most to individuals achieving an enviable existence, according to the excerpt?

<p>Avoiding poverty, disease, and unfavorable personal relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the excerpt, how can individuals maintain a lively interest in life even as they approach death?

<p>By nurturing objects of personal affection and developing a fellow-feeling with the interests of mankind. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what role should considerations of general welfare play in moral decision-making?

<p>General welfare should have a place in everyone's moral thinking, especially when refraining from actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The excerpt suggests that a cultivated mind can derive pleasure from various sources. Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a source of interest?

<p>Fashions of contemporary society. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest regarding the role of motive in determining the morality of an action?

<p>The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action, though it does affect the worth of the agent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the relationship between duty and the motivations behind our actions?

<p>While duty is important, most of our actions are rightly performed from other motivations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a primary factor in determining whether individuals adhere to conscientious feelings?

<p>The strength or weakness of their conscientious feelings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The excerpt suggests that even a cultivated mind can become indifferent to the sources of interest around it. What is identified as the primary reason for this indifference?

<p>Not having cultivated a fellow-feelling with the interests of mankind as a whole. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the content implying when it states 'It would be unworthy of an intelligent agent not to be consciously aware of such considerations'?

<p>Intelligent agents should be mindful of the broader implications of their actions, including their potential impact if generalized. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about the origin of the feeling of duty?

<p>Its origin, whether innate or acquired, does not negate concern for the pleasure and pain of others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the excerpt, what type of ‘cultivation’ enables a person to have an enviable existence?

<p>Cultivation that includes openness to knowledge and reasonable development of one's faculties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following, according to the excerpt, poses a substantial threat to achieving an enviable existence?

<p>Poverty and disease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the content's perspective on the morality of an action?

<p>A person saves another from danger out of a genuine sense of duty, regardless of personal gain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the relationship between innate principles and the details of morality?

<p>Only the principles of morality are innate, not the details. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what can influence the direction of the moral faculty?

<p>External sanctions and early impressions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way we can determine our duties?

<p>By using tests to ascertain our duties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element of society plays a hindering role in the population reaching its full potential according to the excerpt?

<p>Wretched education and wretched social arrangements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one of the central aims or goals of ethics?

<p>To help us establish a strong connection that correlates our own happiness with the good of the whole. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the potential impact of external sanctions on moral development according to the content?

<p>External sanctions can shape moral development in almost any direction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content highlight as a potential consequence of generalizing an individual action?

<p>That a generally practiced action might be generally harmful, even if beneficial in an isolated case. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point the author is trying to make when discussing the possibility of cultivating the principle of utility?

<p>The principle of utility can be developed through similar means as other moral principles, even if it lacks a foundation in human nature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about the intuitive perception of moral principles?

<p>If any moral principle is intuitively obligatory, it should be concern for the pleasures and pains of others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The feeling of concern for the pleasures and pains of others is...

<p>...likely the first to be felt from an ethical standpoint. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when evaluating the utilitarian answer to the lockdown question?

<p>The specific factual answers regarding harm averted and caused by acting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is a common threshold for cost-effectiveness of a medical intervention in the USA?

<p>$100,000 per year of life saved. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges in comparing overall well-being between individuals?

<p>The subjective nature of well-being and philosophical debates surrounding its definition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what are examples of answers offered by philosophers of what constitutes well-being?

<p>Happiness, desire fulfillment, and flourishing as human animals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does the content suggest makes a person's life 'good'?

<p>Happiness, desire fulfillment, and flourishing as a human. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does 'flourishing as human animals' include?

<p>Having deep relationships with others along with autonomy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information presented, what is a key element of 'flourishing as human animals'?

<p>Having deep relationships with others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the cost-effectiveness of broad economic measures like stimulus packages in relation to medical interventions?

<p>Stimulus packages are unlikely to be cost-effective based on typical thresholds for medical interventions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when using 'social benefit' in allocating limited resources during a pandemic?

<p>The potential for affected individuals to return to work and contribute to essential services. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a major problem with incorporating responsibility for illness into resource allocation?

<p>It is difficult to accurately determine the degree to which individuals are responsible for their conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a utilitarian approach the issue of allocating ventilators to patients with different comorbidities during a pandemic?

<p>By focusing solely on maximizing the chance of survival, regardless of the cause of illness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor that makes potential future deaths difficult to account for when making decisions during a pandemic?

<p>Future deaths are hard to predict and even to confidently assign, which can make it more difficult to take into account. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of resource allocation during a pandemic, what is meant by 'social worth'?

<p>The benefit that an individual provides to others within the community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following considerations aligns with the concept of social benefit in health resource allocation?

<p>Favoring individuals who have contributed significantly to scientific advancements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of prioritizing patients based on their chance of survival and treatment duration during a resource shortage?

<p>To maximize the number of lives saved with the available resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what factor might negate the need to ration healthcare resources during a pandemic?

<p>Ample pre-existing intensive care capacity, or the ability to expand capacity quickly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the utilitarian view regarding considering past behavior when allocating resources?

<p>Past behavior is irrelevant; only the potential for future positive outcomes matters. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the content suggest 'lifestyle' factors, like diet and exercise, are relevant in the context of COVID-19?

<p>They are directly linked to the severity of COVID-19 prognosis through comorbidities like type II diabetes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ventilator shortages, what additional principles might be considered if there are insufficient resources to treat all patients?

<p>Assessing both the length of life and the quality of life for patients in need of treatment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the content suggest about the psychological response to deaths now versus deaths in the future?

<p>The desire to avoid deaths now is stronger than the desire to avoid deaths in the future. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument against prioritizing non-criminals over criminals for medical resources?

<p>It violates principles of equality and fairness in healthcare access. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential long-term consequence of severe lockdowns in the name of saving lives?

<p>Large numbers of future deaths caused by the economic downturn induced by the pandemic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of utilitarianism, especially in healthcare triage situations?

<p>To achieve the most well-being overall, considering both length of life and quality of life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What inference can be made about healthcare systems with limited resources during a pandemic?

<p>They are more likely to implement strict utilitarian principles to ration care effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is one potential explanation for the differing COVID-19 mortality rates observed between the southern region of Sweden and Stockholm?

<p>The virus may have been more successfully kept out of aged care facilities in the south of Sweden. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the information suggest regarding the impact of a national lockdown on COVID-19 mortality rates in Sweden?

<p>Mortality figures in Sweden are not simply due to a national lockdown. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might random population testing be supported from a utilitarian perspective?

<p>To get better estimates of true mortality by identifying asymptomatic cases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a limiting factor in gathering more information or evidence before taking action during a crisis, according to the content?

<p>The prohibitive opportunity costs when urgent action is needed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main requirement of critical level utilitarianism, according to the content?

<p>Impartial and equal consideration of the well-being of all sentient creatures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what factor may influence the spread of the virus?

<p>The amount of circulating coronavirus prior to changes in community behaviour. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text makes a comparison between Sweden, Denmark and Norway. What factor is pointed out?

<p>Sweden's mortality figure is lower than that of Copenhagen, despite the lack of a national lockdown. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ethical decision-making during a pandemic, what must happen when expectations change?

<p>Decisions should change to adapt to up-to-date information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a potential outcome of utilitarianism regarding specific demographic groups?

<p>Utilitarianism may result in discrimination against legally 'protected' groups under certain conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a pandemic, what consideration does the content highlight as potentially outweighing equality when making ethical decisions?

<p>The potential loss of lives, making it only one value amongst others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can undermine the accuracy of applying utilitarian principles when considering differences in mortality rates among societal groups?

<p>Potential inaccuracies and bias in the available information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the framework of utilitarian ethics, why might a policy that appears discriminatory be considered justifiable?

<p>Because the alternative policy would lead to greater overall fracturing in society and loss of well-being. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides utilitarian considerations, what other ethical principle is mentioned as a potential basis for decision-making during a pandemic?

<p>Justice, as an important ethical idea that may compete with mere aggregate well-being. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is a key benefit of utilitarianism's connection to science?

<p>It promotes further research to improve estimations of consequences and probabilities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration when evaluating the impact of different lockdown policies using a utilitarian approach?

<p>The overall QALYs (Quality-Adjusted Life Years) lost as a result of the policy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is open availability and peer review of modelling and data important in the context of utilitarian decision-making?

<p>To enable scrutiny, identify potential errors, and facilitate policy adjustments based on updated evidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a utilitarian perspective support changing a lockdown policy in response to revised modeling?

<p>Because utilitarianism directs decisions based on expected utility, which may change with new information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenge arises when comparing the effectiveness of different countries' policies using a utilitarian framework?

<p>Countries differ in more than just the policy applied, which complicates the attribution of outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of using epidemiological models to inform policy, what critical aspect should be considered to align with utilitarian principles?

<p>The models should be transparent, peer-reviewed, and subject to revision based on evolving evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a utilitarian analysis of different lockdown policies focus on the concept of QALYs (Quality-Adjusted Life Years)?

<p>Because QALY incorporates both the quantity and quality of life, providing a more comprehensive measure of well-being. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the information imply about the relationship between using an approach such as utilitarianism and the revision of policies?

<p>They suggest a willingness to alter policies based on the best available evidence to maximize good consequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Egoism

An ethical theory stating people should act to maximize their own good consequences.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory advocating for the greatest good for the greatest number of beings.

Ethical Egoism

The view that individuals should act in their own self-interest morally.

Psychological Egoism

The theory that humans are always motivated by self-interest, even in altruism.

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Golden Rule

A principle stating to treat others as one wishes to be treated.

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Consequentialism

The ethical theory that judges actions based on their outcomes or consequences.

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Self-Interest vs. Others' Interest

The tension between pursuing personal gain and considering the welfare of others.

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Social Animals

Creatures, including humans, that thrive in groups and depend on social interactions for survival.

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Consistency

A principle that actions should be in agreement with moral rules across groups.

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Self-defeating actions

Actions that backfire and harm all involved parties.

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Hedonism

The belief that pleasure is the only intrinsic good and pain is the only intrinsic bad.

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Pleasurable actions

Actions that provide enjoyment or happiness but may have negative consequences.

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Painful actions

Actions that are unpleasant but can lead to greater future pleasure or pain avoidance.

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Long-range consequences

The extended effects or outcomes of actions that should be predicted and considered.

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Sentient beings

Creatures capable of experiencing sensations, emotions, and pleasure or pain.

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Rule Utilitarianism

A moral theory emphasizing rules that lead to the greatest good.

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Bizarre implications of utilitarianism

Utilitarianism can justify unethical actions if they maximize overall happiness.

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Utilitarian justification of slavery

Utilitarianism can endorse slavery if benefits to owners outweigh harm to slaves.

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Killing for greater good

Utilitarianism can approve of actions like murder if they result in greater overall pleasure.

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Innocent verdict for pleasure maximization

Utilitarianism condones sentencing an innocent person if it promotes general good.

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Honest vs dishonest means

Utilitarianism states that end results are morally more important than the means used.

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Pleasure-pain calculus

Utilitarian analysis weighs actions by their overall pleasure and pain results.

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Job choice dilemma

Choosing a job may involve weighing personal ethics against potential pleasure.

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Rule of Thumb in Utilitarianism

A guideline for actions based on their general outcomes rather than strict rules.

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Pluralistic Rule Utilitarianism

A version of utilitarianism recognizing multiple intrinsic values, such as life and freedom.

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Exceptionless Rules

Principles that are followed without exceptions; often rejected by utilitarians.

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Consequentialist Judgment

The assessment of actions solely based on their results or consequences.

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Estimation of Consequences

The process of predicting outcomes for various alternatives before making a decision.

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Nazi Case Complication

An ethical dilemma highlighting the unpredictability of consequences in extreme situations.

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Opponents of Utilitarianism

Critics who argue that utilitarianism can lead to morally questionable results.

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Mafia Job Decision

Choosing a job with the Mafia despite its harmful activities, justified by utilitarian beliefs.

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Consequential Nature

Belief that outcomes of actions determine their morality, used to justify the Mafia job.

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Utilitarian Justification

The rationale for choosing actions based on their net benefit to the greatest number.

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Ima Rule Utilitarian

A type of utilitarianism that advocates for following rules that maximize long-term good.

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Long-Term Good

The aim of ethical decisions to ensure benefits are sustained over time.

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Harm Principle

The idea that actions causing harm to others should be weighed in ethical considerations.

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Maximizing Good Consequences

The goal of ethical theories to produce the best overall outcomes for all involved.

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Intrinsic Value

Value that is inherent in an object or action, valued for its own sake, not for its consequences.

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Consequences in Ethics

The outcomes or results of actions that determine their moral value.

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Strict Rules

Established guidelines that provide structure and prevent chaotic decision-making.

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Human Psychology in Ethics

Understanding human behavior that impacts ethical decision-making and rule adherence.

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Bizarre Implications

Unexpected or unreasonable outcomes derived from classical utilitarianism's approach.

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Evaluating Rules

The process of assessing which rules produce the best overall consequences for society.

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Long-range Results

The future consequences that stem from following a specific ethical rule or action.

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Higher faculties

The advanced abilities of humans that relate to reasoning and morals.

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Lower pleasures

Simple or basic pleasures often associated with immediate gratification.

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Sense of dignity

The intrinsic worth and respect each person holds for themselves.

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Contentment vs. Happiness

Contentment is satisfaction with what one has, happiness is a broader feeling of joy.

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Nobler feelings

Higher emotions such as love, compassion, and empathy that enrich human experience.

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Tender plant analogy

A metaphor describing how delicate noble feelings can be if not nurtured.

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Imperfect happiness

The realization that not all joy can be fully achieved, yet it can still be appreciated.

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Influences on enjoyment

External factors that impact a person's capacity to experience joy.

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Higher vs Lower Pleasures

The distinction between more refined intellectual joys and basic physical satisfactions.

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Dissatisfaction as Human Trait

Being dissatisfied is a sign of higher human aspirations compared to contentment with basic pleasures.

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Intellectual Tastes

The appreciation for higher forms of pleasure that provide deeper satisfaction.

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Character Infirmity

A weakness in character that leads individuals to choose immediate over valuable pleasures.

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Preference Under Temptation

The phenomenon where those who can experience both pleasures may choose lower ones under influence.

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Capacity for Both Pleasures

Individuals capable of appreciating both higher and lower pleasures must judge the preferences wisely.

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Judgment of the Competent

The opinions of those knowledgeable about both pleasures should determine their value.

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The Value of Experience

Experiencing both kinds of pleasures enables an informed choice about their intrinsic qualities.

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Sensual pleasures

Pleasures derived from physical senses, often prioritized over health.

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Quality vs. Quantity of Pleasure

Distinction between types of pleasure and their intensities or amounts.

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Greatest Happiness Principle

The idea that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

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Judgment of experienced individuals

The reliance on opinions of those with broader experiences of pleasure and pain.

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Preference of higher pleasures

The belief that pleasures from higher faculties are superior to simpler pleasures.

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Collective opinion

The consensus of those familiar with pleasures to evaluate worth.

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Freedom from pain in happiness

A fundamental goal of happiness involves minimizing pain and maximizing enjoyment.

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Mental Cultivation

The development of the mind through knowledge and experience.

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Unselfishness

Acting for the benefit of others without personal gain.

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Existence Enviable

A life that is desirable and fulfilling despite circumstances.

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Sources of Happiness

The various elements in life that promote joy and satisfaction.

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Physical and Mental Suffering

The negative experiences that cause distress or unhappiness.

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Indifference to Life

Apathy toward experiences and emotions surrounding life.

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Fellow-Feeling

Empathy and connection with the interests of others.

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Calamities

Disastrous events causing significant distress or suffering.

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Motive vs. Morality

The idea that the morality of an action is separate from the motive behind it.

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Utilitarian Moralists

Ethicists who argue that consequences define the moral worth of actions.

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Duty vs. Consequences

Utilitarianism emphasizes outcomes over a sense of duty in ethics.

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Actions with Harmful General Effects

Actions considered wrong if practicing them widely would be detrimental.

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Altruistic Actions

Pieces of conduct performed for the benefit of others, regardless of personal motive.

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Public Interest Consideration

Morality involves considering one's actions' impact on overall well-being.

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Trust and Betrayal

Betraying a friend is a crime, independent of the betrayer's motive.

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Practical Ethics

The study of how ethical reasoning applies to daily actions and decisions.

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Feeling of Duty

An inner sense of obligation towards moral actions, potentially innate or learned.

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Innate Duty

The idea that feelings of duty might be a fundamental part of human nature.

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Moral Principles

Basic ethical guidelines that may be inherent, but details are learned.

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External Sanctions

Influences from outside sources that shape moral behavior and feelings of duty.

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Moral Authority

The perceived power of moral principles to compel adherence and respect.

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Cultivation of Duty

The process of developing a sense of duty through experiences and influences.

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Concern for Others

An innate feeling that motivates attention to the happiness and suffering of others.

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Moral Intuition

The immediate, instinctive perception of right and wrong, often seen as innate.

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Cost-effectiveness in healthcare

The analysis to determine if an intervention's benefits justify its costs, often expressed by thresholds like $100,000 per life saved.

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Well-being assessment

Determining individual well-being can be complex, as factors like disabilities do not always equate to lower well-being.

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Utilitarian ethics

A moral perspective that considers the greatest good for the greatest number in evaluating actions' morality.

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Happiness in ethics

Philosophical debates on what constitutes a good life include happiness, desire fulfillment, and human flourishing.

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Assessing harm

Evaluating both the harms averted and those caused by actions to determine ethical validity in scenarios like lockdowns.

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Philosophers on well-being

Ethicists debate definitions of well-being, considering elements like relationships and autonomy as central hubs.

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Ethical decision-making

The process of evaluating actions based on their moral implications and consequences on society.

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Stimulus package rationale

The reasoning behind large financial interventions during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, often questioning long-term efficacy.

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Current vs Future Death Avoidance

The tendency to prioritize saving lives now over future deaths.

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Lockdown Effects

Strict measures may lead to increased deaths from causes other than the virus.

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Ventilator Rationing

Prioritizing patients based on survival chances and care requirements.

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Utilitarianism Goals

Aims for the most overall well-being, not just saving lives.

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Predicting Future Deaths

Anticipating hard-to-track deaths caused by future circumstances.

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Economic Impact on Health

Economic downturns can worsen health outcomes post-crisis.

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Triage Principles

Assessing patients based on life quality and length for treatment.

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Healthcare Capacity

The ability of health systems to handle patient influx without rationing.

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Social Benefit

The advantage gained by society when an individual takes responsible actions regarding health.

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Comorbidities

The presence of additional diseases or conditions co-occurring with a primary disease.

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Lifestyle Factors

Personal habits and behaviors that affect health, like diet and exercise.

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Utility Maximization

A principle suggesting prioritizing resources to achieve the best overall outcome for the greatest number.

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Social Worth in Healthcare

The consideration of an individual's contribution to society when allocating medical resources.

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Responsibility for Illness

The idea that individuals may be held accountable for their health outcomes based on their choices.

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Health Care Prioritization

The process of deciding who receives medical resources first, often based on urgency or need.

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Essential Workers

Individuals performing crucial roles during a crisis, such as health care providers.

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QALYs

Quality-Adjusted Life Years, a measure of health outcomes reflecting the quality and quantity of life.

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Epidemiological models

Statistical methods used to estimate the impact of diseases on populations.

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Policy adjustment

Modification of governmental strategies in response to new data or outcomes.

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Mortality rate

The number of deaths in a specific population, often expressed per 1,000 individuals.

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Comparative analysis

A method used to evaluate differences and similarities between countries or regions.

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Lockdown policy

A government-imposed restriction on movement to control disease spread.

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Scientific inquiry

The ongoing process of investigation and research to gather new evidence.

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Expected utility

A utilitarian principle that guides decisions based on anticipated outcomes.

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Mortality Comparison

Differences in death rates during health crises, like COVID-19.

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Population Density

Number of people living in a specific area, affecting virus spread.

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Utilitarianism and Testing

Ethical approach supporting random COVID-19 testing for better data.

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Opportunity Cost in Decision-Making

The potential loss from not choosing a different action in urgent situations.

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Impartial Consideration

Evaluating everyone's well-being equally in ethical decisions.

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Lockdown Effectiveness

The impact of government restrictions on health outcomes during pandemics.

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Future Death Risks

Considering potential death rates from lifting restrictions too early.

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Expert Dialogue and Rational Beliefs

Engaging diverse opinions to form sound ethical beliefs.

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Utilitarian Discrimination

The notion that utilitarianism may prioritize certain groups over others during resource allocation, leading to unfair treatment.

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Proportionality in Law

A principle indicating that responses to actions (like discrimination) should be proportional to the harm caused.

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Challenge Studies in Vaccines

Research conducted on low-risk populations, like young people, to test vaccine efficacy safely.

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Ethics of Collectivity

The consideration of overall societal well-being in moral judgments, rather than focusing solely on individual rights.

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Equality vs. Justice

The tension between treating everyone the same versus considering fairness and needs of different groups.

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Study Notes

Normative Ethics

  • Normative ethics focuses on how we ought to live
  • Two broad approaches are consequentialism and nonconsequentialism
  • Consequentialism argues that we should do whatever maximizes long-term good consequences
  • Nonconsequentialism argues that some actions are inherently wrong regardless of the consequences

Consequentialism

  • Focuses solely on the consequences of actions
  • Actions are judged based on whether they maximize positive outcomes
  • Different forms exist, including classical utilitarianism, egoism, and pluralistic rule utilitarianism
  • Classical utilitarianism seeks to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for everyone affected
  • Utilitarianism can be applied directly (alternatives-consequences analysis) or indirectly (rules of thumb)
  • Rules of thumb are guidelines for making decisions
  • Utilitarianism considers the long-term effects of actions
  • Applying utilitarianism directly involves an alternatives-consequences analysis—comparing the potential outcomes of different choices to determine the best option
  • Applying utilitarianism indirectly uses “rules of thumb”
  • Rules of thumb are guidelines for decision-making in most common situations
  • Pleasure and pain are important factors in making decisions
  • Intrinsic value is also considered in some forms
  • Pluralistic rule utilitarianism emphasizes intrinsic goods (like virtue, knowledge, pleasure, life, and freedom) and rules that maximize their overall effects
  • Egoism focuses on maximizing an individual's own good

Nonconsequentialism

  • Emphasizes inherent rightness or wrongness of actions
  • Intrinsic moral value is attributed to actions, regardless of consequences
  • Prima facie duties are obligations unless superseded by a more pressing duty
  • The concepts of virtues, commandments, and rights form part of this system
  • Prima facie duties are obligations in specific situations with exceptions
  • Examples of prima facie duties are fidelity (keeping promises), reparation (making amends), gratitude (showing appreciation), non-maleficence (not harming others), and beneficence (doing good)
  • Nonconsequentialist ethics can be systematically built using four interconnected parts: prima facie duties, virtues, commandments, and rights to provide detailed understanding and guidance

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Related Documents

Ethics: A Contemporary Introduction PDF
Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill - PDF
Utilitarianism and the Pandemic PDF

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