Introduction to Utilitarianism

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Questions and Answers

Which philosopher is associated with the idea of pleasure as an intrinsic value?

George E. Moore

Jeremy Bentham (correct)

Kant

John Stuart Mill

What is meant by intrinsic value?

The value assigned by external factors

The value of things that help achieve an end

The value found only in social interactions

The value things have in themselves (correct)

What does deontological ethics primarily focus on?

The individual's perception of good

The intrinsic worth of an act (correct)

The consequences of an action

The outcomes of maximizing happiness

What defines teleological ethics?

Moral value is derived from the consequences of actions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of teleological ethics advocates acting in one’s best interests?

Ethical Egoism Signup and view all the answers

How does a teleologist view lying?

Lying may be justified if it produces better consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a candidate for intrinsic value?

Utility Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is linked with the concept of preferences in terms of intrinsic value?

Kenneth Arrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical dilemma George faces regarding the job offered by the older chemist?

He is morally opposed to chemical warfare. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of Jim refusing to kill one of the Indians as proposed by the captain?

All Indians tied to the wall will be killed. Signup and view all the answers

How does the older chemist reason with George about accepting the job?

He argues that George's refusal won't prevent chemical warfare research. Signup and view all the answers

What motivation does the captain have for allowing Jim to kill one of the Indians?

To maintain control and instill fear in the villagers. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state do the Indians exhibit when faced with their impending fate?

Terrified and pleading for mercy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical theory advocated by John Stuart Mill?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pleasure does Mill categorize as ‘higher-type’?

Intellectuality and creativity Signup and view all the answers

According to Mill, why might lower pleasures lead to distress?

They can lead to overindulgence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill suggest about the happiness of a highly endowed being compared to a being with low capacities of enjoyment?

The highly endowed being may feel imperfect happiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which example is given as a lower-type pleasure?

Eating and drinking Signup and view all the answers

What is implied in Mill's proposition about human and pig satisfaction?

It's better to seek higher pleasures than to settle for lower ones. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill mean by saying it’s better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied pig?

Intellectual and moral fulfillment is of greater value. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill’s utilitarianism primarily focus on?

Achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Signup and view all the answers

What does the measure of 'Fruitfulness' in the Utilitarian Calculus evaluate?

The likelihood that a pleasure will lead to further pleasures Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Utilitarianism, what are hedons and dolors used to quantify?

Hedons indicate positive outcomes while dolors account for negative outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the greatest happiness principle foundationally assume?

All individuals should be counted equally in the calculation of happiness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the concept of pleasure as defined in the content?

It provides a comprehensive guide for moral actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical dilemma presented in the scenario of the dying woman and her promise regarding the money?

To weigh the potential uses of the money against the promise made Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Purity' refer to in the context of the Utilitarian Calculus?

The potential for pain to lead to subsequent negative experiences Signup and view all the answers

According to Bentham's view of moral philosophy, what is the primary role of ethics?

To promote the greatest quantity of happiness for all individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to assess the consequences of any given action within Utilitarianism?

Estimate the difference between hedons and dolors produced by that action Signup and view all the answers

What action did Story take that violated the appellant's legal rights?

Locked her in a room to take photos Signup and view all the answers

How did Story mislead the appellant regarding the photographs?

Claimed the pictures did not come out Signup and view all the answers

What moral framework is mentioned in evaluating the officer's behavior?

Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthew Donnely's main reason for wanting to end his life?

Desire to escape constant pain Signup and view all the answers

What did Harold do in response to his brother's plea?

Ended his brother's life Signup and view all the answers

What was George's recent academic achievement?

Earned a Ph.D. in chemistry Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma is posed regarding the morality of Harold's action?

If ending life is ever justified Signup and view all the answers

Upon what basis did the appellant win her lawsuit against the officers?

Unlawful photographic practices Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epicurus

Associated with the idea of pleasure as an intrinsic value.

Intrinsic Value

Refers to something valuable in itself, not for what it leads to.

Deontological Ethics

Primarily focuses on duty and moral rules as the foundation of ethical behavior.

Teleological Ethics

Defines good actions based on their consequences or outcomes.

Egoism

A type of teleological ethics that advocates acting in one's best interests.

A Teleologist's View of Lying

A teleologist might evaluate lying based on its potential consequences. They might view lying as acceptable if it produces positive outcomes, even if it violates a moral rule.

Non-Candidate for Intrinsic Value

Money is often considered an extrinsic value, its worth lies in what it can buy, not in itself.

Preference & Intrinsic Value

The philosopher Richard Hare is linked with the concept of preferences in terms of intrinsic value.

George's Ethical Dilemma

George faces a dilemma regarding the morality of taking the job offered by the older chemist, knowing the potential ethical implications of the research.

Consequence of Jim's Refusal

If Jim refuses to kill one of the Indians, the captain might proceed to kill all of them, leading to more deaths than if he simply kills one.

The Older Chemist's Reasoning

The older chemist argues that the research is important enough to justify the potential harmful consequences.

The Captain's Motivation

The captain's motivation for allowing Jim to kill one of the Indians is potentially based on the idea of minimizing casualties and maximizing the survival chances of the rest of the group.

The Indians' Emotional State

The Indians exhibit a sense of fear and resignation in the face of their impending fate.

John Stuart Mill's Ethics

John Stuart Mill advocates Utilitarianism as the main ethical theory.

Higher-Type Pleasure

Mill categorizes intellectual, creative, and moral pleasures as higher-type pleasures.

Lower Pleasures and Distress

Lower pleasures, like those related to bodily sensations, can lead to distress because they are often fleeting and can be addictive.

Happiness of Different Beings

Mill suggests that the happiness of a highly endowed being with advanced intellectual and emotional capacity will be greater than that of a being with low capacities of enjoyment.

Example of Lower-Type Pleasure

Eating delicious food is given as an example of a lower-type pleasure.

Mill's Proposition on Human and Pig Satisfaction

Mill's proposition about human and pig satisfaction implies that a higher-type pleasure is preferable to a lower-type pleasure, even if the lower-type pleasure provides a higher level of physical satisfaction.

Dissatisfied Human vs. Satisfied Pig

Mill asserts that it's better to be a dissatisfied human with higher-type pleasures than a satisfied pig experiencing only lower-type pleasures.

Mill's Utilitarianism

Mill's utilitarianism primarily focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of individuals.

'Fruitfulness' in Utilitarian Calculus

The measure of 'Fruitfulness' in the Utilitarian Calculus evaluates the potential long-term consequences of an action.

Hedons and Dolors

Hedons and dolors are used to quantify pleasure and pain respectively in the Utilitarian Calculus.

Greatest Happiness Principle

The greatest happiness principle, foundational to utilitarianism, assumes that happiness is the ultimate goal and that actions should be judged by their contribution to overall happiness.

Criticism of Pleasure Definition

Criticism of the concept of pleasure, as defined in the content, could argue that it is difficult to objectively measure and compare different types of pleasure across individuals.

Ethical Dilemma in Dying Woman Scenario

The main ethical dilemma presented in the scenario of the dying woman and her promise regarding the money is whether to honor the deceased woman's promise, even if it means breaking a promise to another person.

'Purity' In Utilitarian Calculus

The term 'Purity' in the Utilitarian Calculus refers to the likelihood that an action will produce only pleasure and no pain.

Role of Ethics in Bentham's View

In Bentham's view of moral philosophy, the primary role of ethics is to promote happiness and well-being.

Assessing Consequences in Utilitarianism

The method used to assess the consequences of any given action within Utilitarianism is the Utilitarian Calculus.

Story's Violation of Appellant's Rights

Story took photographs of the appellant without her consent, violating her legal rights.

Story's Misleading Statement

Story misled the appellant about the intended use of the photographs by implying they would be used for promotional purposes, while actually using them for a different, potentially harmful purpose.

Moral Framework Evaluation of Officer's Behavior

The content mentions using either a deontological or a utilitarian framework to evaluate the officer's actions.

Matthew Donnely's Reason for Suicide

Matthew Donnely sought to end his life because he was suffering from a debilitating medical condition.

Harold's Response to His Brother

Harold, despite his brother's plea against euthanasia, assisted Matthew in ending his life.

George's Academic Achievement

George recently attained a high academic distinction, potentially a doctorate.

The Dilemma of Harold's Action

Harold's action poses a dilemma regarding the morality of assisting someone in ending their own life.

Basis of Appellant's Lawsuit Victory

The appellant won her lawsuit against the officers based on the violation of her legal rights, specifically the right to privacy.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles of utilitarianism, a teleological ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences. Key figures such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are discussed, highlighting their differing views on pleasure and happiness. Test your understanding of their philosophies and contributions to ethics.