Philosophy of Ethics: Key Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary principle of utilitarianism?

Actions are right if they adhere to rules or duties.

The rightness of an action is determined by its consequences.

Actions are right if they promote the greatest overall utility. (correct)

Pleasure is the highest good.

In the context of consequentialism, what primarily determines the rightness of an action?

The value of its consequences compared to other actions. (correct)

The adherence to societal norms.

Alignment with moral duties.

Whether it provides immediate benefits.

Which question is NOT typically associated with utilitarian reasoning in environmental issues?

What overall good does the action accomplish?

What is the cultural significance of the action? (correct)

What is the environmental impact?

Who benefits from the action?

What ethical framework evaluates actions based on maximizing happiness?

Hedonism Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is associated with the founding of utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a situation that involves consequentialism?

Evaluating the outcome of saving one person over a group. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of absolutism?

Certain actions are categorically right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does hedonism primarily focus on in moral reasoning?

The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Signup and view all the answers

What does moral absolutism assert about certain kinds of actions?

They are absolutely wrong, regardless of the consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would most likely be condemned by an absolutist perspective?

Helping a family in need by stealing food. Signup and view all the answers

According to hedonism, what is deemed the only intrinsic good?

Pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a hedonistic decision?

Attending a party instead of studying. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main criticisms of absolutism in moral reasoning?

It does not account for cultural differences in morality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT associated with hedonism?

Investing time in activities that lead to long-term reward. Signup and view all the answers

In moral dilemmas, what is often essential for decision-making?

Understanding various moral frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes moral dilemmas?

They often involve conflicting moral principles without a straightforward resolution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Utilitarianism

Founded by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham
Defined as a moral theory that judges actions based on their overall utility, maximizing happiness for the greatest number of people.
Example: Cutting down trees for paper. Considering the benefits to those who gain paper vs. the negative impact on the environment.

Consequentialism

A theory that judges the rightness of an action based on the value of its consequences compared to other possible actions.
Example: Freeriding – choosing between attending a group meeting or finishing your own assignments.

Absolutism

A theory that states certain actions are inherently wrong regardless of the consequences.
Examples include: Stealing, suicide, shoplifting, and terrorist attacks.
Consumption example: Exploitation of laborers in the fashion industry, including child labor, long hours, poor conditions, and sexual harassment.

Hedonism

A philosophy that proposes pleasure as the ultimate good and pain as the ultimate evil.
Example: Choosing to go to a barbecue party with friends over attending class.

Case Studies in Moral Dilemmas

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzmNoFnxu68 (Would You Rather: 6 Hardest Moral Dilemmas Ever, 11’21”)
Identify the moral framework(s) used to solve the six dilemmas.

Case Study In Everyday Consumption

Watch a video and discuss in groups:
Identify the moral dilemmas presented in the video.

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Description

Explore the foundational theories of ethics including Utilitarianism, Consequentialism, Absolutism, and Hedonism. This quiz will test your understanding of each theory's principles and examples. Dive into how these ethical frameworks evaluate actions and their consequences.