30 Questions
What is the primary concern of Utilitarianism?
Identifying the standard for right action
What is a practical problem in applying Utilitarian theory?
Calculating the utilities of alternative actions
What does the term 'utility' encompass, according to the text?
Pleasure and the absence of pain in the broadest sense
What is the 'doctrine of swine' objection to Utilitarianism?
That it recognizes no higher purpose to life than pleasure
Why is it difficult to determine the right course of action in a particular situation?
Because we often don't know the long-run consequences of our actions
What is the goal of Utilitarianism as a normative ethical theory?
To identify the standard for right action
What is the main criticism of Utilitarianism according to the 'objection' mentioned in the text?
It is a view of the good that is fit only for swine
What is Mill's response to the objection that Utilitarianism is a view of the good that is fit only for swine?
He argues that it is the person who raises this objection who portrays human nature in a degrading light
What is the significance of the example about Bob and the six patients?
It shows that utilitarianism can lead to counterintuitive results
What is the assumption made about Bob's life if he is not killed for his organs?
He will live a typically good life, pleasant to Bob and bringing happiness to his friends and family
What is the significance of Mill's distinction between sensual and intellectual pleasures?
It shows that Mill prioritizes intellectual pleasures over sensual ones
What is the role of Bob's doctor in the thought experiment?
To perform a checkup on Bob
What is the goal of Rule Utilitarianism?
To identify the rule that produces the highest utility
What is the fundamental flaw in applying simple utilitarianism to the case of killing patients for organs?
It considers individual actions rather than rules
According to Kant's moral theory, what is the only thing that has moral worth?
The capacity for good will in persons
What is the primary difference between Utilitarianism and Kant's moral theory?
The former values happiness, while the latter values good will
Why would a rule that allows doctors to kill patients for organs have low utility?
Because it would lead to a breakdown of trust between doctors and patients
What is the main advantage of Rule Utilitarianism over simple utilitarianism?
It avoids the flaws of simple utilitarianism by evaluating rules
What is the primary basis of Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory?
Intrinsic moral worth of autonomous beings
What does Kant consider to be the only thing with intrinsic value?
The autonomous good will of a person
What distinguishes a person of good will from a naturally generous philanthropist in Kant's view?
The ability to recognize moral duty
What is the primary characteristic that gives people dignity and makes them worthy of moral regard in Kant's view?
Their ability to recognize moral duty
What is the key difference between Kant's understanding of 'good will' and the everyday sense of the term?
Kant's view is more focused on moral duty
Who would Kant consider to be demonstrating good will, according to his view?
Both philanthropists and selfish people who recognize moral duty
What flaw do views based on authority share?
They make right and wrong arbitrary
What does moral relativism imply about right and wrong?
Right and wrong are culturally relative
What is the key difference between ethical pluralism and moral relativism?
Ethical pluralism recognizes basic moral ideals as real
What is the outcome of moral relativism in practice?
It leads to a dominant group imposing its will
What is implied by the importance of happiness in the text?
Happiness is a basic moral ideal
What is the main issue with views that say morality is based on authority?
They are arbitrary and lack objectivity
This quiz explores the practical difficulties in applying the utilitarianism philosophy, including the uncertainty of consequences and calculating utilities of alternative actions.
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