Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Utilitarianism argues that everyone's happiness should be treated equally.

True (A)

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of utilitarianism's principle of equal concern?

  • It prioritizes individual happiness over societal well-being. (correct)
  • It is too demanding, requiring individuals to sacrifice personal well-being.
  • It can lead to the neglect of individual rights and justice.
  • It undermines personal relationships by treating loved ones as equals to strangers.
  • What is a key argument used by defenders of utilitarianism to counter criticisms?

    The defense of utilitarianism often questions whether morally repugnant actions truly lead to positive consequences in practice.

    According to utilitarianism, everyone's happiness should be treated like a ______ spectator.

    <p>disinterested and benevolent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following criticisms of utilitarianism with their respective arguments:

    <p>Too Demanding = Utilitarianism expects individuals to donate most of their possessions to those in need. Harms Personal Relationships = Utilitarianism treats loved ones the same as strangers, undermining the importance of partiality in close relationships. Neglects Justice = Utilitarianism can justify actions that violate individual rights and fairness, such as framing an innocent person. Impoverishes Individuals = Utilitarianism can lead to individuals sacrificing their personal goals and joys to solely focus on helping others. Weakens Personal Relationships = Utilitarianism's impartial approach ignores the importance of partiality in close relationships, prioritizing general happiness over individual bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is McCloskey's argument about framing an innocent person used as a criticism of utilitarianism?

    <p>It demonstrates how utilitarianism can lead to morally reprehensible actions to achieve the best outcome. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most philosophers today reject the theory of utilitarianism due to its limitations.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one possible negative outcome of framing an innocent person, according to the passage?

    <p>One possible negative outcome is the erosion of trust in the justice system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believed that animals have intrinsic worth, meaning they are valuable in themselves.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Kant, what sets humans apart from other creatures?

    <p>Their rationality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain Kant's concept of treating someone 'as an end.'

    <p>Treating someone 'as an end' means promoting their welfare, respecting their rights, and not manipulating them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant's core moral system is built around the ______ Imperative.

    <p>Categorical</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts to their respective definitions:

    <p>Intrinsic worth = Value that is inherent and not derived from outside factors. Categorical Imperative = A principle demanding treating humanity as an end and never as a means only. Rationality = The ability to reason and think logically. Good will = Acting out of moral duty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument Kant uses to justify his position on the atomic bomb?

    <p>The decision to use the bomb was morally justified. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believed that animals cannot have desires, unlike humans who are capable of self-conscious desires.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Kant believe that the death of a child is tragic and irreplaceable?

    <p>Because humans are irreplaceable and have intrinsic worth, unlike 'mere things' which can be replaced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Kant argue about lying?

    <p>Lying breaks the absolute moral law of truthfulness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believes that every consequence of lying can be predicted with certainty.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'Case of the Inquiring Murderer' used to illustrate?

    <p>Situations where lying may be morally acceptable to prevent greater harm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Peter Geach suggested that moral dilemmas could be prevented by __________.

    <p>God's providence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the philosopher with their main argument regarding moral rules:

    <p>Kant = Lying is always wrong regardless of outcomes. Peter Geach = Moral conflicts do not occur in reality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Dutch fishermen during World War II respond to moral dilemmas?

    <p>They smuggled Jewish refugees and sometimes lied. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The existence of moral conflicts supports the idea that moral rules are truly absolute.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge to Kant's position on lying?

    <p>Telling the truth can also lead to harm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of utilitarianism when evaluating actions?

    <p>The Principle of Utility (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Critics of utilitarianism believe that convicting an innocent person is always unjust, regardless of potential benefits.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What controversial example is mentioned regarding utilitarianism and moral intuition?

    <p>The Peeping Tom example</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Utilitarianism challenges our common moral __________, which often contains irrational prejudices.

    <p>consciousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Principle of Utility = Guides moral decisions based on outcomes Common moral consciousness = Influenced by societal norms and biases Rule-Utilitarianism = Focuses on rules that generally promote utility Gunnar Myrdal = Examined cultural influences on moral beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What argument do defenders of utilitarianism use against criticisms?

    <p>Revising the theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, moral common sense is always a reliable measure of ethical behavior.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one major criticism of utilitarianism mentioned in the content.

    <p>It may not align with common moral intuition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Categorical Imperative suggest regarding moral actions?

    <p>Actions should be universalizable maxims. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believes that lying is acceptable if it is done for a good reason.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reasoning behind Kant's opposition to lying?

    <p>Lying would undermine trust and make communication impossible if universalized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant argues that moral obligations stem from _____, not personal desires.

    <p>reason</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the case of the inquiring murderer, what does Kant's perspective suggest?

    <p>One must not lie, even to save a life. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believed that moral rules can have exceptions based on the context.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Give an example of a maxim that Kant discusses and its implication.

    <p>Whenever you need money, promise to repay it even if you can't; this would lead to a lack of trust in promises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the ethics of care prioritize in moral judgment?

    <p>Personal relationships and emotional connections (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Baier, being a loving parent is primarily motivated by a sense of duty.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major concern related to children with HIV in the context of the ethics of care?

    <p>Many children with HIV do not receive proper care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ethics of care suggests that moral obligations may differ toward known individuals compared to those we do not have a personal relationship with, especially regarding ______ obligations.

    <p>nonhuman animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What view does Nel Noddings take regarding care for those far away?

    <p>Care can only exist with personal interaction between the carer and the cared-for. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ethics of care overlooks the importance of obligations toward broader communities.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential outcome of emphasizing personal relationships over impartial principles in moral judgment?

    <p>It may lead to neglecting the needs of those we do not have close bonds with.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Utilitarianism

    An ethical theory that prioritizes the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

    Equal Concern Principle

    The idea that everyone's happiness should be treated equally without bias.

    Supererogatory Acts

    Actions that go above and beyond moral duty, typically viewed as heroic or generous.

    Impartiality

    Treating all individuals equally, without favoring friends or family.

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    Impact on Personal Relationships

    Impartiality can undermine close relationships by treating everyone the same.

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    Critique of Utilitarianism

    Arguments against utilitarianism focus on justice, rights, and its real-world implications.

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    Extreme Situations in Ethics

    Hypothetical scenarios used to challenge moral theories, showing potential failures.

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    Consequences of Actions

    Utilitarianism evaluates morality based on outcomes rather than intentions.

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    Principle of Utility

    The ethical principle that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness.

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    Rule-Utilitarianism

    A modification of utilitarianism that supports following rules that generally maximize happiness.

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    Common Moral Intuition

    The instinctive moral beliefs held by the majority, which may conflict with utilitarian reasoning.

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    Cultural Influences

    Factors that shape beliefs and moral judgments, often obscuring underlying biases.

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    Historical Moral Flaws

    Mistakes in moral beliefs from the past, often based on prejudice that are now rejected.

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    Future Generational Critique

    The idea that future societies may judge our current moral approaches as flawed.

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    Kant's View on Lying

    Kant believed lying is wrong, as it violates the moral law of truthfulness.

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    Consequences of Lying

    Kant argued we cannot predict the consequences of lying with certainty.

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    Inquiring Murderer Case

    A scenario where lying may be morally acceptable to prevent greater harm, like saving a life.

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    Moral Dilemmas

    Dilemmas arise when two absolute moral rules conflict, leading to difficult choices.

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    Peter Geach's Argument

    Geach claimed that God’s rational governance prevents real moral conflicts.

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    Real-life Moral Conflicts

    Examples like Dutch fishermen in WWII illustrate real moral conflicts and the necessity of making tough choices.

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    Absolute Moral Rules

    The idea that some moral rules are definitive, but conflicts challenge their absoluteness.

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    Ethical Decision-Making

    Faced with conflicting moral rules, individuals must decide which to prioritize, often under pressure.

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    Ethics of Care

    An ethical perspective prioritizing personal relationships and care over duty.

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    Implications for Family Relationships

    Loving relationships are driven by care, not just duty or obligation.

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    Nel Noddings' View

    Care exists through direct interaction between the caregiver and recipient.

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    Personal Responsibility vs. Distance

    The ethics of care argues we only feel duty to those we know personally.

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    Animals and the Ethics of Care

    Moral obligations to animals depend on personal relationships with them.

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    Balanced Ethical Approach

    Combining personal care with broader obligations to others.

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    Critique of Traditional Ethics

    The ethics of care challenges the impartiality of traditional moral theories.

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    Moral Obligations Redefined

    Ethics of care redefines moral duties to prioritize emotional connections.

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    Intrinsic Worth

    Kant's belief that humans have inherent value above all else.

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    Mere Things

    Items that can be replaced, unlike humans with intrinsic worth.

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    Rational Agents

    Humans as beings capable of setting goals and making decisions.

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    Categorical Imperative

    Kant's principle to treat humanity as an end, not merely as a means.

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    Treating as Means

    Using someone solely for your own goals, without regard for them.

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    Respect for Persons

    Kant's emphasis on promoting welfare and respecting the rights of individuals.

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    Implications of Cruelty

    Kant condemned cruelty for making individuals harsher towards others.

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    Self-Conscious Desires

    Desires that Kant believed only rational humans possess, unlike animals.

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    Maxim

    The underlying rule that guides one's actions.

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    Moral Acceptability

    Determining if an action aligns with universal moral laws.

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    Universalization

    The process of applying a maxim universally to judge its morality.

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    Lying

    Kant believed lying is morally wrong in every circumstance.

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    Inquiring Murderer Scenario

    A thought experiment questioning whether to lie to a murderer.

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    Dignity

    Kant argued lying destroys human dignity.

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    Moral Obligations

    Kant emphasized duties based on reason, not desires.

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