Utilitarianism Overview and Concepts
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Which of the following is NOT one of Bentham's seven criteria for measuring the greatest good?

  • Popularity (correct)
  • Duration
  • Intensity
  • Certainty/Uncertainty

    • According to Bentham, pleasure should be measured quantitatively.

    True (A)

    What is the primary criticism of Bentham's utilitarian theory?

    Pleasure is too shallow a measure of morality.

    Mill's utilitarian theory emphasizes the importance of ______ pleasure over ______ pleasure.

    Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a disadvantage of Kantian ethics?

    <p>Universality (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kantian ethics is a relativistic theory.

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

    According to Kantian ethics, what is the main reason why lying is always wrong, even to a murderer?

    <p>Lying violates the categorical imperative, which states that one should act in a way that could be universalized as a moral law. This means we should never treat others as means to an end, but always as ends in themselves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of ______ reasoning in making moral decisions.

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

    Match the following criticisms of Kantian ethics with their corresponding explanations:

    <p>Counter-intuitive = It's always wrong to lie, even in cases where it could save a life. Consequences = Sometimes breaking a rule is necessary to avoid terrible outcomes. Inflexible = Rules should be flexible enough to account for different situations. Conflicting duty = It's difficult to choose between two competing moral obligations. Moral Law = Some philosophers question the existence of objective morality. Every situation is unique = Universal rules are not applicable in a world where every situation is different. Teleological/deontological = Kant's theory is unclear about whether it's based on duties or goals. Humans are egoist = People rarely act purely out of duty without expecting something in return. Religious = Kant's theory depends on the existence of God to explain a rationally ordered world. The limits to rationality = Not everyone is capable of making rational moral decisions. Anthropocentric = Kant's theory doesn't give intrinsic value to non-human animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Kant, what is the essential human characteristic that makes us bound to treat others as ends in themselves?

    <p>Possessing reason and a rational will (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Principle of Autonomy suggests that moral laws are imposed on us by external forces.

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

    What is the difference between the Second and Third Formulations of the Categorical Imperative?

    <p>The Second Formulation focuses on treating humanity as an end in itself, while the Third Formulation emphasizes the autonomy of the rational will in making universal laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant argues that morality must have the form of a __________ law valid for rational agents as such.

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

    Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

    <p>Categorical Imperative = A moral principle that is universally binding and unconditional Universal Law = A moral standard that applies to all rational agents Practical Imperative = A formula of the end in itself, emphasizing respect for personality Principle of Autonomy = The idea that moral law is self-legislated by rational beings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of the goodness of a good will?

    <p>Its inherent nature, independent of results. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant's moral philosophy seeks to establish a completely new set of moral principles.

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

    What is the term used to describe the moral principle that Kant aims to clarify?

    <p>Good will</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The moral agent performs an action not because of its ______, but because it is recognized as morally right.

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

    Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:

    <p>Good will = The source of unconditioned moral goodness. Moral duty = The obligation to act based on moral rightness. Conditional goods = Goods whose value depends on their use or circumstances. Common sense morality = The everyday moral understanding of right and wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Kant claim that his moral philosophy is not inventing a new principle?

    <p>He aims to uncover a principle already present in ordinary moral thinking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant's view of human nature is shaped by the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

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

    What specific feeling does Kant believe is elicited by witnessing integrity of character in another person?

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

    Which of the following is NOT a motive for acting according to Kant?

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

    According to Kant, a good will is manifested through actions done solely for the sake of duty, regardless of any personal benefit or inclination.

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

    What is the essential characteristic of a law, according to Kant?

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

    The Categorical Imperative states: "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a ______ law."

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

    In Kant's example of the merchant, what is the merchant's motive for refraining from overcharging customers?

    <p>Self-interest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following examples with their respective Kantian motives:

    <p>The merchant who refrains from overcharging customers = Self-interest The person who helps a stranger in need = Sympathy The person who keeps a promise even when it is inconvenient = Duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Categorical Imperative is a conditional command that applies only in certain situations.

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

    According to Kant, what is the difference between doing the right thing from duty and doing it from a different motive?

    <p>Doing the right thing from duty means doing it for its own sake, without any ulterior motive or self-interest. Whereas doing the right thing out of other motives implies an underlying desire or benefit associated with the action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Kant's philosophy, what is the fundamental principle of morality?

    <p>The categorical imperative (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant believed that all of the formulations of the categorical imperative were fundamentally equivalent.

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

    What does Kant's concept of 'autonomy' mean in the context of morality?

    <p>Autonomy refers to the capacity of a rational agent to be self-governing and to be the author of their own moral laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant argued that the categorical imperative is the law of a(n) ____ will.

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

    Match the following Kantian principles with their descriptions:

    <p>Principle of Autonomy = Everyone has a right to self-determination. Principle of Impossibility = No one has a duty to impossible things. Principle of Fidelity or Best Action = Everyone has an obligation to give the greatest care possible. Principle of Equality and Justice = Rights must preserve or promote justice. Principle of Beneficence = Everyone has a duty to maximize the good. Principle of Non-Malfeasance = Everyone has a duty to minimize harm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an advantage of Kant's ethical theory?

    <p>It is consequentialist. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kant's moral theory is based on the idea that morality is determined by emotions and feelings.

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

    Explain how Kant's categorical imperative can be applied in practical situations.

    <p>The categorical imperative can be applied by asking oneself: 'If everyone acted in this way, would the world be a better place?' If the answer is no, then the action is considered morally wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is one of Bentham's criteria for measuring pleasure?

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

    Bentham's utilitarianism measures only the quantity of pleasure.

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

    What does Mill mean by 'higher pleasures' in his qualitative hedonism?

    <p>Intellectual pleasures that are more fulfilling than physical pleasures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Bentham, the measure of pleasure should not just consider __________ but also factors like intensity and duration.

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

    Match Bentham's criteria for measuring pleasure with their correct descriptions:

    <p>Intensity = Strength or power of the pleasure Duration = How long the pleasure lasts Propinquity = How soon the pleasure occurs Purity = How free from pain the pleasure is</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following critiques does Mill offer against Bentham's theory?

    <p>Pleasure cannot be quantified. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mill believed that a satisfied pig is better than a dissatisfied human.

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

    What is a significant problem with quantifying pleasure according to Bentham?

    <p>It is difficult to measure how many units of pleasure an action produces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Utilitarianism

    • Utilitarianism is a dominant theory in modern moral philosophy
    • It focuses on producing the best consequences, not intentions
    • Its fundamental principle is to maximize happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number of people

    The Nature of the Good

    • Utilitarianism doesn't define what constitutes "good"
    • Different types of utilitarianism exist, including:
      • Hedonistic Utilitarianism: Pleasure/happiness is the sole good
      • Eudaemonistic Utilitarianism: Flourishing is the aim
      • Ideal Utilitarianism: (Not discussed in document)
      • Preference Utilitarianism: (Not discussed in document)

    Bentham's Hedonistic Calculus

    • Bentham's system quantifies pleasure and pain to determine the best course of action
    • It considers seven criteria for measuring happiness:
      • Intensity
      • Duration
      • Certainty
      • Propinquity
      • Fecundity
      • Purity
      • Extent

    Problems with Bentham's Account

    • Difficulty in quantifying pleasure
    • Defining the "greatest number" accurately
    • Determining which actions benefit a wider range of people

    Mill's Qualitative Utilitarianism

    • Agreed with the utility principle but disagreed on quantitative measurements

    • Argued for qualitative (higher) vs. quantitative (lower) pleasures

    • Intellectual pleasures are superior to physical pleasures

    Deontological Ethics

    • Focuses on duty and moral obligation, not consequences
    • Kant's deontology emphasizes universal principles
    • A key principle is the categorical imperative, which suggests that actions should only be taken based on whether the maxim behind the action can be universally applied without contradiction
    • Act according to the maxim which you can will becomes a universal law.
    • Individuals should treat others, and themselves, as ends in themselves, not just means to an end

    Basic Assumptions

    • Good actions aren't solely defined by their consequences, but instead based on adherence to a moral law
    • Actions have inherent moral worth, regardless of outcomes

    Advantages of Utilitarianism

    • Applicable to various situations
    • Addresses moral conflicts

    Disadvantages of Utilitarianism

    • Difficulty quantifying happiness and suffering
    • Potential for disregarding individual rights
    • Ignoring personal integrity

    Advantages of Deontology

    • Emphasizes moral integrity
    • Sets clear rules for ethical conduct
    • Provides a basis for universal principles

    Disadvantages of Deontology

    • Difficulty in resolving moral dilemmas with conflicting duties
    • Can be inflexible
    • May lead to less favorable outcomes in certain situations

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    Utilitarianism Notes (PHI1102)

    Description

    Explore the core principles of utilitarianism, a significant theory in moral philosophy. This quiz covers the nature of the good, Bentham's hedonistic calculus, and the various forms of utilitarianism. Test your understanding of how utilitarianism seeks to maximize happiness for the greatest number.

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