Utilitarian moralists believe that the motive behind an action is highly relevant to the morality of an action.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether utilitarian moralists consider the motive behind an action to be highly relevant to its morality. Utilitarianism generally focuses on the consequences of actions rather than the motives behind them.
Answer
False. Utilitarian moralists believe the morality of an action depends on its actual results, not the motive behind the action.
Utilitarian moralists believe the morality of an action depends primarily on its actual results, not the motive behind the action. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions to determine their moral worth, aiming to maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people.
Answer for screen readers
Utilitarian moralists believe the morality of an action depends primarily on its actual results, not the motive behind the action. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions to determine their moral worth, aiming to maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people.
More Information
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory. The most common form of utilitarianism is act-utilitarianism, which states that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse utilitarianism with ethical theories that emphasize intentions or motives. Utilitarianism is specifically concerned with outcomes.
Sources
- Act and Rule Utilitarianism - Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - iep.utm.edu
- The History of Utilitarianism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - plato.stanford.edu
- Utilitarianism | Definition, Philosophy, Examples, Ethics ... - Britannica - britannica.com
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