Question 1

According to John Stuart Mill, a utilitarian theorist, which of the following are the only things worth desiring?

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill, a utilitarian philosopher, argued that the only things worth desiring are pleasure and freedom from pain, as these contribute to overall happiness and well-being.

Question 2

Which of the following expressions would you most likely hear utilitarians use to justify their actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarians focus on the outcomes of actions, believing that the morality of an action is determined by its ability to produce the greatest good for the greatest number, hence "The ends justify the means."

Question 3

Utilitarian theories are _____, which indicates that the outcome or consequences of one's actions are more important than one's intentions.

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian theories are consequentialist because they focus on the outcomes or consequences of actions to determine their moral worth, rather than the intentions behind them.

Question 4

According to Mo Tzu, the principle of love:

Accepted Answer

Mo Tzu advocated for "universal love," which means that love should be applied equally to all people, without distinction or preference.

Question 5

Jeremy Bentham developed the utilitarian calculus, which is a method of determining which actions are morally preferable by:

Accepted Answer

Bentham's utilitarian calculus involves evaluating the consequences of actions by weighing their costs and benefits to determine which action maximizes overall happiness or pleasure.

Question 6

Which of the following theories gives moral consideration to cats, coyotes, and humans equally?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism considers the interests of all beings capable of suffering equally, regardless of species, thus giving moral consideration to cats, coyotes, and humans equally.

Question 7

Which of the following factors should be taken into consideration when performing Bentham's utilitarian calculus?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following factors should be...

Question 8

Which of the following two philosophers had the greatest influence on Bentham's formulation of his utilitarian theory?

Accepted Answer

Bentham was influenced by David Hume's empirical approach to human nature and Epicurus's hedonistic philosophy, which emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain.

Question 9

John Stuart Mill agreed with Jeremy Bentham on which of the following points?

Accepted Answer

The answer of John Stuart Mill agreed with Jeremy Bentham...

Question 10

According to John Stuart Mill, it is better to be:

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill believed in the qualitative differences between pleasures, arguing that it is better to be an unhappy human than a happy pig, as humans have higher faculties and capacities for greater forms of happiness.

Question 11

In his essay "Utilitarianism," Mill held this up as embodying the "complete spirit of the ethics of utility."

Accepted Answer

Mill believed that the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth, which advocates treating others as one would like to be treated, aligns closely with the principles of utilitarianism, emphasizing the promotion of happiness and reduction of suffering.

Question 12

The 1995 Maternal and Infant Health Care Law is a Chinese law that bans marriages between couples "with certain genetic diseases of a serious nature" unless they agree to sterilization or long-term contraception. The law also requires doctors to "advise"
Parents to abort if an abnormality is detected in the fetus. The state justifies this law as a measure to "shed some of the economic burden"
Of caring for disabled people. This justification is based on which metaethical theory?

Accepted Answer

The justification of reducing the economic burden aligns with utilitarianism, which focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number, often considering the overall consequences and benefits to society.

Question 13

In the current debate over the morality of stem cell research, a utilitarian would most likely hold that:

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism evaluates the morality of actions based on their consequences, aiming to maximize overall happiness or benefit. Stem cell research's potential to cure diseases and alleviate suffering would likely be seen as outweighing the harm to nonsentient embryos.

Question 14

In the context of utilitarian ethics, the act of painlessly bringing about the death of a person who is suffering from a terminal or incurable disease or condition is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, especially in cases of terminal or incurable conditions, aligning with utilitarian principles of minimizing suffering.

Question 15

Which of the following arguments might a utilitarian use to support or oppose capital punishment?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarians focus on the consequences of actions. They might oppose capital punishment if it is costly and ineffective at deterring crime, as this would not maximize overall happiness or utility.

Question 16

Which of the following considerations has the utilitarian concept of justice been criticized for failing to take into account?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is often criticized for not adequately considering individual integrity and personal responsibility, as it focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions rather than the moral character or intentions of the individuals involved.

Question 17

Which of the following prima facie duties would a utilitarian accept as morally binding?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarians focus on the consequences of actions, aiming to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering, aligning with the duty of nonmaleficence.

Question 18

Identify the person who said each of the following.
-"It is quite compatible with the principle of utility to recognize the fact that some kinds of pleasure are more desirable and more valuable than others."

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill is the correct answer because he was the one who said that "It is quite compatible with the principle of utility to recognize the fact that some kinds of pleasure are more desirable and more valuable than others."

Question 19

Identify the person who said each of the following.
-"The interest of the community is one of the most general expressions that can occur in the phraseology of morals... The interest of the community then is, what?-the sum of the interests of the several members who compose it."

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham is known for his work in utilitarian philosophy, which focuses on the greatest happiness principle and the interests of the community being the sum of individual interests.

Question 20

Identify the person who said each of the following.
-"Sexists violate the principle of equality by favoring the interests of their own sex. Similarly speciesists allow the interests of their own species to override the greater interests of members of other species. The pattern is identical in each case."

Accepted Answer

Peter Singer is known for his work in animal rights and ethics, particularly his argument against speciesism, which he compares to sexism and racism.

Quiz 8: Utilitarianism: The Greatest Happiness Principle