Which of the following arguments might a utilitarian use to support or oppose capital punishment?
A) Capital punishment should not be legal because all humans have intrinsic moral value.
B) Capital punishment should not be legal because it is costly and has no deterrent effect on crime.
C) Capital punishment should be legalized because it is the only appropriate punishment for the crime of murder.
D) Capital punishment should be legalized because the majority of people in the United States favor the death penalty.

Question

Quizplus · 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.

Which of the Following Arguments Might a Utilitarian Use to Support