Consequentialism: An Introduction to the Ethics of Consequences

Question 1

Which statement contradicts the principles of consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Only the person taking the action needs to consider the consequences.

Answer

An action's morality depends entirely on its outcomes.

Answer

It's important to think about potential outcomes before acting.

Answer

The end result can justify the methods used to achieve it.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about consequentialism is not true?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism emphasizes the agent's intentions over the consequences of actions.

Answer

Consequentialism determines the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes.

Answer

Consequentialists may believe that the ends can justify the means.

Answer

Utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, aims for the greatest happiness for the most people.

Question 3

According to consequentialism, which of the following determines the rightness or wrongness of an action?

Accepted Answer

Its consequences

Answer

The intentions of the agent

Answer

Whether it conforms to moral rules

Question 4

Which type of consequentialism considers the overall consequences of following a general rule?

Accepted Answer

Rule consequentialism

Answer

Act consequentialism

Answer

Egoism

Answer

Preference consequentialism

Question 5

Rule consequentialism advocates for the action that produces:

Accepted Answer

The best overall consequences, even if a rule is broken

Answer

The most happiness for the most people

Answer

The least amount of harm

Question 6

Which common defense of consequentialism highlights its:

Accepted Answer

Impartial and rational basis for evaluating actions

Answer

Guarantee of universal happiness

Answer

Consistency with moral intuitions

Question 7

What is a key distinction between act and rule consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Act consequentialism evaluates individual actions, while rule consequentialism assesses the consequences of following general rules

Answer

Act consequentialism focuses on consequences, while rule consequentialism focuses on intentions

Question 8

Which of the following is a potential limitation of using consequentialism in moral decision-making?

Accepted Answer

The challenge of accurately predicting the consequences of actions

Answer

The requirement for complete knowledge of all possible actions

Answer

Its applicability only to specific types of moral dilemmas

Question 9

Which ethical theory is most closely aligned with the core principle of consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 10

Which of the following is the central tenet of consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its consequences.

Answer

The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its adherence to moral rules.

Answer

The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the agent's intentions.

Question 11

Which type of consequentialism evaluates the ethicality of specific actions based on their particular outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Act consequentialism

Answer

Rule consequentialism

Answer

Egoistic consequentialism

Question 12

Identify a potential drawback of rule consequentialism.

Accepted Answer

It may struggle to accommodate situations where breaking a rule could lead to a better outcome.

Answer

It fails to consider the agent's intentions.

Answer

It is overly complex to apply in practice.

Question 13

Which philosopher is regarded as the primary proponent of act consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Question 14

Which of the following is an advantage of consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

It allows for the justification of actions that violate moral rules in certain circumstances.

Answer

It is simple and straightforward to apply in practice.

Answer

It guarantees the best possible outcome for everyone in all situations.

Question 15

Which type of consequentialism prioritizes the overall well-being of society as a whole?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Egoism

Answer

Kantianism

Question 16

Which ethical theory differs from consequentialism by emphasizing duties and obligations rather than consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology (Kantianism)

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 17

Identify a potential criticism of egoism.

Accepted Answer

It can justify actions that cause harm to others.

Answer

It is too demanding.

Answer

It is impractical.

Question 18

What is the primary distinction between act and rule consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Act consequentialism focuses on evaluating individual actions, while rule consequentialism focuses on evaluating general rules.

Answer

Act consequentialism considers the agent's intentions, while rule consequentialism considers the consequences.

Question 19

Provide an example of a consequentialist argument.

Accepted Answer

Stealing is wrong because it harms the victim and undermines trust in society.

Answer

Stealing is wrong because it is against the law.

Answer

Stealing is wrong because it is disrespectful.

Question 20

Consequentialism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the ____ of an action in determining its rightness or wrongness.

Accepted Answer

Consequences

Answer

Intrinsic value

Answer

Motives

Question 21

Who is widely recognized as the founder of utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism focused on maximizing overall happiness?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

David Hume

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 22

Which of the following is a distinct advantage of rule consequentialism compared to act consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

It provides clearer and more consistent guidance for decision-making.

Answer

It is always easier to apply in practice.

Answer

It aligns more closely with our innate moral intuitions.

Answer

It inevitably leads to the most beneficial outcome in every situation.

Question 23

One criticism commonly leveled against utilitarianism is that it can:

Accepted Answer

Justify actions that many people would consider morally questionable or wrong.

Answer

Promote an excessively individualistic perspective.

Answer

Overemphasize the importance of happiness to the exclusion of other values.

Question 24

Which philosopher argued that virtue, and not pleasure or happiness, is the sole intrinsic good?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Epicurus

Answer

Kant

Answer

Plato

Question 25

Consequentialism offers a significant advantage in ethical decision-making because it provides:

Accepted Answer

An objective and quantifiable standard for evaluating the rightness or wrongness of actions.

Answer

A set of rules that perfectly aligns with our moral intuitions.

Answer

An easy and straightforward method for determining the best course of action in all situations.

Question 26

One limitation of consequentialism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can be challenging to apply in practice due to the difficulty in accurately predicting the full range of consequences of our actions.

Answer

Is too focused on the collective and neglects individual rights.

Answer

Fails to consider the importance of intentions and motives.