Utilitarianism: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Utility

Question 1

According to utilitarianism, what makes an action morally right?

Accepted Answer

It produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Answer

It follows established moral rules, even if they cause harm.

Answer

It achieves a desired outcome, regardless of the methods used.

Question 2

Identify the core principle that defines Utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

Actions are considered right when they produce the greatest happiness for the most significant number of individuals.

Answer

Actions are right if they adhere to innate moral intuitions.

Answer

Actions are correct if they conform to religious doctrines.

Question 3

Who is widely recognized as the founder of Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

David Hume

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Question 4

Identify a key advantage of Rule Utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

It offers clear and consistent guidelines for moral decision-making.

Answer

It allows for exceptions to be made in individual cases.

Answer

It can be applied unequivocally in all situations.

Question 5

In Utilitarianism, what is the significance of consequences?

Accepted Answer

They serve as the sole criterion for determining the rightness or wrongness of actions.

Answer

They are irrelevant to ethical judgments.

Answer

They are just one among several factors considered in moral decision-making.

Question 6

How has Utilitarianism impacted contemporary ethical thinking?

Accepted Answer

It has significantly influenced ethical decision-making and public policy in various fields, such as healthcare, business, and law.

Answer

It has been largely discredited and is no longer considered a viable ethical theory.

Question 7

Which of the following accurately describes the core principle of Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

An action is morally right if it results in the greatest overall happiness or the least overall unhappiness for those affected.

Answer

An action is morally right if it respects the rights of all individuals.

Answer

An action is morally right if it conforms to religious teachings.

Question 8

Who is widely acknowledged as the founder of modern Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

John Locke

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 9

Which type of Utilitarianism emphasizes the consequences of individual actions for the collective well-being?

Accepted Answer

Act Utilitarianism

Answer

Negative Utilitarianism

Answer

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer

Preference Utilitarianism

Question 10

The 'felicific calculus' in Utilitarianism refers to:

Accepted Answer

A theoretical method used to calculate and compare the amount of happiness or unhappiness produced by different actions.

Answer

A psychological theory that explains the nature of human motivation.

Answer

A set of rules that determine the rightness or wrongness of actions.

Question 11

How does Utilitarianism address the protection of minority rights?

Accepted Answer

It does not explicitly prioritize the rights of minorities, but it may support policies that benefit the greatest number of people, even if they come at the expense of minority rights.

Answer

It unequivocally upholds the rights of all individuals, regardless of their numerical representation.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a Utilitarian approach to ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Choosing to donate to a charity that provides food and shelter to a large number of people, even if some individuals may not directly benefit.

Answer

Punishing someone for a minor offense as a deterrent, despite the potential for excessive harm.

Answer

Refusing to help a friend in need because it would violate a moral principle.

Question 13

In what fundamental way does Utilitarianism differ from Deontological ethics?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism emphasizes the consequences of actions, while Deontology emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves.

Answer

Utilitarianism is based solely on reason, while Deontology incorporates both reason and intuition.

Answer

Utilitarianism promotes altruism, while Deontology promotes self-interest.

Question 14

How has Utilitarianism influenced contemporary ethical decision-making in various fields?

Accepted Answer

It provides a framework for evaluating the ethical implications of public policies, business practices, and technological advancements.

Answer

It is now the dominant ethical theory used in all cultures worldwide.

Answer

It has led to a decline in the use of religious principles in ethical decision-making.

Question 15

Which of the following is the fundamental principle of Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Actions are morally right if they maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering for all affected individuals.

Answer

Actions are morally right if they conform to religious teachings.

Answer

Actions are morally right if they uphold the values of justice and fairness.

Question 16

Who is credited as the father of Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

John Locke

Answer

Plato

Answer

René Descartes

Question 17

According to Rule Utilitarianism, an action is morally justifiable if:

Accepted Answer

It conforms to a universal rule that generally produces the best overall consequences.

Answer

It benefits the majority of people involved.

Answer

It aligns with our personal beliefs and values.

Question 18

Which of the following is a common criticism of Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It may justify sacrificing the rights or well-being of individuals for the perceived 'greater good'.

Answer

It is too complex to apply in real-world situations.

Answer

It fails to consider the intentions of the actor.

Question 19

How does Utilitarianism differ from Kantian ethics?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism emphasizes the consequences of actions, while Kantian ethics prioritizes adherence to universal moral rules.

Answer

Utilitarianism is based on subjective values, while Kantian ethics is based on objective principles.

Question 20

In a trolley problem scenario, which action would a strict Utilitarian most likely choose?

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing one person to save five others.

Answer

Flipping a coin to determine who to save.

Answer

Refusing to make a decision.

Answer

Saving no one and letting all six people die.

Question 21

Which philosopher argued that the most moral action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness?

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

David Hume

Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Question 22

How has Utilitarianism influenced modern ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

It has been used to shape public policies and laws aimed at promoting happiness and reducing suffering.

Answer

It has led to a decline in religious influence on morality.

Answer

It has proven to be ineffective in addressing complex ethical dilemmas.