Criticisms of Utilitarianism: Challenges to the Greatest Happiness Principle

Question 1

How does the 'Tyranny of the Majority' criticism challenge the central tenet of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It argues that maximizing happiness for the majority can lead to the suppression of minority groups.

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It claims that utilitarianism overlooks societal well-being and the greater good.

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It contends that utilitarianism is impractical due to subjective judgments about happiness.

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It asserts that utilitarianism lacks clear guidelines for complex moral dilemmas.

Question 2

Identify a key criticism of utilitarianism that highlights its potential to compromise the protection of individual rights.

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism prioritizes collective happiness, potentially disregarding individual rights.

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Utilitarianism is too complex to apply in practice.

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Utilitarianism emphasizes intentions, not just consequences.

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Utilitarianism promotes selfishness and undermines social harmony.

Question 3

The 'tyranny of the majority' critique of utilitarianism suggests that it could lead to:

Accepted Answer

Policies that maximize overall happiness, even if they infringe on individual rights and freedoms

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Policies that benefit the minority at the expense of the majority

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Policies that promote equality and justice for all citizens

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Policies that uphold the principles of democracy and majority rule

Question 4

Which philosopher is known for developing the concept of 'rule utilitarianism' as a response to the 'tyranny of the majority' critique?

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill

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David Hume

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Immanuel Kant

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Jeremy Bentham

Question 5

One defense against the 'measurement problem' criticism of utilitarianism argues that:

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism only requires a general understanding of what tends to produce happiness, not a precise measurement

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Happiness can be objectively measured using scientific methods and empirical data

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Utilitarian decisions should be based solely on past experiences of happiness

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Happiness is ultimately irrelevant to ethical decision-making

Question 6

According to utilitarianism, the morally right action is the one that:

Accepted Answer

Produces the greatest overall happiness for the greatest number of people

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Conforms to religious teachings and moral principles

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Follows the dictates of reason and logic

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Respects individual liberty and autonomy

Question 7

A common defense of utilitarianism against the 'measurement problem' is to:

Accepted Answer

Rely on subjective reports of happiness from individuals, assuming that they can accurately assess their own happiness

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Use historical data on past levels of happiness to estimate future outcomes

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Develop mathematical models and algorithms to predict levels of happiness based on various factors

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Ignore happiness altogether and focus on other measures of well-being, such as health and life satisfaction

Question 8

How might utilitarianism justify actions that could potentially violate individual rights?

Accepted Answer

By prioritizing the overall well-being of society as a whole.

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By assuming that individuals will generally consent to actions that benefit the majority.

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By disregarding the well-being of future generations.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT considered a limitation of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It provides a clear and objective basis for ethical decision-making.

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Predicting the long-term outcomes of actions can be difficult.

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It may overlook individual circumstances and needs.

Question 10

What is the fundamental difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Act utilitarianism evaluates individual actions based on their consequences, while rule utilitarianism assesses the consequences of following general rules.

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Act utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness for the individual, while rule utilitarianism prioritizes maximizing happiness for society as a whole.

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There is no distinction between the two approaches.

Question 11

Utilitarianism assumes that the best action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Which of the following statements best reflects this core assumption?

Accepted Answer

Happiness is the ultimate goal in making moral decisions.

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Utilitarianism is the only ethical theory that prioritizes the well-being of everyone.

Question 12

The 'tyranny of the majority' objection to utilitarianism emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The possibility that the majority's pursuit of the greatest happiness for the greatest number might infringe upon the rights and interests of the minority.

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The tendency for the minority to obstruct the majority from realizing their desired outcomes.

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The inherent bias of utilitarianism towards prioritizing the interests of the majority over those of the minority.

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The inevitability of the majority acting solely in their own self-interest, regardless of the consequences for others.

Question 13

A fundamental principle of utilitarianism is:

Accepted Answer

Promoting actions that maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number of individuals.

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Ensuring that ethical decisions are made solely based on logical reasoning and objective principles.

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Prioritizing the protection and fulfillment of individual rights and freedoms.

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Adopting a subjective approach to ethics, where personal preferences and values determine right and wrong.

Question 14

Act utilitarianism differs from rule utilitarianism primarily in its focus on:

Accepted Answer

The specific consequences of individual actions, rather than the consequences of general rules or principles.

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The consequences of general rules or principles, rather than the consequences of individual actions.

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The intentions of the agent, rather than the actual outcomes of the action.

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The long-term effects of actions, rather than the immediate consequences.

Question 15

Immanuel Kant is widely recognized for his influential critique of utilitarianism. His primary objection centers around:

Accepted Answer

The inadequacy of happiness as the sole measure of the morality of actions and the neglect of duty and moral obligations.

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The potential for utilitarianism to justify actions that violate individual rights and freedoms.

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The impracticality of applying utilitarian principles in real-world situations.

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The inherent subjectivity and cultural relativism of utilitarian ethics.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is based on objective and impartial principles.

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Utilitarianism ignores individual rights.

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It is difficult to objectively measure happiness.

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Utilitarianism can lead to the 'tyranny of the majority.'

Question 17

The 'problem of other minds' in utilitarianism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The difficulty in accurately assessing the happiness and well-being of others

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The challenge of predicting the long-term consequences of actions

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The role of empathy in ethical decision-making

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The influence of personal biases on moral judgments

Question 18

The 'problem of other minds' presents a difficulty in applying utilitarianism because it highlights the:

Accepted Answer

Challenge of accurately understanding and assessing the subjective experiences and happiness of others

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Importance of considering the intentions of individuals when making moral judgments

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Need to prioritize the rights and interests of disadvantaged groups

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Complexity of balancing individual happiness against collective well-being

Question 19

A potential advantage of rule utilitarianism over act utilitarianism is that it:

Accepted Answer

Provides clear and consistent guidelines for moral decision-making

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Eliminates the need to consider the specific consequences of actions

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Guarantees the protection of individual rights in all cases

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Prevents discrimination and promotes inclusivity

Question 20

Preference utilitarianism prioritizes the:

Accepted Answer

Desires and preferences of those affected by an action

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Amount of happiness produced by an action

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Rights and freedoms of individuals

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Long-term consequences of an action

Question 21

Negative utilitarianism differs from traditional utilitarianism in that it:

Accepted Answer

Focuses on minimizing suffering rather than maximizing happiness

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Considers both positive and negative consequences equally

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Gives priority to the rights of individuals over the interests of the majority

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Rejects the idea of a common good or shared social purpose

Question 22

Utilitarianism's emphasis on outcomes implies that:

Accepted Answer

Actions are morally right if they produce the most happiness

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Ethical decisions should not consider intentions

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Moral rules are absolute and never to be broken

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Virtue and character are more important than consequences

Question 23

Which of the following is a key concept in utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness principle

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The veil of ignorance

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The categorical imperative

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Virtue and character

Question 24

According to utilitarianism, what is the primary consideration in determining the rightness or wrongness of an action?

Accepted Answer

Its impact on the overall well-being or happiness of those affected

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Its adherence to universal moral principles

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Its consistency with religious teachings

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Its alignment with personal preferences

Question 25

In contrast to deontology, which ethical theory emphasizes the evaluation of actions based on their consequences?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

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Virtue ethics

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Kantianism

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Natural law theory

Question 26

How did John Stuart Mill attempt to address concerns about the 'tyranny of the majority' within utilitarian theory?

Accepted Answer

He emphasized the importance of safeguarding individual liberty and rights

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He proposed a concept known as 'utility over time', considering long-term consequences

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He advocated for a system of 'checks and balances' to prevent excessive majority influence

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He rejected the principle of 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number'

Question 27

Critics of negative utilitarianism argue that it:

Accepted Answer

Places an excessive focus on the prevention of pain and suffering, potentially neglecting the pursuit of positive well-being and happiness

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Is fundamentally incompatible with the core principles of utilitarianism

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Ignores the importance of individual autonomy and self-determination

Question 28

A common objection to eudaimonia-based utilitarianism is that:

Accepted Answer

It faces challenges in defining, measuring, and comparing levels of eudaimonia (well-being or flourishing)

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It promotes excessive self-interest and undermines social cooperation

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It conflicts with the principle of equal consideration for all individuals

Question 29

According to some critics, utilitarianism:

Accepted Answer

Can be used to justify actions that may violate our deeply held moral intuitions and ethical principles

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Is the only ethical theory that is fully aligned with scientific principles and evidence

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Always leads to the greatest possible happiness for all individuals involved

Question 30

According to the 'tyranny of the majority' criticism, what is a potential risk of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The interests of the minority may be overlooked or suppressed

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It promotes excessive individualism

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It fails to consider the long-term effects of actions

Question 31

Which criticism of utilitarianism asserts that it overlooks the inherent moral value and rights of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Ignores intrinsic moral rights

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Potential for 'tyranny of the majority'

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Subjectivity of happiness measurements

Question 32

According to the criticism of distributive justice, what aspect of utilitarianism is problematic?

Accepted Answer

It does not always lead to a fair and just distribution of resources and benefits

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It is too focused on the present

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It ignores the intentions of individuals

Question 33

According to the 'paradox of hedonism', what happens when individuals pursue their own happiness excessively?

Accepted Answer

They may ironically end up decreasing their overall well-being and happiness

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They are guaranteed to achieve the greatest possible happiness

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They will experience less physical and emotional pain

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They will always act in accordance with moral principles

Question 34

Which criticism of utilitarianism suggests that it is too focused on short-term consequences and neglects the long-term effects of actions?

Accepted Answer

Myopia

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Potential for 'tyranny of the majority'

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Subjectivity of happiness measurements

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Ignores intrinsic moral rights

Question 35

According to the 'overemphasis on quantity' criticism, what aspect of happiness does utilitarianism prioritize?

Accepted Answer

The greatest total amount of happiness, regardless of its distribution among individuals

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The rights and well-being of each individual

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The long-term consequences and sustainability of happiness

Question 36

Which criticism of utilitarianism questions its ability to account for the different dimensions and qualities of happiness, such as psychological well-being, meaningful relationships, and personal fulfillment?

Accepted Answer

Multidimensionality of happiness

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Subjectivity of happiness measurements

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Potential for 'tyranny of the majority'

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Conflicts with principles of distributive justice

Question 37

Identify a strength of utilitarianism that is not commonly criticized.

Accepted Answer

Promotes individual freedom

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Prevents tyranny of the majority

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Quantifies happiness accurately

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Considers minority interests equally

Question 38

Which concern is central to the criticism of utilitarianism known as 'tyranny of the majority'?

Accepted Answer

Majority interests may override minority rights

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Different types of happiness cannot be fairly compared

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Long-term happiness may be sacrificed for short-term pleasure

Question 39

The 'problem of measurement' in utilitarianism refers to the challenge of:

Accepted Answer

Quantifying and contrasting different types of well-being

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Identifying what truly brings happiness

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Predicting long-term consequences of actions

Question 40

One way to address the criticism that utilitarianism ignores minority interests is to:

Accepted Answer

Consider the happiness of all individuals equally

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Give priority to the well-being of the majority

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Focus solely on maximizing the overall happiness

Question 41

Which hypothetical example is often used to demonstrate the limitations of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The trolley problem

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The paradox of thrift

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The allegory of the cave

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The prisoner's dilemma

Question 42

According to the 'paradox of hedonism', the pursuit of pleasure can ultimately lead to:

Accepted Answer

Unhappiness or diminished well-being

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Guaranteed happiness and fulfillment

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Enlightenment and wisdom

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Moral and ethical behavior

Question 43

Which negative outcome is a potential consequence of the 'tyranny of the majority' criticism?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of minority viewpoints or rights

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Increased personal autonomy

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Improved economic prosperity

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Enhanced societal cohesion

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a common criticism of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It is too focused on individual rights.

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It can lead to the tyranny of the majority.

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It ignores the importance of justice and fairness.

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It is difficult to measure happiness objectively.

Question 45

The claim that utilitarianism fails to consider individual rights is best illustrated by which scenario?

Accepted Answer

A government sacrificing a single person's life to save the lives of many others.

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A group of friends deciding to go to a movie that everyone enjoys.

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A company choosing to donate a portion of its profits to charity.

Question 46

Which philosopher is known for their critique of utilitarianism based on the potential for the tyranny of the majority?

Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

John Locke

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Immanuel Kant

Question 47

Utilitarianism's reliance on the concept of 'the greatest good for the greatest number' has been criticized for:

Accepted Answer

Potentially neglecting the interests of minorities or individuals.

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Promoting a focus on individual happiness over collective well-being.

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Overemphasizing the role of government in ethical decision-making.

Question 48

The challenge of quantifying happiness and determining its relative value is a key criticism of utilitarianism because:

Accepted Answer

It makes it difficult to determine which actions truly maximize happiness.

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It requires individuals to constantly measure their own happiness levels.

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It suggests that happiness is the ultimate goal in life, ignoring other values.

Question 49

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the criticism that utilitarianism can justify morally questionable actions if they benefit the majority?

Accepted Answer

A government implementing a policy that discriminates against a small minority group but improves the overall economic prosperity of the nation.

Answer

A company offering a new product that is both affordable and beneficial to a wide range of consumers.

Question 50

What is a potential solution to the criticism that utilitarianism ignores individual rights?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating a framework that protects basic human rights alongside the principle of maximizing happiness.

Answer

Abandoning the pursuit of happiness altogether and focusing on individual rights.

Question 51

The idea that utilitarianism can lead to a 'tyranny of the majority' is based on the notion that:

Accepted Answer

The majority's happiness might be prioritized at the expense of the minority's interests.

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The majority's opinions are always morally correct.

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The majority's happiness is inherently more valuable than the minority's.

Question 52

Which of the following best describes the role of intuition in utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It is not directly involved, as the focus is on calculating consequences.

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It plays a crucial role in determining the moral worth of actions.

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It is used to identify the most likely consequences of an action.

Question 53

The claim that utilitarianism is too demanding, requiring individuals to constantly strive for the greatest happiness, is a criticism based on:

Accepted Answer

The difficulty of consistently maximizing happiness in all situations.

Answer

The potential for conflict between individual and collective happiness.

Answer

The lack of clear guidelines for determining the greatest happiness.