Utilitarianism

Question 1

Who are the two main founders of utilitarianism?

Answer 1

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

Question 2

What is the utility principle?

Answer 2

We should do whatever brings the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 3

What type of ethical theory is utilitarianism?

Answer 3

Teleological and consequentialist

Question 4

How does utilitarianism differ from deontological theories?

Answer 4

Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, while deontological theories focus on whether the actions themselves are right or wrong.

Question 5

What does Bentham’s hedonic calculus measure?

Answer 5

Pleasure and pain resulting from an action

Question 6

What are the seven factors of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?

Answer 6

• Intensity
• Duration
• Certainty
• Propinquity
• Fecundity
• Purity
• Extent

Question 7

Fill in the blank: Mill is considered a _______ utilitarian.

Answer 7

rule

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Bentham is considered an _______ utilitarian.

Answer 8

act

Question 9

What is the swine-ethic problem?

Answer 9

The issue that all pleasures are treated as equal, regardless of their moral value.

Question 10

What did Bentham believe about measuring pleasure?

Answer 10

Pleasure can be measured or quantified.

Question 11

True or False: Utilitarianism is a relativist theory.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What quote encapsulates Bentham’s view on human behavior?

Answer 12

‘Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.’

Question 13

What is the main criticism of Bentham’s hedonic calculus regarding unpredictability?

Answer 13

You can’t know the future, and outcomes can depend on chance.

Question 14

What is the key difference between higher and lower pleasures according to Mill?

Answer 14

Higher pleasures improve a person’s quality of life, while lower pleasures do not.

Question 15

What does the term ‘hedonism’ refer to?

Answer 15

The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain.

Question 16

What is a potential problem with calculating pleasure in Bentham’s theory?

Answer 16

It is incalculable; too many variables exist to accurately assess pleasure and pain.

Question 17

What does Mill say about the quality of pleasures?

Answer 17

Some pleasures are more desirable and valuable than others.

Question 18

How did Bentham view the concept of natural rights?

Answer 18

He described it as ‘nonsense on stilts.’

Question 19

What example illustrates the potential flaws in Bentham’s utilitarianism?

Answer 19

The idea that a surgeon could justify murdering a healthy neighbor to save five patients.

Question 20

What does the term ‘tyranny of the majority’ refer to in Mill’s critique?

Answer 20

The potential for individuals to be exploited for the greater pleasure of the majority.

Question 21

What is the mnemonic for remembering the factors of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?

Answer 21

FEDPPIC

Question 22

What does Mill’s Greatest Happiness Principle state?

Answer 22

Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism asks us to apply the _______ principle.

Answer 23

utility

Question 24

What is one strength of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?

Answer 24

It treats the pains and pleasures of each individual act equally.

Question 25

What is one weakness of Bentham's approach?

Answer 25

Pleasure is subjective and cannot be easily quantified.

Question 26

What is the key idea of Mill's philosophy on pleasure?

Answer 26

Human progress is the key; some pleasures satisfy but do not improve the person.

Question 27

Define higher pleasures according to Mill.

Answer 27

Pleasures that improve social and intellectual well-being, such as: * Study of philosophy * Empathy * Enjoyment of art and music * Generosity * Reading a book

Question 28

Define lower pleasures according to Mill.

Answer 28

Pleasures that provide happiness but do not contribute to personal progress, such as: * Eating * Drinking * Sexual intercourse

Question 29

What is Mill's famous quote about Socrates and a pig?

Answer 29

'It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.'

Question 30

What does Mill criticize about those who pursue lower pleasures?

Answer 30

He views them as fools living in a world lacking high feelings and interests.

Question 31

What is the no-harm principle introduced by Mill?

Answer 31

Individuals should behave as they choose, as long as they do not cause harm to others.

Question 32

What problem does Mill face in measuring happiness?

Answer 32

He complicates the calculation of the greatest happiness by introducing higher and lower pleasures.

Question 33

What distinguishes act utilitarianism from rule utilitarianism?

Answer 33

Act utilitarianism calculates consequences case-by-case, while rule utilitarianism establishes rules based on past experiences.

Question 34

What are the strengths of act utilitarianism?

Answer 34

Flexibility in judging each situation without fixed principles.

Question 35

What are the criticisms of act utilitarianism?

Answer 35

Time-consuming to weigh complex factors and risks recommending actions against moral instincts.

Question 36

What is rule utilitarianism?

Answer 36

It creates rules based on actions that generally lead to the greatest good.

Question 37

What distinguishes strong rule utilitarianism from weak rule utilitarianism?

Answer 37

Strong rule utilitarianism has fixed rules, while weak rule utilitarianism allows for exceptions.

Question 38

What is a significant criticism of weak rule utilitarianism?

Answer 38

It can be indistinguishable from act utilitarianism, as it allows rule-breaking in exceptional situations.

Question 39

What problem does utilitarianism pose regarding justice?

Answer 39

It may sacrifice individual rights for the benefit of the majority.

Question 40

Who proposed the trolley problem thought experiment?

Answer 40

Philippa Foot.

Question 41

What does the trolley problem illustrate about moral decision-making?

Answer 41

It questions the validity of act utilitarianism by highlighting emotional ties in moral choices.

Question 42

Who introduced the thought experiment involving Jim and the villagers?

Answer 42

Bernard Williams.

Question 43

What does Jim and the villagers reveal about utilitarianism?

Answer 43

It highlights the moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts faced in utilitarian decision-making.

Question 44

Fill in the blank: Mill is generally considered a ______ rule utilitarian.

Answer 44

[weak]

Question 45

What does Mill argue about the relationship between human progress and higher pleasures?

Answer 45

Higher pleasures contribute to personal and societal progress.

Question 46

What assertion does Mill make about societal change and rules?

Answer 46

Rules can change if society changes.

Question 47

What is the fundamental flaw in utilitarianism according to its critics?

Answer 47

It reduces morality to a calculation of pleasure versus pain.

Question 48

What is G.E. Moore's critique of utilitarianism?

Answer 48

He discusses the naturalistic fallacy, questioning if happiness equates to good.

Question 49

What is the main ethical judgment approach discussed?

Answer 49

The extent to which utility is served.

Question 50

What problem arises when calculating pleasure in moral situations?

Answer 50

Calculating pleasure is almost impossible due to too many variables.

Question 51

Who argues that not all pleasures are equal?

Answer 51

Bentham.

Question 52

What concept does Philippa Foot's trolley problem challenge?

Answer 52

Utilitarianism.

Question 53

True or False: Utilitarianism reflects how we behave in moral situations.

Answer 53

False.

Question 54

What does utilitarianism overlook according to the text?

Answer 54

Integrity, honesty, and rights.

Question 55

What is the main critique of utilitarianism regarding rationality?

Answer 55

It is overly optimistic about our ability to think rationally.

Question 56

In Bernard Williams' thought experiment, what is Jim faced with?

Answer 56

The choice to kill one to save ten.

Question 57

What moral degradation does Jim face if he follows utilitarianism?

Answer 57

Becoming a murderer.

Question 58

What extreme examples are given to critique act utilitarianism?

Answer 58

Justifying rape and murder.

Question 59

What is the 'swine-ethic objection' made by Mill?

Answer 59

The justification of actions like gang rape based on utility.

Question 60

Fill in the blank: Act utilitarianism can morally justify _______ and _______.

Answer 60

rape; murder.

Question 61

What question can be posed to discuss the helpfulness of utilitarianism?

Answer 61

Does it lead to moral outcomes that we can agree on?

Question 62

What should one examine when discussing the strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism?

Answer 62

Whether they make utilitarianism helpful.

Question 63

What is one approach to structuring an essay on utilitarianism's helpfulness?

Answer 63

Discussing J.S. Mill's version of utilitarianism.