Utilitarianism Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is the fundamental principle of Utilitarianism?
The greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Who is considered the founder of Utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham.
What does the term ‘hedonism’ refer to in the context of Utilitarianism?
The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain as the highest good.
True or False: John Stuart Mill believed that all pleasures are of equal value.
False.
What is the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism assesses each act individually for its consequences, while rule utilitarianism assesses the consequences of following general rules.
Fill in the blank: Jeremy Bentham’s famous principle is known as the __________.
principle of utility.
Which philosopher introduced the concept of ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures?
John Stuart Mill.
What is the ‘felicific calculus’?
A method proposed by Bentham to quantify happiness and pain in decision-making.
True or False: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory.
True.
What does ‘consequentialism’ mean?
The moral rightness of an action is determined by its outcomes.
Who criticized Utilitarianism for being too focused on quantifying happiness?
John Stuart Mill.
According to Mill, which type of pleasure is superior?
Higher pleasures, such as intellectual and moral pleasures.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Utilitarianism? A) It can justify immoral actions B) It is too demanding C) It ignores individual rights D) It promotes selfishness
D) It promotes selfishness.
What is the ‘Greatest Happiness Principle’?
The ethical principle that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite.
Fill in the blank: Mill argues that the quality of pleasure is more important than __________.
quantity of pleasure.
True or False: Bentham believed that only human pleasures should be considered in moral calculations.
False.
What is ‘preference utilitarianism’?
A form of utilitarianism that considers the satisfaction of preferences as the basis for moral evaluation.
Who is known for the phrase ‘Better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied’?
John Stuart Mill.
What is the ‘utility monster’ thought experiment?
A hypothetical scenario that critiques utilitarianism by suggesting a being could derive extreme pleasure from consuming resources, leading to moral dilemmas.
Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism can be summarized as a __________ theory.
teleological.
Which type of utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of specific actions?
Act utilitarianism.
What is the main focus of rule utilitarianism?
The rules that generally lead to the greatest good.
True or False: Utilitarianism supports the idea of sacrificing one for the good of many.
True.
What does ‘moral calculus’ refer to in utilitarian ethics?
The process of weighing the benefits and harms of actions to determine their moral worth.
