Utilitarism Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the central idea of utilitarianism?
The central idea of utilitarianism is that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure.
Who is considered the founder of utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham is considered the founder of utilitarianism.
True or False: Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions rather than the intentions behind them.
True
What is the principle of utility in utilitarianism?
The principle of utility states that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.
Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism is a ____________ theory.
Consequentialist
Who expanded on Bentham’s ideas and is known for his work on utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill expanded on Bentham’s ideas and is known for his work on utilitarianism.
What are the two types of utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism are the two types of utilitarianism.
In act utilitarianism, what is the basis for determining the morality of an action?
The basis for determining the morality of an action in act utilitarianism is the specific consequences of that action.
True or False: Rule utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of individual actions, rather than general rules.
False
What is the criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may justify actions that are morally wrong?
The criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may justify actions that are morally wrong is the objection of justice.
What is the term used in utilitarianism to describe the measurement of happiness or pleasure?
The term used in utilitarianism to describe the measurement of happiness or pleasure is utility.
Who proposed the idea of higher and lower pleasures in utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill proposed the idea of higher and lower pleasures in utilitarianism.
What is the concept in utilitarianism that considers the happiness of all individuals affected by an action?
The concept in utilitarianism that considers the happiness of all individuals affected by an action is impartiality.
What is the main alternative ethical theory to utilitarianism?
The main alternative ethical theory to utilitarianism is deontology.
True or False: Utilitarianism is a teleological ethical theory.
True
What is the criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may lead to the exploitation of minority groups?
The criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may lead to the exploitation of minority groups is the objection of rights.
What is the term used in utilitarianism to describe the principle that the greatest happiness for the greatest number should be pursued?
The term used in utilitarianism to describe the principle that the greatest happiness for the greatest number should be pursued is the principle of utility.
What is the term used in utilitarianism to describe the specific act that will produce the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure?
The term used in utilitarianism to describe the specific act that will produce the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure is the right action.
Who is known for the idea of the hedonic calculus in utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham is known for the idea of the hedonic calculus in utilitarianism.
In utilitarianism, what is the term used to describe the idea that the ends justify the means?
In utilitarianism, the term used to describe the idea that the ends justify the means is consequentialism.
True or False: Utilitarianism is a form of ethical egoism.
False
What is the criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may neglect individual rights and justice?
The criticism of utilitarianism that argues it may neglect individual rights and justice is the objection of integrity.
What is the term used in utilitarianism to describe the mental calculation of pleasure and pain for each individual affected by an action?
The term used in utilitarianism to describe the mental calculation of pleasure and pain for each individual affected by an action is the hedonic calculus.
Who is known for the concept of the ‘invisible hand’ in utilitarianism?
Adam Smith is known for the concept of the ‘invisible hand’ in utilitarianism.
