Philosophy online exam
viena1992Moral Philosophy – Test #2 Review Questions
1. Define the following terms:
instrumental good – desirable only in terms of their consequences; good as a means in bringing about intrinsic goods.
hedonism the view that pleasure and only pleasure is intrinsically good. Pleasure is that which is desired and is desirable for its own sake.
deontology
intrinsic good – good in themselves; good because of their nature. Not derived from other goods; desirable for their own sake
non-hedonist conceptions of good Monists – there is one intrinsic good, but it’s not pleasure
Pluralists – there are any number of intrinsic goods (and perhaps pleasure is among them)
Consequentialism -is the class of normative ethical theories holding that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the rightness of that conduct. Thus, from a consequentialist standpoint, a morally right act (or omission) is one that will produce a good outcome, or consequence.
-Consequentialism is usually distinguished from deontological ethics (or deontology), in that deontology derives the rightness or wrongness of one's conduct from the character of the behavior itself rather than the outcomes of the conduct. It is also distinguished from virtue ethics, which focuses on the character of the agent rather than on the nature or consequences of the act (or omission) itself
2. What are some basic insights of utilitarianism?
· The purpose of morality is to make the world a better place.
· Morality is about producing good consequences, not having good intentions
· We should do whatever will bring the most benefit (i.e., intrinsic value) to all of humanity.
3. How does Bentham define the “principle of utility”? In what sense is Bentham a quantitative hedonistic utilitarian? Describe his “hedonic calculus”?
· A) The principle requires that consequences be measured in some way so that the pleasure and pain of different individuals can be added together and the results of different courses of action compared .
· B) Bentham assumed that a precise quantitative measurement of pleasure and pain was possible, and he outlined a procedure that he called hedonistic calculus (hedonistic = pleasure)
· C) 1 the intensity of the pleasure (how deep)
· 2 the duration of the pleasure caused (how long)
· 3 the certainty of the pleasure (how certain or uncertain)
· 4 the remoteness of the pleasure (how near or far)
· 5 the chance of a succession of pleasures (how continuous)
· 6 the purity of the pleasure (how secure)
· 7 the extent of the pleasure (how universal).
4. How does Mill define the “greatest happiness principle”? In what sense is Mill a qualitative hedonistic utilitarian? Consider Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures.
· Mill said: ‘The Greatest Happiness Principle holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain and the privation of pleasure.’
· ‘Some kinds of pleasures are more desirable and more valuable than others, it would be absurd that while, in estimating all other things, quality is not also considered as well as quantity.’
· Here Mill differs from Bentham’s quantitative approach.
· According to Mill, quality of pleasure employs the use of the higher faculties.
· He is answering the objection to Bentham’s approach that utilitarians are just pleasure-seekers.
· Mill says that the quality of pleasure that satisfies a human is different from that which satisfies an animal. People are capable of more than animals, so it takes more to make a human happy.
· Therefore, a person will always choose higher quality, human pleasures, and reject all the merely animal pleasures.
· Few human creatures would consent to be changed into any of the lower animals for a promise of the fullest allowance of the beast’s pleasures.
· …It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool or the pig are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their side of the question.
5. Consider whether it is better to be Socrates dissatisfied or a pig satisfied. How would Bentham and Mill approach the problem?
6. Distinguish between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Think of a moral situation and indicate how each theory would approach the case. How might an act utilitarian critic ize the rule utilitarian approach?
· Act utilitarianism
An action is right if and only if it produces the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for every one. So the rightness/wrongness of an action depends on the consequences of that action itself.
· Rule utilitarianism
An action is right if and only if conforms to a set of rules the general acceptance of which would produce the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for every one
Act utilitarianism
This is based on the consequences of actions. If an action will lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people then it is the correct moral action according to utilitarianism.
For example, if 20 people were held hostage by four criminals, it would be correct for the police to kill the four criminals to save the 20 people. In other words, the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Rule utilitarianism
Many rules are made to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number, therefore following these rules is the right moral choice.
For example, everyone obeys road traffic rules, like stopping at red lights, which makes the roads safer for everyone.
7. Describe Bernard Williams’s examples of Jim and the Indians and George the chemist. What, according to Williams, is wrong with how utilitarianism responds to both situations? In you answer, consider the idea of negative responsibility, the role of feelings in utilitarianism, and the concept of integrity.
8. For Kant, morality is grounded in rationality. How so? In your answer consider the difference between acting on desire or inclination and acting rationally. How does law function for a rational being? What is the concept of autonomy?
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9. How does Kant define the good will? Why, in his view, is it the only thing that can be conceived as good without qualification?
10. When, according to Kant, does an action have moral worth? Why do consequences not matter? What is the difference between an action that is done in accordance with duty and one that is done from (for the sake of) duty?
11. What is the difference between a hypothetical imperative and a categorical imperative?
12. How does Kant formulate the Categorical Imperative? How does Kant use the principles of universalizeability and respect for persons (versions of the CI) as test procedures for determining which actions are moral duties? Illustrate with examples.
13. Distinguish between perfect and imperfect duties.
14. Why, according to Kant, do human beings have a different kind of value, which is incomparably greater than the sort of value that inanimate things, plants, or even non-human animals have?