Ethical Theories: Lecture Review

Who is often regarded as the founder of utilitarianism?

• Jeremy Bentham

• John Stuart Mill

• Immanuel Kant

• Aristotle

What are the origins of the concept of 'natural law'?

What is one of the key differences between Bentham's and Mill's utilitarianism?

• Bentham focused on measurable outcomes, while Mill focused on overall well-being

• Bentham focused on overall well-being, while Mill focused on measurable outcomes

• Bentham emphasised higher pleasures, while Mill emphasised lower pleasures

• Bentham emphasised lower pleasures, while Mill emphasised higher pleasures

What is the fundamental principle of utilitarianism?

• The greatest happiness principle

• The hedonistic calculus

• The focus on utility maximization

• The utilitarian flexibility

What is one of the advantages of utilitarianism?

• Focus on overall welfare

• Overlooking individual rights

• Neglecting justice and fairness

• Difficulty in measuring happiness

What is one of the disadvantages of utilitarianism?

• Lack of predictive accuracy

• Universal applicability

• Impartiality

• Utilitarian calculus

What is one of the potential criticisms of utilitarianism?

• Overlooking individual rights

• Focus on overall welfare

• Universal applicability

• Utilitarian flexibility

What is one of the challenges in measuring 'happiness' in utilitarianism?

• Quantifying happiness accurately

• Predicting future consequences

• Considering justice and fairness

• Adapting actions based on circumstances

What are the main areas of focus of utilitarianism?

• Individual rights and justice

• Consideration of the consequences of an action and the overall welfare of those affected

• Equality and fairness

• Maximising personal happiness

Which option would a utilitarian likely choose in the lifeboat dilemma?

• Share the remaining resources equally among all survivors

• Choose a small group of people to receive the bulk of the remaining resources

• Leave the lifeboat and swim to find help

• Sacrifice oneself to save others