The Principle of Utility

Which of the following statements best summarizes the principle of utility?

• "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

• "The ends justify the means."

• "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

• "The morally right action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number."

Who is the philosopher associated with the principle of utility?

• Immanuel Kant

• Jeremy Bentham

• John Stuart Mill

• Friedrich Nietzsche

What is the principle of utility?

• The greatest happiness principle

• The golden rule

• The categorical imperative

• The principle of natural law

According to Bentham, what is the basis for morality?

• The intention behind an action

• The consequences of an action

• The moral character of the agent

• The social context of the action

What is the "hedonic calculus"?

• A way of measuring pleasure and pain

• A mathematical formula for determining ethical actions

• A method of determining the intentions behind an action

• A way of evaluating the moral character of an agent

Which of the following is not a criterion for measuring pleasure and pain in the hedonic calculus?

• Duration

• Intensity

• Propinquity (nearness)

• Rarity

According to Bentham, what is the ultimate goal of society?

• The promotion of individual rights and freedoms

• The maximization of economic growth

• The promotion of social harmony and cohesion

• The greatest happiness of the greatest number