Week 4

What is the primary difference between Social Contract Ethics and Utilitarian Ethics, according to consequentialist ethical theories?

• Social Contract Ethics focuses on legal obligations, while Utilitarian Ethics focuses on moral rights.

• Social Contract Ethics asks about consequences for the individual, while Utilitarian Ethics asks about consequences for everyone affected.

• Social Contract Ethics values traditions, while Utilitarian Ethics values modern approaches.

• Social Contract Ethics prioritizes short-term consequences, while Utilitarian Ethics focuses on long-term effects.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the argument presented about morals and reason?

• Morals are entirely rational and based on human reason

• Reason alone can influence our actions and therefore forms the basis of morals

• Morals influence our actions, but reason alone cannot, implying that morals are not based on reason.

• Morals have no influence on human actions, and reason is the primary guide

What does the "Is-Ought" problem refer to in ethics?

• The challenge of deriving moral obligations from mere facts about the world

• The idea that what currently exists ought to remain unchanged

• The debate about whether ethical theories should be practical or theoretical

• The confusion between what is desirable and what is achievable

In utilitarian ethics, what does "utility" refer to?

• The legal validity of an action.

• The efficiency of an action in terms of resource usage.

• The usefulness of an action in bringing about happiness or satisfaction

• The complexity of an action in moral reasoning.

According to the ethical principles of utility and equality, what should guide one's actions?

• The principle of utility states that actions should always bring the most happiness for oneself, regardless of others.

• The principle of utility focuses on minimizing harm, while the principle of equality ignores the interests of other beings.

• The principle of utility and equality state that all beings should be treated the same, even if their interests do not contribute to overall happiness.

• The principle of equality states that every being's interests should be considered and given equal weight when making decisions.

How does the principle of utility lead to the conclusion that robbery is ethically wrong?

• The principle of utility suggests we should prioritize individual happiness, and robbery increases the happiness of the thief.

• The principle of utility emphasizes that we should act in ways that bring the most happiness for all concerned, and robbery causes many negative effects, reducing overall happiness.

• The principle of utility states that we should follow the law, and robbery is illegal.

• The principle of utility focuses on the thief's gains, not the impact on others.