PHIL 101 Quiz 5 (2025)

What is the core principle of utilitarianism?

• The importance of tradition and culture.

• The pursuit of wealth and power.

• The greatest happiness principle.

• The principle of individual rights.

Who is considered the founder of classical utilitarianism?

• David Hume

• Immanuel Kant

• Jeremy Bentham

• John Stuart Mill

What is the hedonic calculus?

• A method for calculating the moral value of actions based on their consequences for pleasure and pain.

• A strategy for improving social interactions among groups.

• A formula for calculating economic profit in businesses.

• A technique for measuring physical strength in individuals.

Which of the following best describes consequentialism?

• A moral philosophy that disregards the outcomes of actions.

• An ethical theory that focuses solely on intentions.

• An ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their consequences.

• A framework that evaluates actions based on cultural norms.

What is the primary focus of utilitarian ethics?

• Maximizing overall happiness or utility.

• Encouraging strict adherence to moral rules.

• Promoting individual rights above all else.

• Focusing solely on economic benefits.

How does utilitarianism view individual rights?

• Utilitarianism may prioritize collective happiness over individual rights.

• Utilitarianism strictly upholds individual rights above all else.

• Utilitarianism ignores the consequences of actions on individual rights.

• Utilitarianism believes individual rights are the only measure of morality.

What is a common criticism of utilitarianism?

• It is too focused on short-term outcomes.

• It promotes individual rights over collective happiness.

• It ignores the importance of justice and fairness.

• It can justify morally questionable actions for the greater good.

In utilitarianism, what is meant by 'the greatest happiness'?

• 'The greatest happiness' refers to individual pleasure regardless of others.

• 'The greatest happiness' means achieving personal success at any cost.

• 'The greatest happiness' means maximizing overall well-being for the largest number of people.

• 'The greatest happiness' is about ensuring everyone is equally unhappy.

How do utilitarians measure the outcomes of actions?

• By assessing the overall happiness or utility produced by actions.

• By calculating the financial cost of actions.

• By measuring the popularity of actions among people.

• By evaluating the intentions behind actions.

What role does happiness play in utilitarian philosophy?

• Happiness is a secondary concern compared to wealth.

• Happiness is only important for individual well-being, not society.

• Happiness is the ultimate goal and measure of moral worth in utilitarian philosophy.

• Happiness is irrelevant to moral decisions in utilitarianism.