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Limitations of Utilitarianism in Policy and Rights

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 5mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In a town meeting, the residents are debating a new policy that would allow the government to use private land for public projects if it benefits the majority. Ava argues that this policy violates individual rights, stating that "rights as trumps" should protect individuals from such decisions. Which idea describes "rights as trumps" in this debate about utilitarianism?

a)

Rights are preferences weighed in hedonic calculus

b)

Rights set absolute limits regardless of consequences

c)

Rights emerge only from majority social agreements

d)

Rights can be overridden for greater good outcomes

2.

In a small town, the local government has implemented mandatory vaccination requirements for all residents to combat a recent outbreak of a contagious disease. While this policy aims to protect the community's health and safety, it has sparked a heated debate among residents about personal autonomy and individual rights. Some residents, like Noah, argue that they should have the freedom to choose whether to vaccinate themselves and their children, while others, including Grace, believe that the greater good of public health should take precedence over individual choices. Which policy example illustrates tension between autonomy and the greater good?

a)

Mandatory vaccination requirements

b)

Subsidies for local art museums

c)

Voluntary community service programs

d)

Tax credits for green businesses

3.

In a city council meeting, the members are discussing a new policy aimed at improving public transportation. However, they face challenges in applying the hedonic calculus to evaluate the policy's potential benefits and drawbacks. Why is the hedonic calculus difficult to apply in real policymaking?

a)

It demands unanimous consent from all stakeholders

b)

It forbids using qualitative judgments about values

c)

It requires precise prediction of future consequences

d)

It ignores economic growth metrics entirely

4.

What challenge is highlighted by "quantifying value" for utilitarian decisions in a community where diverse cultural backgrounds influence perceptions of happiness?

a)

Measuring pleasure across diverse cultures and feelings

b)

Comparing tax rates among different jurisdictions

c)

Tracking objective market prices of public goods

d)

Converting emotions into legal rights protections

5.

In a small town, the local government is faced with a decision to build a new factory that promises to create jobs and boost the economy. However, this factory will also lead to pollution that could harm the health of nearby residents. The town council debates the implications of strict utilitarianism in their decision-making process. Which risk can strict utilitarianism introduce into moral decision-making?

a)

Unconditional respect for inviolable rights

b)

Elimination of all trade-offs between policies

c)

Preference for deontological duty-based rules

d)

Justification of harm when net happiness increases

6.

In a small town, the local government decides to implement strict surveillance measures to ensure public safety after a series of incidents. However, some residents feel that their privacy rights are being compromised for the "greater good". How might societal trust be affected when rights are sacrificed for the "greater good"?

a)

Trust remains unchanged due to legal safeguards

b)

Trust erodes and stability can be undermined

c)

Trust only shifts in short-term emergencies

d)

Trust increases because outcomes are efficient

7.

Which historical pattern warns against misuse of utilitarian reasoning?

a)

Development of international trade laws

b)

Eugenics and imperialism rationalisations

c)

Scientific peer review in public health

d)

Universal suffrage movements worldwide

8.

In a corporate board meeting, the executives are discussing the ethical implications of a new cost-cutting strategy. Some members argue that the strategy should be evaluated based on its impact on employee dignity and fairness, while others believe it should be assessed through a strict cost-benefit analysis. What criticism is meant by the "oversimplification of ethics" charge?

a)

Values evaluated through pluralist deliberation

b)

Rules expanded to include dignity and fairness

c)

Morality reduced to spreadsheet-like cost–benefit

d)

Ethics focused too narrowly on procedural justice

9.

Which scenario best reveals the fairness problem for utilitarian policy?

a)

Oliver is selling one person’s home to build a park

b)

Banning single-use plastics citywide

c)

Taxing luxury goods to fund education

d)

Reducing speed limits near schools

10.

In a small town, the local government is faced with a decision to build a new park that will benefit the majority of residents. However, this project requires demolishing a community center that serves a minority group of individuals. Which statement captures the core limitation of utilitarianism in rights conflicts?

a)

It may sacrifice individuals for aggregate welfare

b)

It maximises overall happiness without exceptions

c)

It guarantees protection of minority interests

d)

It prioritises justice and autonomy above outcomes