Introduction to Ethics Chapter 5

What is a consequential ethical theory?

an ethical theory that judges actions based on their consequences or outcomes

What question do consequentialists ask?

“what results will this action produce?”

In consequential theories, what matters most?

outcomes

True or False: consequentialists primarily focus on motives

false

True or False: consequentialists primarily focus on consequences

true

What is ethical egoism?

the belief that people should act in their own self-interest

What question does an ethical egoist asl?

“what benefits me?”

According to ethical egoism, what should guide decisions?

self-interest

Does ethical egoism automatically mean selfishness?

NO, helping others may still benefit oneself

In ethical egoism, why might someone help another person?

because it benefits them in some way

What is the primary goal of ethical egoism?

maximizing one’s own welfare

Ethical egoism focuses on whose happiness?

the individual’s

Scenario: “I donated because it makes me feel good” which theory?

ethical egoism

What criticism is commonly made of ethical egoism?

it may ignore the needs of others

Which consequential theory focuses most heavily on self-interest?

ethical egoism

Who are the two most famous utilitarian philosophers?

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

What is the basic principle of utilitarianism?

greatest good for the greatest number

What does utility mean?

happiness, benefit, pleasure, or well-being

What is the goal of utilitarianism?

maximize overall happiness

Utilitarianism focuses on whose happiness?

everyone affected

What question does a utilitarian ask?

“which action produces the greatest overall good?”

In utilitarianism, are everyone’s interests considered?

YES

True or False: utilitarianism only considers the decision-maker

false

Which is the most famous utilitarian phrase?

greatest good for the greatest number

What is Act utilitarianism?

evaluating each individual action based on whether it produces the greatest overall good

What does act utilitarianism evaluate?

individual actions

Does act utilitarianism use fixed rules?

NO

What question does an act utilitarian ask?

“in this specific situation, what creates the most happiness?”

What makes act utilitarianism flexible?

each situation is judged separately

Scenario: lying saves five lives, according to act utilitarianism?

lying may be justified if it creates the greatest good

What is criticism of act utilitarianism?

it may justify actions normally considered wrong

Which utilitarian theory focuses on individual situations?

act utilitarianism

What is rule utilitarianism?

following rules that generally produce the greatest good

What does rule utilitarianism evaluate?

rules rather than individual actions

What question does a rule utilitarianism ask?

“what rule would create the greatest happiness if generally followed?”

Why does rule utilitarianism favor rules?

because stable rules often produce better long-term outcomes

Example of rule utilitarian rule?

“people should tell the truth”

Why might rule utilitarianism support honesty?

society functions better when people can trust each other +

Which utilitarian theory focuses on rules?

rule utilitarianism

Which utilitarian theory focuses on individual actions?

act utilitarianism

Act utilitarianism evaluates what?

actions

Rule utilitarianism evaluates what?

rules

Which theory asks, “what should I do right now?”

act utilitarianism

Which theory asks, “what rule generally works best?”

rule utilitarianism

Which theory is flexible?

act utilitarianism

Which theory is more consistent?

rule utilitarianism

Which theory is more likely to allow exceptions?

act utilitarianism

Which theory is more likely to emphasize social stability?

rule utilitarianism

Ethical egoism focuses on whose good?

the individual’s

/Utilitarianism focuses on whose good?

everyone affected

Which theory asks, “what benefits me?”

ethical egoism

Which theory asks, “what benefits the most people?”

utilitarianism

Ethical egoism seeks maximum ____

self-interest

Utilitarianism seeks maximum _____

overall happiness

A person volunteers because it will improve their resume. Which theory?

ethical egoism

A mayor chooses a policy benefiting the largest number of citizens. Which theory?

utilitarianism

A decision is justified because it creates the greatest overall happiness. Which theory?

utilitarianism

A decision is justified because it benefits the decision-maker. Which theory?

ethical egoism

A person evaluates every situation separately before deciding. Which theory?

act utilitarianism

A person follows a rule because it generally creates the best outcomes. Which theory?

rule utilitarianism

Criticism of ethical egoism?

it may ignore the welfare of others

Criticism of act utilitarianism?

it can justify harmful actions if they maximize happiness

Criticism of rule utilitarianism?

rules may sometimes prevent the best outcome in specific situations