ENGR 482 - Utilitarian Ethics Exam
Study Guide
Utilitarianism - Ans:-An act being morally right or wrong depends solely on the consequences (it
brings about). The most optimal choice is morally right and the rest are morally wrong.
Utilitarianism is a radical theory - Ans:-Utilitarian ethics of...
Act utilitarianism vs rule utilitarianism - Ans:✔✔-If the act conforms with a set of rules that would lead
to optimal consequences, what would happen if an overwhelming majority in society were to accept
those rules?
Rule utilitarianism - Ans:✔✔-We ought to act according to a set of rules that would lead to optimal
consequences, if they were to be accepted by an overwhelming majority of people in society. (ex. Don't
lie)
Act utilitarianism - Ans:✔✔-The right-making features of an act are the consequences of that particular
act (ex. Lie to me now if that has optimal consequences.)
Classic Hedonistic Act Utilitarianism - Ans:✔✔-Happiness is good for its own sake (Jeremy Bentham). An
act is right if and only if no alternate act brings about more of what is good for its own sake. (the most
good for the most people; ER example)
Rosa believes if she crams tonight for her test tomorrow, then she will do well on the exam. This is an
example of what? - Ans:✔✔-Expected consequences
What is the essential determiner of moral value for utilitarians? - Ans:✔✔-sentience - the capacity for
perception (can include animal world)
Which of the following are important distinctions for contemporary utilitarians? - Ans:✔✔-particular acts
vs. act types
expected vs. actual consequences
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