PHI 208 WEEK 2 QUIZ.
Question 1
pts
What is the BEST meaning of the term “the irreducible plurality of values”?
Values cannot be reduced to measurable utility because there is no such thing as pleasure or pain.
Correct!
Some values, such as the value of human life or certain aesthetic goods, cannot be reduced to
measurable utility.
There is never a right moral choice when there are multiple actions to choose from.
Values are simply what the majority of people happen to
prefer. Question 2
pts
Which of the following statements is a common misconception about utilitarian philosophy?
There may be good reasons for the majority to make sacrifices for the sake of the minority.
Correct!
The majority always rules.
The needs of the minorities always matter the most.
Everyone deserves equal consideration.
Question 3
pts
“Respect for persons” is the basis of a common objection to utilitarianism. The argument states
that a utilitarian does not adequately respect the dignity and rights of the individual. Which of the
following stories from this text BEST reflects that objection?
The soldier throwing himself on a grenade to save the lives of his comrades.
, The voluntary sacrifices of Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mahatma Ghandi.
Correct!
The surgeon who considers killing a healthy Sally to harvest organs for five dying patients.
The self-centered shepherd who keeps a magic ring to make himself invisible.
Question 4
pts
Who is considered the father of utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill
Correct!
Jeremy Bentham
Glaukon
Mary Midgley
Question 5
pts
Lois considers herself an act utilitarian. Accordingly, which of the following statements is Lois
MOST likely to make?
“It is O.K. to violate someone’s rights if the law says it’s okay.”
“Good consequences are not as important as human rights.”
“The notion of rights is just a way for lesser members of society to maintain control over those
capable of greatness.”
Correct!
“It may be O.K. to violate someone’s rights if the good you produce outweighs the harm caused
by the violation.”
Question 1
pts
What is the BEST meaning of the term “the irreducible plurality of values”?
Values cannot be reduced to measurable utility because there is no such thing as pleasure or pain.
Correct!
Some values, such as the value of human life or certain aesthetic goods, cannot be reduced to
measurable utility.
There is never a right moral choice when there are multiple actions to choose from.
Values are simply what the majority of people happen to
prefer. Question 2
pts
Which of the following statements is a common misconception about utilitarian philosophy?
There may be good reasons for the majority to make sacrifices for the sake of the minority.
Correct!
The majority always rules.
The needs of the minorities always matter the most.
Everyone deserves equal consideration.
Question 3
pts
“Respect for persons” is the basis of a common objection to utilitarianism. The argument states
that a utilitarian does not adequately respect the dignity and rights of the individual. Which of the
following stories from this text BEST reflects that objection?
The soldier throwing himself on a grenade to save the lives of his comrades.
, The voluntary sacrifices of Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mahatma Ghandi.
Correct!
The surgeon who considers killing a healthy Sally to harvest organs for five dying patients.
The self-centered shepherd who keeps a magic ring to make himself invisible.
Question 4
pts
Who is considered the father of utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill
Correct!
Jeremy Bentham
Glaukon
Mary Midgley
Question 5
pts
Lois considers herself an act utilitarian. Accordingly, which of the following statements is Lois
MOST likely to make?
“It is O.K. to violate someone’s rights if the law says it’s okay.”
“Good consequences are not as important as human rights.”
“The notion of rights is just a way for lesser members of society to maintain control over those
capable of greatness.”
Correct!
“It may be O.K. to violate someone’s rights if the good you produce outweighs the harm caused
by the violation.”
