SOPHIA INTRO TO ETHICS
Q&A
Unit 3 Challenge 1
For a utilitarian, which consideration is most important?
Answer: The consequences of an action
Why is utilitarianism an objectivist or relativist theory?
Answer: Utilitarianism is objectivist because it asserts that everyone should act to increase
utility.
Which of the following considerations is important for a utilitarian when evaluating the morality
of an action?
Answer: How many people the action affects
Elizabeth likes drinking coffee from a certain company which treats its farmers poorly and
pollutes the environment.
How would a utilitarian classify Elizabeth's action?
Answer: Impermissible
Frank is considering donating the excess from a recent bonus to a local shelter instead of
spending it on himself.
How would a utilitarian classify this action?
Answer: Obligatory
Gerrie steals from her neighbor's family to feed hers. Her neighbor's two kids go hungry, but her
two kids get fed.
How would a utilitarian classify this action?
Answer: Neutral
David is the wealthiest resident in his neighborhood. Some of his poorer neighbors have hacked
, SOPHIA INTRO TO ETHICS
Q&A
his wireless internet so they can save money for more important things like food and health
insurance. Many people say this action is immoral— that it’s a type of theft.
How might it be evaluated by a utilitarian?
Q&A
Unit 3 Challenge 1
For a utilitarian, which consideration is most important?
Answer: The consequences of an action
Why is utilitarianism an objectivist or relativist theory?
Answer: Utilitarianism is objectivist because it asserts that everyone should act to increase
utility.
Which of the following considerations is important for a utilitarian when evaluating the morality
of an action?
Answer: How many people the action affects
Elizabeth likes drinking coffee from a certain company which treats its farmers poorly and
pollutes the environment.
How would a utilitarian classify Elizabeth's action?
Answer: Impermissible
Frank is considering donating the excess from a recent bonus to a local shelter instead of
spending it on himself.
How would a utilitarian classify this action?
Answer: Obligatory
Gerrie steals from her neighbor's family to feed hers. Her neighbor's two kids go hungry, but her
two kids get fed.
How would a utilitarian classify this action?
Answer: Neutral
David is the wealthiest resident in his neighborhood. Some of his poorer neighbors have hacked
, SOPHIA INTRO TO ETHICS
Q&A
his wireless internet so they can save money for more important things like food and health
insurance. Many people say this action is immoral— that it’s a type of theft.
How might it be evaluated by a utilitarian?
