Final Milestone Sophia-Intro to Ethics
1
When a utilitarian evaluates an action, which of the following is
most important?
• The action's rejection by society
• The action's effects on the agent
• The action's total effects on everyone
• The action's inherent sinfulness
CONCEPT
Utilitarianism
2
Russ plays the bassoon. Most bassoon players can easily learn the
saxophone. It's therefore likely that Russ could easily learn the
saxophone.
Which type of argument is this?
• Valid deductive
• Strong inductive
• Invalid deductive
• Weak inductive
CONCEPT
Evaluating the Structure of an Argument
3
What is meant by the formulation of humanity?
• We shouldn't act in a way that has any harm to society.
• We should respect other peoples' points of view.
• Other people must be treated as ends, not only as means.
• Anything agreed on by all humanity is true.
CONCEPT
The Formulation of Humanity
4
Which of the following represents a difficulty with egoism?
• Socially determined actions are usually more successful than self-
determined actions.
• Egoism is a core part of human nature, so denying it is denying
someone's humanity.
• Egoism does not allow the egoist to evaluate others based on his or
her perspective.
• Egoism maximizes each individual's pleasure, which is something
everyone wants.
CONCEPT
Problems with Egoism
5
Choose the true statement about virtue-based ethics.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, actions are judged
against the greater good.
, • According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, people can be
judged by the consequences of their actions.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, actions are less
important than the agent's moral character.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, only the actor’s
intent is considered when assigning moral value.
CONCEPT
Virtue-Based Ethics
6
Which of the following people would be most satisfied with
virtue-based ethics?
• Adelaide is looking for an ethical system that evaluates actions based
on their effects.
• Abby is looking for an ethical system that is based in cultural norms.
• Andrew is looking for an ethical system that puts his own development
first.
• Abner is looking for an ethical system that is about more than just
doing good.
CONCEPT
Support for Virtue-Based Ethics
7
Theo is running for political office. It is a well-known fact that Theo is
corrupt— he intends to use his office for his own personal and financial
gain, to the detriment of the communities he serves. Yet polls show that
he has a considerable lead over his opponents because he can afford
aggressive advertising. A group of citizens decides to take matters into
its own hands by blackmailing Theo so he will drop out of the election.
Most people would agree that this action is immoral. How might
it be evaluated by a utilitarian?
• Blackmailing Theo is morally wrong because blackmail is always wrong,
even if you don’t agree with someone’s values.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally right because the communities he serves
will ultimately be happier with a leader who is not corrupt.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally right because most citizens do not want
him as their leader, even if they have fallen for his advertising.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally wrong because it’s still possible that he
won’t win the election, or that checks and balances will keep him from
having too negative an impact.
CONCEPT
Applying Utilitarianism
8
The statement, "I will read a book when I get bored so as to
improve my mind," is a .
• maxim
• formulation
1
When a utilitarian evaluates an action, which of the following is
most important?
• The action's rejection by society
• The action's effects on the agent
• The action's total effects on everyone
• The action's inherent sinfulness
CONCEPT
Utilitarianism
2
Russ plays the bassoon. Most bassoon players can easily learn the
saxophone. It's therefore likely that Russ could easily learn the
saxophone.
Which type of argument is this?
• Valid deductive
• Strong inductive
• Invalid deductive
• Weak inductive
CONCEPT
Evaluating the Structure of an Argument
3
What is meant by the formulation of humanity?
• We shouldn't act in a way that has any harm to society.
• We should respect other peoples' points of view.
• Other people must be treated as ends, not only as means.
• Anything agreed on by all humanity is true.
CONCEPT
The Formulation of Humanity
4
Which of the following represents a difficulty with egoism?
• Socially determined actions are usually more successful than self-
determined actions.
• Egoism is a core part of human nature, so denying it is denying
someone's humanity.
• Egoism does not allow the egoist to evaluate others based on his or
her perspective.
• Egoism maximizes each individual's pleasure, which is something
everyone wants.
CONCEPT
Problems with Egoism
5
Choose the true statement about virtue-based ethics.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, actions are judged
against the greater good.
, • According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, people can be
judged by the consequences of their actions.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, actions are less
important than the agent's moral character.
• According to the principles of virtue-based ethics, only the actor’s
intent is considered when assigning moral value.
CONCEPT
Virtue-Based Ethics
6
Which of the following people would be most satisfied with
virtue-based ethics?
• Adelaide is looking for an ethical system that evaluates actions based
on their effects.
• Abby is looking for an ethical system that is based in cultural norms.
• Andrew is looking for an ethical system that puts his own development
first.
• Abner is looking for an ethical system that is about more than just
doing good.
CONCEPT
Support for Virtue-Based Ethics
7
Theo is running for political office. It is a well-known fact that Theo is
corrupt— he intends to use his office for his own personal and financial
gain, to the detriment of the communities he serves. Yet polls show that
he has a considerable lead over his opponents because he can afford
aggressive advertising. A group of citizens decides to take matters into
its own hands by blackmailing Theo so he will drop out of the election.
Most people would agree that this action is immoral. How might
it be evaluated by a utilitarian?
• Blackmailing Theo is morally wrong because blackmail is always wrong,
even if you don’t agree with someone’s values.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally right because the communities he serves
will ultimately be happier with a leader who is not corrupt.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally right because most citizens do not want
him as their leader, even if they have fallen for his advertising.
• Blackmailing Theo is morally wrong because it’s still possible that he
won’t win the election, or that checks and balances will keep him from
having too negative an impact.
CONCEPT
Applying Utilitarianism
8
The statement, "I will read a book when I get bored so as to
improve my mind," is a .
• maxim
• formulation
