What is the central idea behind utilitarianism?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks for the central idea behind utilitarianism, so we should evaluate each option in light of the theory's core principle.
Option a: 'Actions are morally right if they align with virtue ethics.' This describes virtue ethics, which centers on character and virtuous dispositions rather than the consequences of actions. It is not utilitarianism, so this is incorrect.
Option b: 'Actions are morally right if they maximise overall happiness.' This captures the essence of utilitarianism: the moral worth of an action is judged by the amount of happiness or well-being it produces for the greatest number. The focus is on overall consequences and aggregate welfare, making this the correct central idea.
Option c: 'Actions are morally right if they stick to categorical imperatives.' This reflects Kantian deontological ethics, which emphasizes universal moral laws and duties independent of outcomes. Utilitarianism, by contrast, cares about outcomes, so this is not aligned with utilitarian reasoning.
Option d: 'Actions are morally right if they conform to social norms.' Relying on social norms is characteristic of conventional or rule-based considerations, but utilitarianism evaluates actions by their consequences for happiness, not by conformity to norms. Therefore, this statement does not describe utilitarianism.
In summary, the only option that aligns with the utilitarian emphasis on maximizing happiness or welfare for the greatest number is option b, while the others reflect different ethical theories (virtue ethics, Kantian deontology, and norm-based reasoning) that do not define utilitarian morality.

What is the central idea behind utilitarianism?单项选择题

类似问题

The “Greatest Happiness Principle” is a core concept of which ethical theory?

The utilitarian rule states that an ethical decision is one that

One of the drawbacks to utilitarian method of ethical reasoning is that:

Which ethical theory represents a focus on the consequences of an action?

Which of the following describes an ethical framework based on achieving the best outcome for the greatest number of people?

In which of the following examples is utilitarianism absent?

What is the position of Utilitarianism?

Who is considered the founder of utilitarianism?

更多留学生实用工具

智能学习助手

风格化写作助手

论文查重助手

文献引用助手

课堂转译助手

课堂笔记助手

Quiz搜索助手

学校历年真题

智能刷题助手

智能匹配练习

希望你的学习变得更简单