What is the major difference between the definition of "objective" and "subjective"?
objective = true independent of opinion
subjective = only a matter of opinion
100
What are the three major ideas of John Stuart Mill's version of utilitarianism?
Principle of Utility, Hedonism, and the Disinterested and Benevolent Spectator
100
What two things motivates a human person to act?
Pain and pleasure
100
Why is relativism impracticable?
It commits people to actions and behaviors which no sane person would ever agree to.
100
Provide one item in which all utilitarian thinkers can agree.
All agree that the morality of an action depends upon the goodness produced. All agree that only intrinsic goods should be taken into account. All agree that net utility (subtracting the evil from the good) produces a good action if the utility is overall positive.
200
What are the three reasons for why relativism is appealing? Explain each.
No science, no knowledge = since ethics does not give precise answers, it must be subjective
Circumstances do make a difference = morality of an action can seem to change depending on circumstance
Virtues of tolerance and compassion = condemning others or passing judgment is contrary to the teachings of Jesus
200
When does John Stuart Mill live and when does he die?
1806-1873
200
When did Jeremy Bentham live and when did he die?
1748-1832
200
Which part of relativism is in some way connected to Christian thinking?
Professing the virtues of tolerance and compassion
200
Who is a modern-day utilitarian philosopher?
Peter Singer
300
Define "relativism".
It is a system wherein there are no moral rules that apply to all people or cultures and no one should impose his or her morals on any other person or culture.
300
Explain each of John Stuart Mill's three major ideas.
Principle of Utility = greatest happiness for greatest number
Hedonism = pleasure and the absence of pain
Disinterested and Benevolent Spectator = treat all as equal, provide equal consideration to all including oneself
300
Name as many qualities as you can from Bentham's hedonic calculus.
Intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity (nearness or remoteness), fecundity (one leads to another), purity, and extent.
300
What does utilitarianism reject which Kant and Christian thinkers accept?
Inherent worth and dignity of the human person.
300
What kind of a moral philosophy is utilitarianism? What does that mean?
Consequentialist = consequences are what inform the morality of a decision
400
What distinction does a relativist reject concerning what one considers to be moral?
The distinction of "what is right" vs. "what one thinks is right"
400
How old is Jeremy Bentham when John Stuart Mill is born?
58 years old
400
What two ancient philosophers does Bentham base some of his ideas upon?
Plato and Epicurus
400
What role do consequences play in moral thinking for a Christian?
They effect the level of moral responsibility; they are secondary elements that effect the level of goodness or evil in a given action.
400
What is the definition of happiness as John Stuart Mill envisions it?
Happiness is the intended pleasure and the absence of pain.
500
Define "self-contradictory" and explain how it relates to relativism.
self-contradictory = when one part of a statement/belief goes directly against another part of a statement/belief. It is used in relativism as a means of defeating the theory by pointing out that to argue there are no universal moral rules and stating that it is wrong to impose your morals on another is self-contradictory.
500
As John Stuart Mill defines happiness, list everything that could have happiness as he sees it.
Every sentient creature (animals, humans, and insects)
500
How old is John Stuart Mill when Jeremy Bentham dies?
26 years old
500
Is Christianity compatible or incompatible with utilitarianism? Why?
Fundamentally incompatible because Christianity rejects the view that human life is expendable for the needs of anyone.
500
What is the name of the Star Trek character who helped to embody the ideals of utilitarianism?