W2 1) According to Mill the theory of utility suffers from a number of mis-definitions and mis-conceptions among these are __________.
a) Thinking it opposed to pleasure, thinking that is only pleasure or as something only useful.
b) Thinking it opposed t
a) Thinking it opposed to pleasure, thinking that is only pleasure or as something only useful.
W2 2) The theory of utility maintains _________
a) Pleasure is the only good.
b) Pleasure is not a good.
c) Pleasure is a good and pain a bad.
d) Pleasure and pain are not part of the theory
c) Pleasure is a good and pain a bad.
W2 3) According to some detractors the theory of utility has no other object than...
a) Making Mill and his father's friend Bentham very famous.
b) Pursuing no higher end than pleasure.
c) Upsetting many people in many countries.
d) Promoting intent, as w
b) Pursuing no higher end than pleasure.
W2 4) According to Mill the 'swine objection' fails to realize that...
a) Humans are capable of higher pleasures than animals.
b) He is being serious and this objection fails to take that into account.
c) It is better to be a pig satisfied than Socrates d
a) Humans are capable of higher pleasures than animals.
W2 5) For Mill it is possible to decide the qualities of pleasure by....
a) Guessing and hoping.
b) Taking into account the judgments of those who have experienced the pleasures in question.
c) Reading the rest of Mill's works.
d) Reading both Mill's and
b) Taking into account the judgments of those who have experienced the pleasures in question.
W2 6) For Mill a creature in possession of the ability to appreciate higher pleasures would not trade this ability for...
a) The ability to appreciate even higher pleasures.
b) Full satisfaction of lower faculties of pleasure at the expense of the ability
b) Full satisfaction of lower faculties of pleasure at the expense of the ability to know the higher ones.
W2 7) According to Mill those capable of higher pleasures neglect them upon occasion (or for most of their life) because...
a) The higher pleasures are not really all that great to begin with once you come to experience them.
b) Governments and religions
d) They lose either access or capacity for these things.
W2 8) According to Mill the theory of utility is not only concerned with one's own happiness but also the happiness of...
a) One's friends and family.
b) One's family and then one's friends and then others.
c) Every creature that can think and feel.
d) Th
c) Every creature that can think and feel.
W2 9) Mill thinks that even if happiness is not attainable it can be...
a) Mitigated or reduced.
b) Increased.
c) Made desirable by propaganda and other such efforts.
d) Made less desirable by solid teaching.
a) Mitigated or reduced. (unhappiness)
W2 10) For Mill the main reasons people do not attain happiness once they are 'tolerably fortunate in their outward lot' is...
a) They are the kind of person that can never be happy.
b) Want of fellow feeling or a cultivated mind.
c) Other people making i
b) Want of fellow feeling or a cultivated mind.
W2 11) According to Mill the only good reasons for renouncing one's own share of happiness is...
a) Fame or glory.
b) Virtue.
c) Life eternal.
d) To save others from similar fates.
d) To save others from similar fates.
W2 12) For Mill we are not required to consider public utility or the happiness of everyone all the time in every act for...
a) No one can really do such a thing.
b) Very few are truly in such a position.
c) Utility theory is a very selfish doctrine.
d) N
b) Very few are truly in such a position.
W2 13) For Mill the theory of utility is not immune to objections that may fall upon any moral theory (e.g. some practitioners are too lax others too rigid) but it does provide...
a) A doctrine of morality not based on happiness.
b) A doctrine of morality
d) A tangible method of deciding these matters.
W2 14) For Mill God is morally inclined to...
a) Agree with utility theory.
b) Not agree with utility theory.
c) Let his will be known when it suits his purposes.
d) None of the other three.
a) Agree with utility theory.
W2 15) For Mill the need for occasional dishonesty, which Kant has denied in our previous text, is well supported by...
a) Revelation.
b) Kant's theory.
c) The theory of utility.
d) None of the other three.
c) The theory of utility.
W2 16) For Mill every ethical standard can be proved ill if...
a) It disagrees with the new and old testament.
b) It is joined with an assumption of universal stupidity.
c) Fails to agree with the theory of utility.
d) None of the other three.
b) It is joined with an assumption of universal stupidity.
W2 17) According to Mill, any foundational principle of morality will have...
a) A founder.
b) Revelation somewhere in the back-ground.
c) Sub-ordinate principles that can make moral calculation much easier.
d) Some absurdity unless it is the theory of ut
c) Sub-ordinate principles that can make moral calculation much easier.
W2 18) Mill argues that the theory of utility has the additional recommending quality of being able to resolve conflicts between...
a) The Old and New Testaments.
b) Individuals that disagree.
c) Conflicting moral demands.
d) None of the other three.
c) Conflicting moral demands.
W2 Essay 1) What is the foundation of morals? In other words, what does the theory 'utilitarianism' claim?
Happiness.
Happiness is the motive and agenda behind all decisions and actions in life. If i have a choice of two different outcomes, I should and would likely choose whatever has the happiest outcome.
W2 Essay 2) What are only things desirable as ends? What does it mean to say something is desirable as an end?
Happiness is the only end. Money, love, power, virtue, and duty are all means to happiness but they are not ends. Mills states the only happiness or the negation of unhappiness (pain) are his theory's desirable ends (goals) in life.
W2 Essay 3) Egoism: the ethical doctrine that morality has its foundations in self-interest. Why is utilitarianism not egoism?
Utilitarianism is not egotistical. It isn't based on self-interest but rather is based on the happiness of every creature. Suppose I had the choice of making myself happy or making two people happy. Egoism would be only to care about myself and choose to
W2 Essay 4) Why would someone say that "utilitarianism is a doctrine worthy of swine?
They are trying to draw a comparison stating that utilitarianism's teaching that all people desire what is most pleasurable to that of an animistic nature. They state that if utilitarianism is true then humans are no different than pigs.
W2 Essay 5) What is Mill's response to the objection that "utilitarianism is a doctrine worthy of swine?" (hint: he has three responses)
Humans are far more intelligent than swine and are capable of higher thinking.
Humans are capable of more sophisticated pleasures than animals.
A higher thought process along with more sophisticated pleasures is what make humans better animals and their a
W2 Essay 6) "It may be objected that many who are capable of the higher pleasures occasionally, under the influence of temptation, postpone them to the lower." To what is this an objection? What is Mill's response?
This is an objection that these simple pleasures (alcohol, drugs, and sex) are more desirable than complex pleasures that lead to ultimate happiness. Mills response is that these simple pleasures in fact don't lead to long-term happiness but instead shot-
W2 Essay 7) How is it possible to decide which are the best pleasures?
The best way is to base your decision off the decision of others. If majority of people prefer one pleasure over the other than this is the highest pleasure.
W2 Essay 8) Explain the objection that happiness cannot be the rational purpose of life. Why would someone make this objection?
They claim that happiness is unobtainable. Mill counters by stating that happiness (not never ending happiness) is moments of pleasure that add up. Misinterpretation of "happiness".
W2 Essay 9) What is Mill's response to the objection that happiness cannot be the rational purpose of life?
His teaching is to improve the quality of life and to make it more enjoyable. That is what life is about: looking at the highlights (in other words).
W2 Essay 10) What is Mill's view on "all the grand sources...of human suffering?
Mills says all problems that bring human suffering are solvable problems. He with proper education and teaching that these problems can be eliminated. People need to start choosing maximum happiness over self-interest. Example people will buy cheap clothe
W2 Essay 11) What is Mill's view of self-sacrifice?
Happiness is the only desirable end. So therefore sacrifice of one's own happiness is a waste unless it is to save others from unhappiness. To promote happiness in others.
W2 Essay 12) Why would someone object that the disinterested character and promotion of general welfare that utilitarianism demands is unreasonable to expect?
Mills states the very meaning of a standard of morals and confounded the rule of action with the motive of it.
People can still choose the action that grants the most happiness and not be motivated by it. In fact that is what makes it so difficult for peo
W2 Essay 13) What is Mill's response to the objection that the disinterested character and promotion of general welfare that utilitarianism demands is unreasonable to expect?
Motivation doesn't matter as long as your actions have resulted in maximum happiness.
W2 Essay 14) Explain the objection that utilitarianism renders men cold and unsympathizing. What is Mill's reponse?
NA
W2 Essay 15) Explain the objection that utilitarianism is a doctrine of expediency. What is Mill's response?
NA
W2 Essay 16) Why would someone object that utilitarianism is flawed because there is not time to calculate consequences?
NA
W3 1) A common feature, according to Mill, of first principles is that...
a) They do not admit of normal proofs.
b) They are neither first nor principles.
c) They tend to come from religion.
d) They are derived from Aristotle or an older Greek.
a) They do not admit of normal proofs.
W3 2) The proof that something is desirable is that...
a) People do in fact desire it.
b) People can be made to desire it.
c) People will spend money for it.
d) All of the other three.
a) People do in fact desire it.
W3 3) To prove his principle Mill needs to demonstrate that...
a) People desire nothing else but happiness.
b) People desire happiness but occasionally other things as well.
c) People desire first principles.
d) People desire happiness and first principle
a) People desire nothing else but happiness.
W3 4) For Mill virtue is something...
a) To be desired for itself.
b) To be desired only if it is useful.
c) To be desired by and for others.
d) All of the other three.
a) To be desired for itself.
W3 5) For Mill, while virtue was not originally part of our conception of happiness, it can...
a) Become integral to a person's conception of happiness.
b) Become something other people like to see but not to practice themselves.
c) Become tiresome and di
a) Become integral to a person's conception of happiness.
W3 6) For Mill power, fame and money are all...
a) Examples of things that can start as a means to happiness and then become the basis by which we consider ourselves to be happy.
b) Absolutely good things if you have them.
c) Things to be desired as a mea
a) Examples of things that can start as a means to happiness and then become the basis by which we consider ourselves to be happy.
W3 7) For Mill virtue is different from power, fame and money is that...
a) It does not tend to make one noxious to others.
b) It is boring and for the timid people.
c) It is something that does not bring attention.
d) None of the other three.
a) It does not tend to make one noxious to others.
W3 8) For Mill the sole end of all human action is...
a) Happiness.
b) Desire.
c) Religious understanding.
d) Titillation of the senses.
a) Happiness.
W3 9) For Mill will and desire, while they begin separate, can become...
a) Linked through habit.
b) Undesirable for the enlightened.
c) Products of advertising.
d) Nothing of human consequence.
a) Linked through habit.
W3 Essay 1) What three things is Mill attempting to prove in Chapter 4?
Happiness is desirable.
Happiness is the only desirable end.
All other things are means to that end.
W3 Essay 2) To what purpose does Mill use a discussion of visible and audible in his proof of utility theory?
He uses audible and visible to craft examples to prove that happiness is desirable. The proof that something is desirable is that people desire it.
W3 Essay 3) Mill has sometimes been criticized for equivocating with the word 'desirable.' Mill is attempting to argue that happiness is desirable as an end, and he uses 'visible' and 'audible' as analogous. Why might someone suspect that he equivocates?
To equivocate is to change the meaning of a word. Mill is accused of changing the meaning of the word desirable. He says that happiness is desirable and perhaps instead he should state that happiness is good.
W3 Essay 4) Is Mill's proof for why the general happiness is desirable as an end a good one? Why or why not?
Mills supports his idea of general happiness by breaking it down. First people desire their own self happiness. That adds to others happiness and the general happiness. I would counter his proof by stating that just because one person has achieved happine
W3 Essay 5) What problem for Mill's theory does virtue pose?
Is virtue an alternative end? If so then this contradicts Mills teaching that Happiness is the ONLY end. Mill stats that virtue and duty seem like ends but are instead means or facets to direct you towards the true end happiness.
W3 Essay 6) What is Mill's response to the problem posed by some people's desire for virtue for its own sake?
Virtue is a desirable mean but only a mean to happiness. Happiness has many forms which virtue is a part of. Virtue is capable of being the end but not with out happiness as well.
W3 Essay 7) Is Mill's solution to the problem posed by the desire for virtue for its own sake successful? Why or why not?
NA
W3 Essay 8) What does Mill think it means to desire something?
Desirable is the same as pleasure. if it is enjoyable and not painful then it is a desirable experience.
W3 Essay 9) What is the best way to promote happiness?
Desire and seek maximum happiness in our actions. Then people need to make these decisions habit and routine.
W4 Essay 1&2) Why does Kant claim that the only thing good without qualification is a good will?
Kant's theory is based upon good will. Our good will is established out of reason and sound judgement. And it is good will that allows us to have a sense of duty and to know right from wrong. Without good will, Kant's entire theory unravels. Thus good wil
W4 1) Wit, judgment, courage, and resolution are not unconditionally good because...
a) Life is not unconditionally good.
b) If the will behind them is not good they can be bad.
c) They do not include such things as power, wealth and honor.
d) Both a and
c) They do not include such things as power, wealth and honor.
W4 2) Without a good will we have it seems hard to think we are worthy of ...
a) Happiness.
b) Wealth.
c) Honor.
d) Both b and c.
a) Happiness.
W4 3) A criminal with the virtues of moderation, courage and self-control is...
a) A freedom fighter.
b) Not entirely evil.
c) Even more dangerous than one without them.
d) Someone we can understand as a villain.
c) Even more dangerous than one without them.
W4 4) A good will backed by every effort that fails to accomplish anything is..
a) A nice but not completely ethical out-come.
b) A sign of incompetence or actual lack of intent.
c) Not something Kant discusses.
d) Something that has full value in itself.
d) Something that has full value in itself.
W4 5) Kant is different than Mill and, we will learn, resembles Aristotle in that...
a) They are all philosophers.
b) They all believe in functions directed at ends.
c) Kant (and Aristotle) focuses solely on intent in his ethical system.
d) None of the ab
c) Kant (and Aristotle) focuses solely on intent in his ethical system.
W4 6) Instinct would be a much better guide than reason to...
a) Happiness.
b) Ethics.
c) Both a and b.
d) None of the above.
a) Happiness.
W4 7) The real purpose of reason is to...
a) Look after our monetary interests.
b) Guide the will and make it happy.
c) Guide the will and make it good.
d) Both b and c.
a) Look after our monetary interests.
W4 8) A highest good does not preclude...
a) Other highest goods.
b) Other goods.
c) A lowest evil.
d) Both a and d.
a) Other highest goods.
W4 9) When reason and the inclinations recommend different course of action...
a) The recommendations of reason are to be followed.
b) Follow inclination.
c) Rationally pursue the objects of inclination.
d) None of the above.
a) The recommendations of reason are to be followed.