Question

QUESTION 1

According to Mill's account, pleasure and pain are our prime motivators.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 2

According to Mill's ethical theory, the maximization of pleasure or happiness is the moral end so Mill is properly described as a "crude hedonist."

a.True

b.False

QUESTION 3

Mill claims that it is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 4

Mill's primary purpose for writing Utilitarianism was to reject Bentham's theory and highlight its weaknesses.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 5

What is a consequentialist theory?

		a. a theory about proper dental care
		b. a theory assessing morality in terms of the overall outcomes of an action
c.		the same as a virtue theory
		d. a theory assessing morality in terms of duty

QUESTION 6

After a career at East India Company, JS Mill became politically involved and was elected to the House of Commons in 1865.

a.True

b.False

QUESTION 7

In the course of his discussion of utility theory, Mill identifies the main constituents of a happy life. These are:

		a. indifference, neutrality and alienation
		b. emotional reaction and intellectual delight
		c. emotional and physical pleasure
		d. tranquility and excitement

QUESTION 8

In his argument, Mill insists that the only proof that something is desirable is

		a. that people do actually desire it
		b. that cultivated minds favor it
		c. that intuitions lead us to it
		d. that the Bible allows it

QUESTION 9

Mill's presentation of Utilitarianism differs from Bentham's in that

		a. Mill insists that it is not just about quantity of pleasure but also about quality
		b. Mill insists that it is not about the quality of pleasure but just about quantity
		c. Mill insists that it is not about duty but about pleasure
		d. Their presentations do not differ at all.

QUESTION 10

In his "General Remarks," JS Mill maintains that great progress has been made by philosophers with regard to the controversy over the foundation of morality.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 11

JS Mill argues that the moral worth of actions is judged according to whether one is motivated by duty.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 12

A student is trying to decide whether or not to cheat on her Philosophy exam. Which one of the arguments below might a Utilitarian make?

		a. Cheating is morally acceptable only if it produces more pleasure than any other alternative available to you.
		b. Cheating is morally acceptable only if you are certain you will not get caught.
		c. Cheating is morally wrong because it violates your duty to be honest.
		d. Cheating is morally wrong because such an act violates the golden rule.

QUESTION 13

Mill notes that utilitarian arguments and their appeal to consequences are indispensable even for moralists like Kant.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 14

In what respects is Mill's conception of Utilitarianism different from that of Bentham?

		a. Mill argues that the principle of utility is the one universal moral principle.
		b. Mill argues that the greatest happiness principle is the one universal moral principle.
		c. Mill argues that there is a qualitative difference between pleasures.
		d. Mill argues that there is a quantitative difference between pleasures.

QUESTION 15

Harriet Taylor was a powerful influence on JS Mill's intellectual and moral development.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 16

Which of the following statements best expresses the Utilitarian view?

		a. One ought to act so that no one is used more than necessary to achieve one's ends.
		b. Act not for that which is unfree; act only for that which knows freedom
		c. Act in such a way that it would become a universal law.
		d. Choose that act which results in the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people.
		e. One ought not dispute thy God; for the light of God shows us the path.

QUESTION 17

According to JS Mill, the ultimate sanction of the utility principle is

		a. internal sanction
		b. a feeling in our own mind: a pain, more or less intense, attendant on violation of duty
		c. conscientious feelings of mankind
		d. all of the above

QUESTION 18

One problem with utilitarianism is that the utility principle violates the greatest happiness principle.

a. True

b. False

QUESTION 19

According to Bentham good and bad acts and consequently good and bad legislation could be evaluated in terms of factors such as

		a. intensity, duration, and extent
		b. indifference, neutrality and alienation
		c. voter turn out and voter apathy
		d. emotional reaction and intellectual delight

QUESTION 20

The "naturalistic fallacy" is

		a. the same as "begging the question"
		b. a legitimate move from an "ought" to an "is"
		c. an illegitimate inference from "is" to "ought"
		d. the same as an ad hominem attack

Answer 1

John Stuart Mill was proponent of utilitarianism, ethical theory based intentions, consequences, and actions. Mill proposed that all living things seek pleasure and avoiding the pain. Mill argued that the action which causes more pleasure and less pain is of highest moral or ethical quality. Example: Let us compare an individual seeking pleasure through attending the concert with an individual seeking pleasure through abusing substance. Individual seeking pleasure through abusing substance may cause damage to surrounding and damage to self resulting in pain to self and society. Individual seeking pleasure through attending concert will get happiness and avoid pain causing consequences to self and society; this is of higher moral quality rather than seeking pleasure through substance abuse.

According to John Stuart Mill, people act to acquire more pleasure and avoid pain. Hence, it is true that pleasure and pain are our prime motivators.