Question
Investigate the concept of utilitarianism. Which example best fits the philosophical idea?
A. the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
B. if it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy
C. the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many
D. we either all succeed or we all fail, no in-between
A. the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
B. if it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy
C. the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many
D. we either all succeed or we all fail, no in-between
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that advocates for actions that promote the greatest happiness or the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It is a consequentialist theory, meaning it evaluates the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences.
Given this understanding of utilitarianism, let's evaluate the options:
A. **the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few** - This statement aligns well with the utilitarian idea, as it emphasizes the importance of maximizing overall happiness or welfare, prioritizing the greater good over individual needs.
B. **if it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy** - This perspective is more self-centered and aligns with ethical egoism rather than utilitarianism, as it disregards the welfare of others.
C. **the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many** - This also contradicts utilitarian principles, as it prioritizes an individual’s needs over the collective needs, which is the opposite of promoting the greatest good for the greatest number.
D. **we either all succeed or we all fail, no in-between** - While this reflects a sense of collective success, it doesn't directly capture the essence of utilitarianism as it lacks the explicit focus on maximizing overall happiness.
**Conclusion:** Option **A** - "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" best fits the philosophical idea of utilitarianism.
Given this understanding of utilitarianism, let's evaluate the options:
A. **the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few** - This statement aligns well with the utilitarian idea, as it emphasizes the importance of maximizing overall happiness or welfare, prioritizing the greater good over individual needs.
B. **if it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy** - This perspective is more self-centered and aligns with ethical egoism rather than utilitarianism, as it disregards the welfare of others.
C. **the needs of one outweigh the needs of the many** - This also contradicts utilitarian principles, as it prioritizes an individual’s needs over the collective needs, which is the opposite of promoting the greatest good for the greatest number.
D. **we either all succeed or we all fail, no in-between** - While this reflects a sense of collective success, it doesn't directly capture the essence of utilitarianism as it lacks the explicit focus on maximizing overall happiness.
**Conclusion:** Option **A** - "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" best fits the philosophical idea of utilitarianism.