B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Philosophy and Ethics

Question 1

Utilitarianism, as developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, holds that moral actions are those that produce which outcome?

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness for the greatest number of people

Answer

Actions consistent with universal moral duties

Answer

Outcomes that benefit the individual actor most

Answer

Behaviors endorsed by divine or natural law

Question 2

Immanuel Kant's 'categorical imperative' instructs us to act according to which principle?

Accepted Answer

Only on maxims you could will to become universal laws for everyone

Answer

Whatever produces the best outcomes for the majority

Answer

Following the moral guidance of divine authority

Answer

Acting in accordance with natural human instincts

Question 3

Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' primarily illustrates which philosophical concept?

Accepted Answer

The distinction between appearance and reality, and the role of education in achieving true knowledge

Answer

The social contract between citizens and the state

Answer

The immortality of the soul after death

Answer

The cyclical nature of democratic and tyrannical governments

Question 4

In ethics, deontological theories differ from consequentialist theories primarily in which way?

Accepted Answer

Deontological theories judge actions by their inherent rightness or duties, not outcomes

Answer

Deontological theories focus on character virtues rather than rules

Answer

Deontological theories evaluate actions based solely on social consequences

Answer

Deontological theories are based on religious commandments rather than reason

Question 5

Aristotle's concept of 'eudaimonia' in ethics is best translated as which idea?

Accepted Answer

Human flourishing or well-being achieved through virtuous activity

Answer

The absence of pain and suffering in one's life

Answer

Rational self-interest as the basis for moral action

Answer

Obedience to divine commands as the source of happiness

Question 6

The philosophical position of 'empiricism' holds that knowledge is primarily derived from which source?

Accepted Answer

Sensory experience and observation of the world

Answer

Innate ideas present in the mind from birth

Answer

Logical deduction from self-evident truths

Answer

Divine revelation and religious tradition