Once again Sally is considering giving money to charity. Her friend Nancy agrees with her charitable spirit but is a critic of utilitarianism. Which of the following is Nancy most likely to say to Sally?
(That is, which of the following portrays a criticism of utilitarianism in this case?)
a. Sally, your money is yours; you have no reason to share it with anyone
b. Sally, your daughter is very sick and needs money for an operation; you shouldn't spend money on strangers before your daughter
c. Sally, people didn't evolve by being so generous; in order to survive you've got to look out for yourself more than these other people you want to help
d. Sally, don't make me hurt you. Give me the money.
Answer: B
Philosophy
- Suppose Sally is considering giving money to a charitable organization. Which of the following best expresses part of a Utilitarian analysis of whether or not she should?
- Which of the following is one of the problems for Utilitarianism?
- The fact that Utilitarianism thinks there aren't absolute, specific moral rules is one way of showing that it is attractive to people because of its __________________.
- Which of the following is the best expression of a Utilitarian belief?
- Which of the following recommends that we should do actions which are in accordance with what enhances our probability of survival?
- Which of the following is one of the four problems our author identifies as one of those that Natural Law Theory hopes to solve?
- What fallacy occurs when an argument tests on the irrelevant testimony of a famous person, like a movie star or athlete?
- What fallacy occurs when someone is being discredited because of a political, religious, or social affiliation?
- What fallacy occurs when someone argues for a position based solely on the basic of patriotism?
- What fallacy occurs when someone tries to bribe another person?
- What fallacy occurs when someone is discredited solely on the grounds of a characteristic like race, age, or gender?
- What fallacy occurs when someone argues that a position should not be accepted, even if good reasons are offered, simply because the speaker does not follow his or her own advice and the speaker's actions suggest hypocrisy?
- What fallacy occurs when someone argues that something must be true because you can't prove it is false (or vice versa)?
- What fallacy occurs when someone makes an irrelevant appeal to a recent disaster as a reason for getting a job, raise, or better grade?
- What fallacy occurs when an advertiser uses snob appeal, such as suggesting that eating their mustard will make us feel like we own a Rolls Royce?
- What fallacy occurs when, instead of being given reasons for coming to a decision, someone is asked to provide sexual favors in exchange for a job or raise?
- Which of the following is the correct abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy?