A Problem with the Utilitarian Principle of Ethical Decision Making

question 15

Multiple Choice

A problem with the utilitarian principle of ethical decision making is that:

• A) it focuses on the consequences of our actions, not on how we achieve those consequences.
• B) there is no agreement on what activities are the greatest benefits to the affected.
• C) it is difficult to predict the "trickle down" benefits to the least well off in society.
• D) it is almost impossible to evaluate the benefits or costs of many decisions.
• E) it chooses the option that provides the minimum acceptable degree of satisfaction to those affected.

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Definitions:

Concrete Operational Stage

A phase in Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, occurring from around 7 to 12 years old, where children gain the ability to think logically about concrete events.

Preoperational Stage

The preoperational stage is a concept in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, describing a stage (roughly ages 2-7) where children begin to use language and think symbolically, but their thinking is still intuitive and egocentric.

Formal Operational Stage

The final stage of Piaget's theory of cognitive development, where individuals aged 12 and above gain the ability to think abstractly, logically, and systematically.

Accommodation

In cognitive psychology, the process by which individuals modify their cognitive schemas and beliefs to incorporate new information.