Multiple choice

What is utilitarianism?

  1. A philosophical approach according to which laws are valid only if they benefit the greater good

  2. The idea that all individuals should benefit equally from law's usefulness

  3. The idea that the collective good prevails over individual rights

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Utilitarian thinkers do not argue that laws, which do not benefit the greater good are invalid, but that a law is a good law only if it maximises the happiness or well-being of the greater number. As such, the idea that all individuals should benefit equally from a given law is the opposite view to the utilitarian view.

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