Multiple choice

With reference to 'Utilitarianism', which of the following statements are correct?

  1. Jeremy Bentham gave the first systematic account of 'Utilitarianism'.
  2. The first systematic account of 'Utilitarianism' was in introduction to the principles of morals and legislation.
  3. 'Utilitarianism' proposes that human actions should aim at promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people.
  4. 'Utilitarianism' as an ethical rule of conduct applies to individual moral agents only.

  1. (1) and (2) only

  2. (1) and (3) only

  3. (1), (2) and (3) only

  4. (1), (2) and (4) only

  5. (2), (3) and (4) only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Jeremy Bentham gave the first systematic account of Utilitarianism in introduction to the principles of morals and legislation. 'Utilitarianism' proposes that human actions should aim at promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism answers that the moral agent has to choose that one which maximises the pleasure and minimises the pain. The right action for an individual to perform on any occasion is that which will produce the greatest pleasure and the least pain to those affected by it. Utilitarianism as an ethical rule of conduct applies to individual moral agents, institutions and governments.

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