- Who are the two philosophers that gave a “definitive formulation” to utilitarianism? How is the utilitarian approach (generally) different from Aristotle’s virtue ethics?
- Describe Bentham’s “Principle of Utility.” What was radical about Bentham’s theory, especially regarding the laws and institutions of England?
- How does Mill’s version of utilitarianism differ from Bentham’s? Further, what is “happiness,” then, for Mill?
- Analyze the way a utilitarian would reason about euthanasia or the treatment of nonhuman animals (the two examples toward the close of the chapter). What works? What doesn’t seem to work?
- What are the three standard “propositions” of utilitarian theory? How does classical utilitarian theory conceive of happiness (that is, happiness in relation to what is good and what is right)?
- H.J. McClosky argues that the consequentialist aspect of utilitarianism is flawed since it is incompatible with justice. Give and example of McClosky’s claim.
- Other critics maintain that the consequentialist aspect ofutilitarianism is flawed since it is incompatible with rights. Give an example of this
- Utilitarians have given three distinct “lines of defense” against the above criticisms. Explain each.
“Ethics and Leadership Effectiveness” Ciulla
- What is the Hitler Problem? In the context of the problem what does the term “leader” mean?
- What is Moral Luck and why is it an important aspect of ethics and leadership?
- From a leadership perspective, what is the difference between teleological and deontological ethical theories?
- How is transformational leadership contrasted with transactional leadership?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of Charismatic Leadership?
- What is the Bathsheba Syndrome?
Sample Solution
