The utilitarian theory of ethics does not require a.
an assessment of the effects of alternatives on those affected. O b. a choice among alternatives to produce the maximum societal utility. c. the acquiring of the means of production by workers. od. a determination of whom an action will affect.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
c. the acquiring of the means of production by workers.
Explanation
Utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. The core principle of utilitarianism, as proposed by thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, is the “greatest happiness principle.” This principle states that an action is morally right if it maximizes happiness or utility (defined as pleasure or the absence of pain) for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism requires an assessment of the effects of different alternatives on those affected (option a). This involves analyzing the potential consequences of actions to determine how they will impact individual well-being. The theory also requires making choices among alternatives to maximize societal utility (option b), as the goal is to select the course of action that produces the greatest net benefit for the most people. Furthermore, utilitarianism involves determining whom an action will affect (option d) since understanding the stakeholders and their interests is essential for calculating overall utility.
However, option c, “the acquiring of the means of production by workers,” is unrelated to utilitarian ethics. This idea aligns more with Marxist theory or socialist economic ideologies, which focus on addressing class struggles and redistributing economic power. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, is not concerned with who owns the means of production but rather with the outcomes of actions. A utilitarian perspective might evaluate economic systems based on their ability to maximize happiness or minimize suffering but does not inherently advocate for a specific economic arrangement like worker ownership of production.
In summary, utilitarian ethics emphasizes the analysis of consequences, choices that maximize utility, and the consideration of affected parties, but it does not involve the redistribution of economic power as suggested in option c.