Posted: May 27th, 2017

Which of the following statements is the strongest evidence that the person saying it is a utilitarian? Ginny: “Violations of rights are very serious, from the moral point of view.” Helen: “I agree. It is always immoral to violate someone’s rights.”

Which of the following statements is the strongest evidence that the person saying it is a utilitarian? Ginny: “Violations of rights are very serious, from the moral point of view.” Helen: “I agree. It is always immoral to violate someone’s rights.” Ginny: “Well, I wouldn’t say ‘always’. It’s o.k. to violate rights whenever the good you can produce by doing so outweighs the harm you do by violating the person’s rights.” Kate: “I disagree with both of you. The notion of rights is just a mechanism for the lesser members of society to maintain control over those capable of greatness.”