Question

Utilitarianism might suggest:

Latimer had a duty as a father to act this way.


That the only consideration when dealing with Latimer is the Criminal Code.


Latimer had special circumstances in terms of his ethical behaviour


All of the above


None of the above

Answer 1

Utilitarianism may suggest Latimer had ethical special circumstances based on the philosophy of maximizing overall happiness, but this is balanced against the critique that utilitarianism can justify extreme actions contrary to common moral standards.

Therefore, the correct answer is: option "Latimer had special circumstances in terms of his ethical behaviour".

Step-by-step explanation:

Utilitarianism, a consequentialist philosophy, might suggest that Latimer had special circumstances in terms of his ethical behaviour, considering the utility or overall happiness resulting from his actions.

Classic utilitarian thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill propose that an action's morality is determined by its ability to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

However, utilitarianism is critiqued for occasionally justifying extreme actions if they are thought to maximise happiness, contrary to ordinary moral standards or laws, such as the Criminal Code.

Therefore, the statement 'Utilitarianism might suggest Latimer had special circumstances in terms of his ethical behaviour' aligns with the philosophy's tendency to consider consequences and the overall happiness resulting from an action, rather than strictly adhering to rules.