In ethical philosophy, what distinguishes 'utilitarianism' (Bentham, Mill) from 'deontology' (Kant)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. consequentialist outcomes versus moral duty
- Step 1: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist framework judging the morality of an action solely by its outcomes (maximizing utility/happiness). Deontology maintains that actions are intrinsically right or wrong based on duty, regardless of their consequences. Answer: consequentialist outcomes versus moral duty. Why not the others: "ecclesiastical theological piety versus complete materialist secularism" confuses meta-ethical frameworks with religious belief; both theories have secular formulations; "pure nihilism versus aristocratic honor" neither utilitarianism nor deontology is nihilistic; both are rigorous normative ethical systems; "emotional impulse versus logical rhetoric" conflates ethical philosophy with rhetorical argumentation and psychological impulses.
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