Which inalienable right is most associated with
utilitarianism? (1 point)
taxation occurring only with the consent of the people
the resistance of oppression
equality under the law
the pursuit of happiness
the pursuit of happiness
The inalienable right most associated with utilitarianism is the pursuit of happiness.
To understand why this right is associated with utilitarianism, let's first define utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that states the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.
The pursuit of happiness is closely tied to utilitarianism because it reflects the idea that individuals should have the freedom to seek and find happiness in their lives. In a utilitarian society, the goal is to maximize the happiness and well-being of the greatest number of individuals, and allowing individuals to pursue their own happiness is seen as a fundamental right.
To determine the answer to this question, we can analyze the other options and see if they align with utilitarianism:
- Taxation occurring only with the consent of the people: While this idea may be important in terms of individual freedom and democracy, it is not specifically tied to utilitarianism. Utilitarianism focuses more on the overall consequences of actions rather than the specific process of taxation.
- The resistance of oppression: While the resistance of oppression can be seen as a moral imperative, it is not directly associated with utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is concerned with maximizing overall happiness or well-being, and while resisting oppression could be a means to achieve this, it is not the central focus of utilitarian philosophy.
- Equality under the law: While equality under the law is an important principle in many ethical systems, including utilitarianism, it is not the most associated with utilitarianism. Utilitarianism primarily focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being, rather than solely on issues of legal equality.
Therefore, the pursuit of happiness is the inalienable right most closely associated with utilitarianism.