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⚖️ Morality & Ethics
Are you a utilitarian or deontologist?
The Oxford Utilitarianism Scale reveals your ethical wiring.
Rate how much you agree: 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
1If an action produces the most good for the most people, it's the right thing to do.
2Some actions are morally wrong even if they produce good outcomes.
3It's acceptable to harm one person to prevent greater harm to many.
4Moral rules (don't lie, don't steal) should never be broken, even for a good cause.
5I would sacrifice my own happiness if it significantly improved others' lives.
6Intentions matter more than outcomes when judging morality.
7It's irrational to save one person you know over five strangers.
8Everyone deserves the same moral consideration — strangers and family alike.
9We are morally obligated to donate to effective charities if we can afford it.
10Emotions should not influence moral decisions — only logic and evidence.
Utilitarianism vs Deontology
This quiz adapts the Oxford Utilitarianism Scale (Kahane et al. 2018). It measures two independent dimensions: instrumental harm (willingness to harm for greater good) and impartial beneficence (equal concern for all).
Score interpretation
- 10-20: Strong deontologist — moral rules are absolute
- 21-30: Leaning deontological — rules matter but exceptions exist
- 31-40: Leaning utilitarian — outcomes usually trump rules
- 41-50: Strong utilitarian — maximum good for maximum people
The philosophical debate
- Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill): Maximize total happiness. The ends can justify the means.
- Deontology (Kant): Follow moral duties regardless of outcomes. Never use people as mere means.
- Effective Altruists tend to score high on impartial beneficence (items 5, 8, 9)
- Psychopaths score high on instrumental harm (items 3, 7) but NOT on beneficence
- The OUS distinguishes "good" utilitarians from "cold" ones
Sources: Kahane et al. (2018, Oxford Utilitarianism Scale), Singer (1972, Famine Affluence & Morality), Kant (1785, Groundwork).