Bentham's Utilitarianism - Classic Utilitarianism

Question 1

Who is considered to be the founder of utilitarian philosophy?

Answer 1

Jeremy Bentham.

Question 2

What is the Principle of Utility?

Answer 2

When faced with an ethical decision, a person should choose the course of action which maximises pleasure and minimises pain for the greatest number of people - ‘The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number’.

Question 3

What is the Hedonic Calculus?

Answer 3

A method for determining quantitatively the right course of action.

Question 4

What is hedonism?

Answer 4

Derived from the Greek word for pleasure - it is a philosophical position which holds that pleasure is the ultimate good in life.

Question 5

First measure of happiness.

Answer 5

Intensity - how strong or weak the happiness is.

Question 6

Second measure of happiness.

Answer 6

Duration - how long the happiness will last for.

Question 7

Third measure of happiness.

Answer 7

Certainty - how likely or unlikely the happiness is to occur.

Question 8

Fourth measure of happiness.

Answer 8

Propinquity/Remoteness - how near of remote in time the happiness is.

Question 9

Fifth measure of happiness.

Answer 9

Fecundity/Richness - how likely or unlikely the happiness is the reoccur or lead to further happiness.

Question 10

Sixth measure of happiness.

Answer 10

Purity - how free from pain the happiness is.

Question 11

Seventh measure of happiness.

Answer 11

Extent - how far the happiness will reach.