Evaluation of Mill and Bentham's ideas

Question 1

What is good about Bentham’s utilitarianism?

Answer 1

It sees all pleasures as of equal value and promotes the well-being of the majority

It is common sense to think of consequences when making and ethical decision

Straightforward and based on a single principle

Should end up with best decision as all possible outcomes are considered

Question 2

What is bad about Bentham’s utilitarianism?

Answer 2

Leaves minority at mercy of majority

Need knowledge and time to use hedonic calculus

Difficult to predict consequences

Potential to justify evil and immoral acts if it makes the majority happy

Compares humans to pigs

Question 3

What is good about Mill’s utilitarianism?

Answer 3

Attempts to give equal rights to all

Common desire to benefit society

Question 4

What is bad about Mill’s utilitarianism?

Answer 4

Difficult to predict consequences

Difficult to tell the difference between higher and lower pleasures

Progress is not necessarily made by higher pleasures

Whole idea of higher pleasures can seem snobbish

Still difficult to protect minorities