Jeremy Bentham's act of utilitarism Flashcards
What is the theory in a nutshell?
A relativist, consequentialist and teleological theory, some of it does have a deontoloigcal side to it (hybrid version). Not a religious theory, ‘principle of utility’. Maximising pleasure and minimising pain and to achieve the greatest overall happiness
Who created the theory?
Jermey Bentham (act utilitarianism) and then with John Stuart mill (Rule utilitariaism)
What does the greek word for hedonism mean?
Greek word for pleasure, ‘redone’. Hedonists believed the right thing to do in life was to pursue pleasure, they taught the only intrisinic good is pleasure
What is the sovereign good?
Happiness is the supreme ethical value. Bentham believed People could find happiness by pursuing please and avoiding pain.
What was one of Benthams famous quotes?
“Nature has placed mankind under the govern of two sovereign masters, pain and please. it is them alone to point out what we ought to determine what we shall do”
What is the difference between natural law, SE with Utilis…
It’s not a religious theory. Jeremy Bentham was lawyer so it is more political. Both the French and American revolutions occurred, British demands were being made for human rights and democracy. Tried to formulate a system that would benefit the needs of most people.
What book did Bentham write?
Bentham act utilitarianism is the result of thinking, the principles of morals and legalisation
How did Benthams life contribute to philosophy?
Social reformer and as he was a barrister and expert of the law, became aware of widespread social injustice. Prompted him to become concerned with issues of public morality. He suggested the prison crimes should be sufficient to dater but not cause unnecessary suffering. Improve public morality sexual
What was Bentham’s guiding principle?
‘Greatest happiness for the greatest number’
Why is Benthams theory called utilitarianism?
Comes from the word ‘utility’ means usefulness
The most useful thing, the thing which has the most likelihood of achieving the telos for which we are aiming
Our sovereign good is happiness
Who was Bentham influenced by?
Hedonism, saw pleasure as the only intrinsic good and [pain as the only intrinsic evil
What is the rule of utliarimsm for Bentham?
The utility principle
What does the utility principle mean?
Says that good moral actions are determined whether or not they maximise happiness/ pleasure and minimise pain. Based o whether they bring people the most amount of happiness not more people happy
What is the hedonic calculus?
Means of measuring pleasure
What are the seven factors of the hedonic calculus?
It - Intensity, how strong is the happiness (how deep)
Definitely- Duration (How long does it last for)?
Causes- Certainty (how are we sure it will produce happiness?
Pleasure- Propinquity How close )in terms of time) is the happiness (pleasure)?
For- Fecundity (how likely is this to lead to further happiness)
People- Purity, how free from pain is this act?
Everywhere-Extent,, How many people will receive this happiness?
