Lecture 9 Flashcards
What is consequentialism?
Consequentialism is an ethical approach that determines right and wrong based on the consequences of an action
What is utilitarianism?
A type of consequentialist theory that holds the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes suffering
What is utility in utilitarianism?
The total amount of pleasure or happiness produced by an action
What does the utilitarian principle say?
“Act in a way that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number”
What does “the greatest good” typically refer to?
Maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the majority of those affected
What are two key components of utilitarian ethics?
- Maximizing benefits
- Minimizing harm
What is act utilitarianism?
Evaluates the consequences of each individual act to determine whether it maximizes utility
What is rule utilitarianism?
Evaluates the consequences of following general rules and whether those rules maximize long-term utility
How does act utilitarianism handle moral decision-making?
By analyzing short-term consequences for each specific situation
How does rule utilitarianism differ in its approach?
By establishing and following rules that, when generally adopted, lead to the best overall consequences in the long run
What is hedonistic utilitarianism?
Defines utility as maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain (physical or emotional)
What is pluralistic utilitarianism?
Considers a broader range of values beyond pleasure—such as knowledge, friendship, and aesthetic experiences—as contributors to happiness
What factors must be considered in utilitarian analysis?
Number of people affected
Intensity of happiness/suffering
Duration
Likelihood
Long-term vs. short-term effects
What is the utilitarian method of decision-making often compared to?
A cost-benefit analysis, where pros and cons are weighed to determine the action with the best net benefit
What question must you ask yourself in utilitarian ethics?
“What course of action will produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number?”
What are strengths of utilitarianism?
Focuses on results and practical consequences
Flexible and situational
Promotes overall well-being
Democratic—considers the happiness of all affected
What is one major criticism of utilitarianism?
It may justify harmful actions (e.g., sacrificing one for many) if they maximize overall happiness
Why is it difficult to apply utilitarianism in practice?
Because it’s hard to accurately predict or measure the consequences of actions and determine whose happiness counts more
What ethical concern arises when individual rights conflict with utilitarian goals?
It may permit violating individual rights if doing so benefits the majority
What’s an example of utilitarian reasoning in medicine?
Triage: treating the patients who are most likely to survive or benefit first to maximize outcomes
How might utilitarianism conflict with deontological ethics in bioethics?
Deontology emphasizes duties and rights regardless of outcome, while utilitarianism focuses on results—even if they violate duties or rights
What is a morally demanding aspect of utilitarianism?
It requires individuals to always do the most good, not just avoid harm—potentially sacrificing personal interests
How does utilitarianism differ from Kantian ethics (deontology)?
Utilitarianism: Ends justify the means.
Deontology: Some actions (e.g., lying) are always wrong, regardless of outcomes
What’s the utilitarian stance on lying?
Lying is acceptable if it results in greater happiness than telling the truth
Why is utilitarianism popular in public policy?
Because it offers a framework for maximizing collective welfare and resource allocation
