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Question 1

What is Bentham’s principle of utility?

Answer 1

An action is good if it leads to the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

Question 1

What is a counter to Bentham’s principle of utility?

Answer 1

Critics argue that utilitarianism degrades morality by reducing it to mere pleasure-seeking, making it a “doctrine worthy only of swine.”

Question 2

How did Mill respond to the criticism that utilitarianism is a “doctrine worthy only of swine”?

Answer 2

Mill distinguished between higher and lower pleasures, arguing that higher pleasures of the mind are superior to lower bodily pleasures.

Question 3

What is Bentham’s hedonic calculus?

Answer 3

method for measuring pleasure based on seven criteria to determine the pleasurable consequences of an action.

Question 4

What is a criticism of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?

Answer 4

It requires knowing the future, making complex calculations, and measuring subjective feelings, which seems impossible.

Question 5

How did Bentham respond to the issues with the hedonic calculus?

Answer 5

Bentham argued that we only need a reasonable expectation of the consequences based on past experiences, not precise calculations.

Question 6

What is Mill’s higher and lower pleasures distinction?

Answer 6

Higher pleasures are mental pleasures like reading and philosophy, while lower pleasures are bodily pleasures like food and sex.

Question 7

What is a counter to Mill’s higher and lower pleasures distinction?

Answer 7

Critics argue that even those who have experienced higher pleasures often choose lower pleasures due to addiction or weakness of will.

Question 8

How did Mill address the objection that people sometimes choose lower pleasures over higher ones?

Answer 8

Mill argued that the capacity for higher pleasures requires cultivation, and people may choose lower pleasures due to external pressures or lack of support.

Question 9

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 9

An action is good if it conforms to a rule that maximizes happiness.

Question 10

What is a criticism of Strong Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 10

It can become deontological, following rules for their own sake rather than focusing on maximizing happiness.

Question 11

How does Mill’s Rule Utilitarianism attempt to address the issues of Strong Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 11

Mill argues for following secondary principles based on humanity’s accumulated knowledge to guide actions towards maximizing happiness.

Question 12

What is a major criticism of Utilitarianism regarding human rights?

Answer 12

Utilitarianism could justify harmful actions like torture if they result in greater overall happiness, undermining intrinsic human rights.

Question 13

How does Mill’s Utilitarianism address the issue of justifying harmful actions?

Answer 13

Mill’s harm principle suggests that actions causing harm are not permissible, aligning with human rights principles through consequentialist reasoning.

Question 14

What is a counter to Mill’s harm principle?

Answer 14

Critics argue that individuals may not always know what makes them happy, leading to bad decisions and undermining the principle’s effectiveness.

Question 15

What is the issue of intentions and character in Utilitarianism?

Answer 15

Utilitarianism focuses only on consequences, neglecting the moral significance of intentions and character.

Question 16

How does Mill respond to the issue of intentions and character?

Answer 16

Mill argues that good character leads to good consequences and should be cultivated for overall happiness.

Question 17

What is a counter to Mill’s response on intentions and character?

Answer 17

Critics maintain that intentions and character should be valued intrinsically, not merely for their consequential impact.

Question 18

What is the problem of partiality in Utilitarianism?

Answer 18

Utilitarianism requires impartiality, potentially undermining familial and personal relationships by not prioritizing loved ones.

Question 19

How did Mill respond to the problem of partiality in Utilitarianism?

Answer 19

Mill suggested that focusing on those close to us is generally acceptable since most people cannot significantly impact a large number of others.

Question 20

What is a counter to Mill’s response on partiality?

Answer 20

Critics argue that modern global connectivity and charities challenge Mill’s view, suggesting we can and should impact more people beyond our immediate circle.

Question 21

What is the ‘burning building’ dilemma in Utilitarianism?

Answer 21

Choosing between saving a child or an expensive painting, illustrating the challenge of weighing different types of value.

Question 22

How does Utilitarianism approach the ‘burning building’ dilemma?

Answer 22

Utilitarianism would likely prioritize saving the child due to the greater potential for future happiness.

Question 23

What is a counter to the Utilitarian approach in the ‘burning building’ dilemma?

Answer 23

Critics might argue that utilitarian calculations can still lead to morally questionable decisions when different values conflict.