Module 04: Ethics Modern Moral Philosophy Flashcards
He is known as the founder of utilitarianism. He is a philosopher, economist, social reformer and philanthropist.
Jeremy Bentham
Who coined the word utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill
What was the book of Jeremy Bentham?
An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
This is the philosophy which advocates the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Utilitarianism
Explain the mechanism of pleasure and pain.
(1) Pleasure is good while pain is evil
(2) God is good and He created man a pleasure-seeking being; so, God created pleasure for man’s enjoyment
According to Bentham, pleasure equates to what?
Happiness
According to Bentham, what is the aim of life?
To maximize pleasure and minimize pain
According to Bentham, how is an act judged?
The act is judged based on the result or consequence.
This philosophy states that humans by nature pursue pleasure and avoid pain.
Hedonism
How does man make decisions in view of hedonism?
When a person makes decisions, he thinks in terms of pleasure or pain
According to this philosophy, humans by nature are selfish, egocentric
Egoism
How are people described in light of egoism?
(1) They are primarily concerned with their own pleasure or happiness
(2) They would even try to satisfy themselves at the expense of others
(3) They would take advantage of others for their own benefit
(4) Some people obtain pleasure when they help or satisfy others
What is the goal of egoism?
Still, every act is aimed at one’s own satisfaction
These are checking devices to prevent overindulgence or excessive pursuit of pleasure. They prevent harm to individuals and society when people pursue pleasure. They also prevent the pursuit of pleasure from getting out of control
Four (4) Sanctions
What does the four sanctions do?
They limit the pursuit of pleasure within reasonable boundaries.
These are limitations of the body which prevent overindulgence or excessive indulgence in pleasure
Physical sanction
This sanction pertains to laws that prevent actions harmful to society
Legal Sanction
This sanction pertains to the fear of what others would think or say about you; fear of shame or embarrassment
Conventional Sanction
This sanction pertains to the fear of God, divine punishment.
Religious Sanction
This is a guide to select pleasure and avoid pain or to maximize pleasure and minimize pain
Hedonistic Calculus
Ceteris Paribus means?
With other conditions remaining the same
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is more enjoyable
Intensity
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that lasts longer.
Duration
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is more certain; don’t take the risk.
Certainty
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that is attainable sooner, not later
Propinquity
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that may lead to other pleasures.
Fecundity
This criteria states, given 2 or more pleasures, ceteris paribus, select the pleasure that will not cause pain
Purity
This criteria states, to share the pleasure or not; share the pleasure if it increases the pleasure.
Extent
