Moral: Utilitarianism- definitions

Question 1

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 1

The theory is that only happiness is good, and the right act is that act that maximises happiness. Hedonistic act Utilitarianism understands happiness in terms of the balance of pleasure over pain.

Question 2

Hedonic calculus

Answer 2

In Betham’s ethics, the means of calculating pleasure and pains caused by an action and adding them up on a single scale. The total amount of happiness produced is the sum total of everyone’s pleasure- sum total of everyone’s pains.

Question 3

Higher and lower pleasures

Answer 3

pleasures, higher and lower According to Mill, one pleasure is higher than another if almost everyone who is ‘competently acquainted’ with both prefers one over the other. Higher pleasures include thought, feeling and imagination, while lower pleasures involve the body and senses.

Question 4

Secondary principle

Answer 4

In Mill, moral ‘rules of thumb’ that, if followed, generally produce happiness, e.g. ‘tell the truth’. Mill argues that we have learned secondary principles through human history, through trial and error

Question 5

Principle of utility

Answer 5

The defining principle of act utilitarianism: ‘that principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question’ (Bentham).

Question 6

Utility

Answer 6

The property of an object or action in virtue of which it tends to produce happiness.

Question 7

Utilitarianism

Answer 7

The theory that only happiness is good, and the right act (or rule) is that act (or rule) that maximises happiness.

Question 8

Rights

Answer 8

Justified moral demands regarding how other people may treat us, especially the freedoms (e.g. from harm) or benefits (e.g. education) they ought to provide. We are entitled to our rights in the sense that others have a moral obligation to respect them.