Quotes For Act And Rule Flashcards
What is Benthams quote on everyone being equal?
“Everybody to count for one and nobody for more than one” Bentham
What problem is there with giving to charity in act utilitarianism?
If an individual wanted to go to the cinema and they had £10 but they encounter a homeless person on the way, act argues they should give their money to charity, however this prevents any leisure time and leaves the person with no time to relax
People favour lower pleasures over higher pleasures, what does mill think about this?
“Capacity for the nobler feelings is in most natures a very tender plant, easily killed, not only by hostile influences, but by want of sustenance” mill
How does mill relate the Decalogue to rule?
” similar to the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth”
What 2 factors does Bentham argue mankind has been placed under?
” nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure” Bentham
What is the greatest happiness principle in rule utilitarianism?
” the greatest happiness principle holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the revers of happiness” mill
2 examples of weaknesses to do with the “greatest happiness for the greatest number”
Sadistic guards and Christians being fed to the lions
What is the quote for the principle of utility?
“By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approved or disapproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have to augment or diminish the happiness of the party in question” Bentham
What is mills quote on the quality of human life?
” it is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied”
What is mills quote on pleasure?
” some kinds of pleasures are more desirable and more valuable than others”
What is Matthews quote about treating people around us?
” do onto others as you would have them do unto you”
Give an example showing a weakness in rule utilitarianism
R.M. Hares lying shopkeeper
What is singers quote on preference utilitarianism?
” this other version of utilitarianism judges actions not by their tendency to maximise pleasure of minimise pain, but by the extent to which they accord with the preference if any beings affected”
What does singer argue about decision making?
” choose the course which brings about the best consequences, on balance, for all affected”
