Rule Utilitarianism Flashcards
Who created Rule Utilitarianism?
John Stuart Mill
Qualitative or Quantitative? Why?
Qualitative, as quantitative approach allows misuse
Why did Mill dislike Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism?
Felt that Bentham’s approach ignored human rights
Division of Utilitarianism:
Higher pleasures (intellectual, such as reading or writing) and Lower pleasures (bodily, such as eating or drinking)
“Better to be a human being…”
“…dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.”
What is the harm principle?
A utilitarian cannot do something that actively causes harm
What is the Principle of Universalisability?
Individuals should put the interests of the group first before their own
- therefore previous experiences can be used
- quality over quantity, general rules applicable (order and social justice)
What are the two types of Rule Utilitarianism?
Strong rule Utilitarianism: rules should never be broken (that are formed through the principle of universalisability)
Weak rule Utilitarianism: sometimes, a rule can be broken if it is the right course of action
Evaluation: Strengths
- Addresses Quantitative issue of Utilitarianism
- Less complex –> applied in more contexts
- The weak rule is easier to apply
Evaluation: Weaknesses
- Strong rule is too inflexible for society
- It is still subjective
