Utilitarian Approach: Animal Ethics

Question 1

Utilitarianism - definition

Answer 1

An act is right if and only if it maximizes a sum of net pleasure.

Question 2

4 parts to Utilitarianism definition

Answer 2

A version of consequentialism
Hedonism
Sum-total
Measurability and interpersonal comparability

Question 3

Utilitarianism - Bentham’s formula

Answer 3

“the greatest happiness of the greatest number”

Question 4

Moral standing

Answer 4

Bearer of intrinsic value

Question 5

Intrinsic value

Answer 5

Non-instrumental (not mere means)

Non-derivative

Question 6

Instrumental

Answer 6

Means by which an end goal is accomplished

Question 7

Non-derivative

Answer 7

Is not based on another source

Question 8

Intrinsic

Answer 8

Value that that thing has “in itself”

Question 9

John Stuart Mill

Answer 9

1806-1873, against discrimination of women and Afro-Americans

Question 10

Jeremy Bentham

Answer 10

1748-1832, The question is not, Can they reason?, nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?

Question 11

Peter Singer

Answer 11

All animals are equal, no speciesism

Question 12

Is Speciesm wrong?

Answer 12

Climate change is expected to increase the number of insects and fish drastically.
Therefore, it is right to promote climate change!
Give up anti-speciesism and become speciesist (and racist and sexist?).
Give up utilitarianism and look for a different theory/argument.

Question 13

What does anti-speciesm entail?

Answer 13

Treating all species equal, such as treating humans in the same cruel way as animals

Question 14

What is wrong with racism and sexism?

Answer 14

Treating subgroups based on their abilities or born qualities, not on the moral standing

Question 15

Is speciesism normatively equivalent to racism and sexism?

Answer 15

Yes, in the sense that humans prefer their species over animals and their interests are not being considered the same way