Utilitarianism Flashcards
Utilitarianism
The moral doctrine that one should always seek the greatest balance of good over evil
Principle of utility
The idea that the choice brings about the greatest good for the greatest number is the
right choice.
Precept
A general rule designed to regulate behaviour or thought
Hedonism
The view that good is pleasure, and nothing else is the good
Hedonic calculus
The system for calculating the amount of pain or pleasure generated. PRRICED
Telelogical Ethics
Goodness or rightness is determined by the outcome
Consequentialism
Ethical theories which see morality as driven by the consequences rather than actions
Act utilitarianism
Jeremy Bentham. Weighs up what to do at each individual occasion
Rule Utilitarianism
John Stuart Mill. Weighs up what to do in principle in all occasions of a certain kind
Quantitative
Focused on quantity – how many? How big?
Qualitative
Focused on quality (what kind of thing)
Strengths of Utilitarianism
A large number of people benefit as the principal is greatest good for the greatest number.
Mill’s Utilitarianism promotes general societal happiness and it is natural to see physical and mental pleasures are different.
It is natural to consider consequences, so it is easy to use Hedonic Calculus.
It is applicable to real-life situations because it doesn’t generalise and recognises the complexity of life.
Weaknesses of Utilitariansim
We do not know the consequences of our actions.
Strong rule utilitarianism is not really sticking by utilitarianism but is absolutist and nothing will benefit the greater good in certain situations.
Weak rule utilitarianism becomes the same as Act utilitarianism, so is worse for minorities as the majority always rules.
It is impractical to calculate what you should do to such an extent in day-to-day life
