Utilitarianism

Question 1

What is the theory of utilitarianism ?

Answer 1

The idea that we should always seek to achieve the greatest balance of good over evil

Question 2

Who are the two key thinkers for utilitarianism ?

Answer 2

Jeremy Bentham and John stewart mill

Question 3

What is the principle of utility ?

Answer 3

that our decisions as being motivated by pleasure and pain should be judged on usefulness

Question 4

What is the hedonic calculous ?

Answer 4

A method that Bentham provided as a means of calculating which course of action is best to take

Question 5

What factors does the hedonic calculous take into account ?

Answer 5

Intensity
Duration
Certainty
Propinquity
Fecundity
Purity
Extent

Question 6

What are some weaknesses Mill finds with Bentham’s utilitarianism ?

Answer 6

The focus on pleasure is too narrow

Bentham’s utilitarianism could justify appalling acts

The hedonic calculous is too complex when applied to. each situation

Question 7

What is act utilitarianism ?

Answer 7

The idea that we should always perform the action that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 8

What is rule utilitarianism ?

Answer 8

The idea that we should always follow the rule that generally leads to the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 9

What is Eudaimonia ?

Answer 9

Flourishing and living well, the ultimate end
that all actions actions should lead towards