Utilitarianism

Question 1

Jeremy Bentham Quote

Answer 1

‘Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure’

Question 2

Hedonist

Answer 2

Pleasure seeker

Question 3

The Hedonists

Answer 3

A group of ancient Greeks who sought true pleasure which has no pain in it

Question 4

Principle of utility
(Act)

Answer 4

‘Greatest pleasure for the greatest number’

Question 5

Hedonic Calculus

Answer 5

~Intensity of pleasure
~Duration of pleasure
~How certain is it that pleasure will result?
~How near is the pleasure to you?
~How continuous is the pleasure?
~Is there likely to be pain mixed with this pleasure?
~How widespread will the pleasure be?

Question 6

Strengths of Act Utilitarianism

Answer 6

~It provides a clear mathematical method of deciding any course of action by balancing pleasure and pain which makes it easy to compare different options
~It is a popular approach to ethics because people do seek pleasure and avoid pain
~It looks at the consequence of an action
~Common sense is involved
~This ethical code is accesible to everyone

Question 7

John Stuart Mill Quote

Answer 7

‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied’

Question 8

John Stuart Mill Quote Analysis

Answer 8

~Humans should never feel satisfied as they should always strive for more
~Only humans have higher pleasures