Utilitarianism Flashcards
Which philosopher came up with the concept of (classic) utilitarianism?
Bentham
What is Utilitarianism?
Moral theory that focuses on the consequences of our actions and treats intention as irrelevant.
Good consequences = good actions.
The morally right action is the one that produces… “the greatest good for the greatest number.”
What do Utilitarians believe is true for all humans?
We all want to achieve happiness. Being happy is everyone’s end goal.
How do Utilitarians think that actions should be measured?
In terms if happiness/pleasure that they produce.
What is the principle of utility?
We should act in a way that helps “produce the greatest good for the greatest number”. (Quote by Bentham)
What two things are humans motivated by, according to Bentham?
Humans are motivated to seek pleasure and avoid pain.
Define Act Utilitarianism
In any situation you should choose the action which will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Based on actions and the end ALWAYS justifies the means. No action is intrinsically wrong.
Define Rule Utilitarianism
Says we ought to live by rules that in general are likely to lead to the greatest good for the greatest number. Rules help maximise happiness.
Explain the trolley problem.
There is a trolley heading towards 5 people on the track. You can pull a lever so that the train is diverted to a 2nd track with only 1 person on it. Who would you save?
Who came up with the trolley problem?
Philippa Foot
What is utility?
Usefulness (but can be interpreted in different ways). According to Bentham it means pleasure.
What is hedonism?
A philosophy that states that pleasure is the highest good. We SHOULD aim for it.
Define psychological hedonism.
Humans are naturally built to seek pleasure and avoid pain. It’s our ONLY aim.
How do you measure pleasure?
With the hedonic calculus.
What are the categories used to measure pleasure (with a hedonic calculus)?
Intensity < strength of pleasure
Duration < time pleasure will last for
Certainty < will it happen for sure?
Propinquity < remoteness
Richness < snowball effect
Purity
Extent/numbers
What are some criticisms of Act Utilitarianism?
- people can justify any action as long as the end is good.
- some actions do seem intrinsically wrong.
What are the negatives of using the hedonic calculus?
No Unit of measurement for pleasure.
Difficult to compare pleasurable actions to painful ones.
It’s unreliable.
What is the pleasure machine?
A machine you can be plugged into where you ‘live’ in a world where you constantly experience pleasure.
What is Rule Utilitarianism?
Think that rules maximise happiness and ensure that the tyranny of the majority is avoided.
Who suggested that pleasures of the minds are more superior than pleasures of the body?
Mill.
Did Bentham care more about the quantity or quality?
Quantity (Utilitarianism).
Mill cared more about the quality.
Who came up with Rule Utilitarianism?
Mill.
What do non-hedonists believe?
We should aim to maximise utility. They argue that utility doesn’t always mean pleasure.
What is Preference Utilitarianism?
Suggests an action should be judged by the extent to which it conforms to the preferences of those affected by the action. Pleasure is not the only aim to maximise.
