Utilitarianism

Question 1

Is utilitarianism objectivist or relativist ?

Answer 1

Objectivist, because it seeks to maximize utility and happiness which can be measured objectively

Question 2

Describe the theory of utilitarianism

Answer 2

The theory to which one should always maximize pleasure and minimize their pain

Question 3

Strengths of utilitarianism

Answer 3

• its objective
• there’s always one right answer to the moral question
• the theory has no accidents bc its created by using science methods
• based solely on experience
• it ignores class distinctions
• utilitarianism resonates with the psychological fact that we all seek what we consider good experiences, we we avoid bad ones

Question 4

Weaknesses of utilitarianism

Answer 4

1. Moral Saints objection
   It demands a lot of moral demands. The theory turns everything into a moral issue. Whatever we do affects others
2. Moral permissiveness objection
   It ignores correct answers to many moral questions (ex: it judges murder, cheating, lying to be morally wrong) yet, utilitarianism sometimes demands that we should violate these universally accepted moral beliefs.
3. Justice / Human right objections
   Ultilitarianism doesn’t respect human rights and justice. This objection is considered as the most objectionable aspect of the theory
4. Calculation problem
   Its almost impossible to calculate everything accurately and to predict the consequences for each choice of action

Question 5

Consult PPT Week 6/ Course pack, pp. 33-37 (you can skip section V: Beyond Classical Utilitarianism) / documentary on industrial farming and animal ethics from a utilitarian perspective
• I may ask you to do a utility chart in the exam.

Question 6

Scope (utilitarianism)

Answer 6

The individuals affected

Question 7

Duration

Answer 7

How long these effects last

Question 8

Intensity

Answer 8

Experiences can differ in degrees of strengths and force

Question 9

Probability

Answer 9

We dont know the future, we can only estimate