Utilitarianism Flashcards

1
Q

Define Utilitarian Ethics.

A

It focuses on Outcomes and Consequences. It is a Normative Ethics Approach, which overturns the ‘Classical’ Tradition that ethics is based on human rationality.

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2
Q

Who fathered Utilitarianism?

A

Jeremy Bentham.

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3
Q

What is Utilitarian Ethics also known as by Philosophy?

A

Consequentialist.

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4
Q

What phrase is associated with Utilitarianism?

A

Greatest good for the greatest number.

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5
Q

In what way does Utilitarian Ethics differ from the classic ethics tradition?

A

Utilitarianism proposes that ethics can be motivated by emotions/feelings (relative) and not solely by reason (rationality).

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6
Q

Why is Utilitarianism regarded as a Consequentialist Ethic?

A

Because the view counsels that in deciding whether an act is morally ‘good’, we should look to see if it has good consequences for ALL.

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7
Q

Define Dualism.

A

It allows for both Rational and Emotional natures to influence and inform actions/decisions.

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8
Q

What does Universalism suggest?

A

That we all feel the same.

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9
Q

What is the Principle of Utility?

A

One must always do that which will have the most Utility for all concerned.

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10
Q

Define Utility.

A

Good = Common Good:
Usefulness
Pleasure > Pain
Flourishing and Well-being

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11
Q

What implication does Common Good have?

A

Egalitarian overtones.

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12
Q

Outline what is meant by ‘the common good.’

A
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13
Q

Define Egalitarianism.

A

Believing/based on the assumption that all people are equal and the whatever is ‘good’ is so for everyone.

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14
Q

Define Act Utilitarianism.

A

Judge the moral worth of an action according to how well it generates the greatest good for the greatest number.
Considered to be an extreme position and of little value.

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15
Q

Define Rule Utilitarianism.

A

Judge the moral worth of an action by how well it conforms to moral rules that have been accepted according to the Utilitarian standard.
Considered to be a limited position that has value.

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16
Q

Describe the difference between Act & Rule Utilitarianism.

A

Act focuses on the consequence of that single action
While Rule focuses on the consequences of following a rule of conduct.

17
Q

What question best sums up the difference between Act and Rule Utilitarianism?

A

What if everyone did that?

18
Q

What is the Utilitarian Stance regarding Morals and Ethics?

A

If Morals has to do with actions and Ethics guide our actions, then Ethics must have to do with feelings and emotions because, whether good or bad, they motivate/guide our actions.

19
Q

What does Utilitarianism say about Emotions?

A

It proposes that feelings should not be disregarded, but recognised. ALL life has feelings.
It also recognises that feelings are not confined to just the species of Homo sapiens - animals have feelings too.

20
Q

What is the Cost Benefit Analysis?

A

It is a form of Utilitarianism and often disregards feelings.
Measures the Benefit of an action against its ascociated Costs.

21
Q

Use an example to describe Cost Benefit Analysis.

A

Humans working on a production line.
In order to achieve greatest good (profit) must make the people work hard and long.

22
Q

List the x2 Weaknesses of Utilitarianism.

A
  1. It’s difficult to ‘know’ what the consequences for actions will be.
  2. Utility of the individual can be disregarded/marginalised since it only looks ash the greatest good for the greatest number.
23
Q

What are x4 questions that highlight the Weaknesses in Utilitarianism?

A
  1. Who decides?
  2. What measures are used?
  3. How is assessment made?
  4. Does EVERYONE feel/experience pain in the same may/measure?
24
Q

List the x5 Strengths of Utilitarianism.

A
  1. Maximises Well-being
  2. Extends to ALL Living Beings
  3. Accounts for Bigger Picture
  4. Compatible with Cost Benefit Analysis
  5. Pragmatic Approach - not just theoretical (Pragmatic - deals with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations)

BMW CAP

25
Q

Explain how triage can be seen as a form of Utilitarianism.

26
Q

Can government policy-making be seen to incorporate Utilitarianism?

27
Q

Explain how dualism and universalism are important within the Utilitarian tradition.

28
Q

Can animal experimentation be seen to be supported by the Utilitarian stance?