Utilitarianism

Question 1

Deontological?

Answer 1

theories concentrate on actions.

Question 2

Teleological

Answer 2

thinkers believe that the end justifies the means.

Question 3

Bentham

Answer 3

• he invented the utilitarian theory , had the idea that human beings are motivated by pleasure and pain ( hedonism )
• also said that all humans seek pleasure ( which is good ) and avoid pain ( which is bad )

Question 4

Bentham’s idea - The Utility Principle:

Answer 4

• the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its ‘utility’, or usefulness.
• Usefulness refers to the amount pleasure or happiness caused by the action.
• ‘An action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number.’

Question 5

The hedonic calculus

Answer 5

this weighs up pain and pleasure based on intensity, duration, certainty or uncertainty, propinquity or remoteness, fecundity, purity and extent.

Question 6

Mill’s ideas

Answer 6

• The well-being of the individual is of greatest importance, and that happiness is most effectively, gained when individuals are free to pursue their own ends, subject to rules that protect the common good of all.
• Focused on qualitative pleasures - some pleasures are higher (mind) and others lower (body).
• ‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.’

Question 7

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 7

• Act utilitarians maintain that the good action is the one that leads to the greatest good in a particular situation. ( greatest balance of good over evil )
• Act utilitarianism is flexible, being able to take into account individual situations at a given moment.
• it has the potential to justify virtually any act. It may be impossible to suggest that we should measure each moral choice every time.

Question 8

Egs of Act Utilitarianism

Answer 8

Jew lying to a Nazi to save their life

Question 9

Egs of Act Utilitarianism

Answer 9

Jew lying to a Nazi to save their life

Question 10

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 10

• Rule utilitarians establish the best overall rule by determining the course of action which, when pursued by the whole community, leads to the greatest result.
• Rule utilitarianism overcomes some of the difficulties encountered in act utilitarianism.
• also cares about the impact society
• However, it may still permit certain practices, such as slavery, that appear to be morally unacceptable, because minority interests are not protected.

Question 11

Egs of Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 11

Rioting may cause damage however it could end oppression