Utilitarianism Flashcards
Who are the two main founders of utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
What is the utility principle?
We should do whatever brings the greatest good for the greatest number
What type of ethical theory is utilitarianism?
Teleological and consequentialist
How does utilitarianism differ from deontological theories?
Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions, while deontological theories focus on whether the actions themselves are right or wrong.
What does Bentham’s hedonic calculus measure?
Pleasure and pain resulting from an action
What are the seven factors of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?
- Intensity
- Duration
- Certainty
- Propinquity
- Fecundity
- Purity
- Extent
Fill in the blank: Mill is considered a _______ utilitarian.
rule
Fill in the blank: Bentham is considered an _______ utilitarian.
act
What is the swine-ethic problem?
The issue that all pleasures are treated as equal, regardless of their moral value.
What did Bentham believe about measuring pleasure?
Pleasure can be measured or quantified.
True or False: Utilitarianism is a relativist theory.
True
What quote encapsulates Bentham’s view on human behavior?
‘Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.’
What is the main criticism of Bentham’s hedonic calculus regarding unpredictability?
You can’t know the future, and outcomes can depend on chance.
What is the key difference between higher and lower pleasures according to Mill?
Higher pleasures improve a person’s quality of life, while lower pleasures do not.
What does the term ‘hedonism’ refer to?
The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain.
What is a potential problem with calculating pleasure in Bentham’s theory?
It is incalculable; too many variables exist to accurately assess pleasure and pain.
What does Mill say about the quality of pleasures?
Some pleasures are more desirable and valuable than others.
How did Bentham view the concept of natural rights?
He described it as ‘nonsense on stilts.’
What example illustrates the potential flaws in Bentham’s utilitarianism?
The idea that a surgeon could justify murdering a healthy neighbor to save five patients.
What does the term ‘tyranny of the majority’ refer to in Mill’s critique?
The potential for individuals to be exploited for the greater pleasure of the majority.
What is the mnemonic for remembering the factors of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?
FEDPPIC
What does Mill’s Greatest Happiness Principle state?
Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness.
Fill in the blank: Utilitarianism asks us to apply the _______ principle.
utility
What is one strength of Bentham’s hedonic calculus?
It treats the pains and pleasures of each individual act equally.
What is one weakness of Bentham’s approach?
Pleasure is subjective and cannot be easily quantified.
What is the key idea of Mill’s philosophy on pleasure?
Human progress is the key; some pleasures satisfy but do not improve the person.
Define higher pleasures according to Mill.
Pleasures that improve social and intellectual well-being, such as:
* Study of philosophy
* Empathy
* Enjoyment of art and music
* Generosity
* Reading a book
Define lower pleasures according to Mill.
Pleasures that provide happiness but do not contribute to personal progress, such as:
* Eating
* Drinking
* Sexual intercourse
What is Mill’s famous quote about Socrates and a pig?
‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.’
What does Mill criticize about those who pursue lower pleasures?
He views them as fools living in a world lacking high feelings and interests.
What is the no-harm principle introduced by Mill?
Individuals should behave as they choose, as long as they do not cause harm to others.
What problem does Mill face in measuring happiness?
He complicates the calculation of the greatest happiness by introducing higher and lower pleasures.
What distinguishes act utilitarianism from rule utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism calculates consequences case-by-case, while rule utilitarianism establishes rules based on past experiences.
What are the strengths of act utilitarianism?
Flexibility in judging each situation without fixed principles.
What are the criticisms of act utilitarianism?
Time-consuming to weigh complex factors and risks recommending actions against moral instincts.
What is rule utilitarianism?
It creates rules based on actions that generally lead to the greatest good.
What distinguishes strong rule utilitarianism from weak rule utilitarianism?
Strong rule utilitarianism has fixed rules, while weak rule utilitarianism allows for exceptions.
What is a significant criticism of weak rule utilitarianism?
It can be indistinguishable from act utilitarianism, as it allows rule-breaking in exceptional situations.
What problem does utilitarianism pose regarding justice?
It may sacrifice individual rights for the benefit of the majority.
Who proposed the trolley problem thought experiment?
Philippa Foot.
What does the trolley problem illustrate about moral decision-making?
It questions the validity of act utilitarianism by highlighting emotional ties in moral choices.
Who introduced the thought experiment involving Jim and the villagers?
Bernard Williams.
What does Jim and the villagers reveal about utilitarianism?
It highlights the moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts faced in utilitarian decision-making.
Fill in the blank: Mill is generally considered a ______ rule utilitarian.
[weak]
What does Mill argue about the relationship between human progress and higher pleasures?
Higher pleasures contribute to personal and societal progress.
What assertion does Mill make about societal change and rules?
Rules can change if society changes.
What is the fundamental flaw in utilitarianism according to its critics?
It reduces morality to a calculation of pleasure versus pain.
What is G.E. Moore’s critique of utilitarianism?
He discusses the naturalistic fallacy, questioning if happiness equates to good.
What is the main ethical judgment approach discussed?
The extent to which utility is served.
What problem arises when calculating pleasure in moral situations?
Calculating pleasure is almost impossible due to too many variables.
Who argues that not all pleasures are equal?
Bentham.
What concept does Philippa Foot’s trolley problem challenge?
Utilitarianism.
True or False: Utilitarianism reflects how we behave in moral situations.
False.
What does utilitarianism overlook according to the text?
Integrity, honesty, and rights.
What is the main critique of utilitarianism regarding rationality?
It is overly optimistic about our ability to think rationally.
In Bernard Williams’ thought experiment, what is Jim faced with?
The choice to kill one to save ten.
What moral degradation does Jim face if he follows utilitarianism?
Becoming a murderer.
What extreme examples are given to critique act utilitarianism?
Justifying rape and murder.
What is the ‘swine-ethic objection’ made by Mill?
The justification of actions like gang rape based on utility.
Fill in the blank: Act utilitarianism can morally justify _______ and _______.
rape; murder.
What question can be posed to discuss the helpfulness of utilitarianism?
Does it lead to moral outcomes that we can agree on?
What should one examine when discussing the strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism?
Whether they make utilitarianism helpful.
What is one approach to structuring an essay on utilitarianism’s helpfulness?
Discussing J.S. Mill’s version of utilitarianism.
