Utilitarianism

Question 0

J S Mill

Answer 0

Higher and lower pleasures

When fully informed, ppl always choose higher pleasure

Question 1

Bentham

Answer 1

Humans=hedonists
Motivated by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain
If moral dilemma=act in way brings max pleasure for most
-measured with hedonic calculus

Question 2

Peter singer: preference utilitarianism

Answer 2

Morally R/W depending if it fits in w what ppl would rationally prefer

• manifest pref=based on immediate desires
• true= reflecting on all info

Agent-relative consq.- perceptions of satisfaction tracks expectations

Question 3

Singer: rule utilitarianism

Answer 3

What course of action is generally relied upon?
You can’t always work out right thing to do-time
Follow experience but follow util.

Question 4

Problems with utility

Answer 4

How do we calculate it?
-comparing utility from diff goods?
-same goods, diff people?
-econ efficiency
Do we max av or total utility
Separateness pf person

Question 5

Separateness of persons

Answer 5

Focus on total utility, fails to take in distribution
Util allows us to commit injustice against few is collectively moral
-George
-Jim and Pedro