Utilitarianism

Question 1

Utility Principle

Answer 1

The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its ‘utility’ or usefulness.

Question 2

Hedonic Calculus Definition

Answer 2

Created by Bentham, this is a utilitarian system whereby the effects of an action can be measured as to the amount of pleasure it may bring.

Question 3

Seven Factors in Hedonic Calculus

Answer 3

Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity, Fecundity, Purity and its Extent.

Question 4

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 4

A version of utilitarianism according to which the rightness or wrongness of individual acts are calculated by the amount of happiness resulting from these acts.

Question 5

Quantitative

Answer 5

Concerned with the amount.

Question 6

Qualitative

Answer 6

Concerned with the value and nature.

Question 7

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 7

A version of utilitarianism in which general rules are assessed for the happiness-making properties rather than individual decisions. Often associated with John Stuart Mill. Actions are therefore ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ depending on whether they conform to a happiness-making rule, not because of their individual effects.

Question 8

Preference Utilitarianism

Answer 8

A utilitarian theory interested in the best consequences for those involved rather than what creates the most pleasure and least pain.

Question 9

Hedonism

Answer 9

The belief that pleasure is the chief ‘good’.

Question 10

Key People

Answer 10

Jeremy Bentham
John Stuart Mill
Peter Singer