Utilitarianism

Question 1

What is consequentialism?

Answer 1

the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends on its consequences

Question 2

What is the relation between consequentialism and utilitarianism?

Answer 2

utilitarianism is a variety of consequentialism

Question 3

What is the main idea of utilitarianism?

Answer 3

moral acts are those which maximize the good and minimize the bad consequences

Question 4

What is the classical theory of good and bad we studied in connection to utilitarianism?

Answer 4

the Greatest Happiness Principle:

actions that promote happiness are right, actions that are wrong are those that produce the reverse of happiness

Principle of Equality:

no one’s happiness is more important than anyone elses

Question 5

How can we apply utilitarianism to moral issues?

Answer 5

1) identify acts available/options
2) determine how much happiness will result by each
3) sum the results
4) select the act that will yield the most happiness

Question 6

What are some objections to utilitarianism?

Answer 6

• it is hard to accurately predict consequences of an action
• how can we measure happiness?
• can we compare happiness?
• organ transplant case - is it okay to sacrifice the happiness the few to maximize happiness for everyone else?

Question 7

What is a potential solution to the objections raised against utilitarianism?

Answer 7

rule utilitarianism instead of act utilitarianism:

• instead of evaluating the individual act, assess the individual rules and how they affect overall happiness
• ex. instead of the specific organ donor case, evaluate the general rule that kidnapping and killing someone is not generally promotive of human happiness

Question 8

Is rule utilitarianism a successful response to objections to utilitarianism?

Answer 8

yes