Utilitarianism Flashcards
Utilitarianism is a what type of ethics…deontological or teleological?
Teleological, because an action is good if the consequences are favourable.
True or false. Utilitarianism is relativist because what is right or wrong does not depend upon the situation.
False, what is right or wrong does depend upon the situation.
Bentham lived during which period of British history, which caused him to be concerned with the social and legal reforms?
The Industrial Revolution.
Bentham wanted a system of Ethics based upon what type of principles rather than the Bible?
Scientific principles.
Bentham believed that an act is “right” if it delivers more pleasure than pain. This is known as the…
…Principle of Utility.
Utilitarianism is egalitarian. Why?
Each is to count for one in Utilitarianism.
Bentham’s Utilitarianism is quantitative, because…
…it concerns itself with the number of people satisfied by an action, this means that it aims for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Bentham created his hedonic calculus which was made of what seven elements?
Intensity Duration Certainty Remoteness Likelihood Purity Extent
Animals count in an hedonic calculus, because…
…they also experience pleasure and pain.
Bentham is associated with which type of Utilitarianism and why?
Act Utilitarianism where the Principle of Utility is applied to each individual case.
Mill criticised Bentham fearing a…
…“tyranny of the majority”.
Mill believed that Bentham’s Quantitative Utilitarianism justified the Romans doing what?
Throwing the Christians to the lions, as it pleases the most people.
Mill recognised that what group of people should be considered?
The minority.
Mill argues that Bentham said…
…“all things being equal, pushpin is as good as poetry”.
Mill argues that “base pleasures” such as pushpin can be superseded by what?
“Higher pleasures” such as poetry.
“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than…
…a pig satisfied”.
“Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than…
…a fool satisfied”.
Roger Crisp uses the analogy of Haydn and the immortal oyster to explain the differences between Bentham’s and Mill’s Utilitarianisms. How?
If we measure quantities of happiness, then the oyster obviously experiences more, as he is immortal. However, Haydn experiences a better quality of happiness, even if he only lives for 70 years.
How are the ideals of the BBC based upon Mill’s ideas?
The BBC aims to educate, inform and entertain unlike more commercial stations that appeal to the masses (base pleasures).
Lake Windermere example:
Speed limit on Lake Windermere was made 10mph to preserve the lake as a higher pleasure rather than appeal to the masses and the base pleasure of water sports.
Mill believes in sovereignty. What is sovereignty?
The right of a individual to make their own decisions.
What is Harm Principle?
The argument that actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals.
What is Rule Utilitarianism?
Argues that rules should be formed for the happiness of society. For example lying generally results in unhappiness so a rule for society could be made not to lie. There can be hard rule and soft rule utilitarians.
Mill argues what about Rule Utilitarianism?
It helps us decide what is “right”. He argues that our rights should be protected by the law.
Bentham’s Utilitarianism seems to favour…
…community happiness.
Mill’s Utilitarianism seems to favour…
…individual happiness.
Example of a Preference Utilitarian.
Peter Singer.
What does Preference Utilitarianism concern itself with?
The best interests of all those concerned. Trade offs where all parties are considered must take place before a decision is made.
