Utilitarianism

Question 1

Utilitarianism is a what type of ethics…deontological or teleological?

Answer 1

Teleological, because an action is good if the consequences are favourable.

Question 2

True or false. Utilitarianism is relativist because what is right or wrong does not depend upon the situation.

Answer 2

False, what is right or wrong does depend upon the situation.

Question 3

Bentham lived during which period of British history, which caused him to be concerned with the social and legal reforms?

Answer 3

The Industrial Revolution.

Question 4

Bentham wanted a system of Ethics based upon what type of principles rather than the Bible?

Answer 4

Scientific principles.

Question 5

Bentham believed that an act is “right” if it delivers more pleasure than pain. This is known as the…

Answer 5

…Principle of Utility.

Question 6

Utilitarianism is egalitarian. Why?

Answer 6

Each is to count for one in Utilitarianism.

Question 7

Bentham’s Utilitarianism is quantitative, because…

Answer 7

…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.

Question 8

Bentham created his hedonic calculus which was made of what seven elements?

Answer 8

Intensity
Duration
Certainty
Remoteness
Likelihood
Purity
Extent

Question 9

Animals count in an hedonic calculus, because…

Answer 9

…they also experience pleasure and pain.

Question 10

Bentham is associated with which type of Utilitarianism and why?

Answer 10

Act Utilitarianism where the Principle of Utility is applied to each individual case.

Question 11

Mill criticised Bentham fearing a…

Answer 11

…“tyranny of the majority”.

Question 12

Mill believed that Bentham’s Quantitative Utilitarianism justified the Romans doing what?

Answer 12

Throwing the Christians to the lions, as it pleases the most people.

Question 13

Mill recognised that what group of people should be considered?

Answer 13

The minority.

Question 14

Mill argues that Bentham said…

Answer 14

…“all things being equal, pushpin is as good as poetry”.

Question 15

Mill argues that “base pleasures” such as pushpin can be superseded by what?

Answer 15

“Higher pleasures” such as poetry.

Question 16

“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than…

Answer 16

…a pig satisfied”.

Question 17

“Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than…

Answer 17

…a fool satisfied”.

Question 18

Roger Crisp uses the analogy of Haydn and the immortal oyster to explain the differences between Bentham’s and Mill’s Utilitarianisms. How?

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

How are the ideals of the BBC based upon Mill’s ideas?

Answer 19

The BBC aims to educate, inform and entertain unlike more commercial stations that appeal to the masses (base pleasures).

Question 20

Lake Windermere example:

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Mill believes in sovereignty. What is sovereignty?

Answer 21

The right of a individual to make their own decisions.

Question 22

What is Harm Principle?

Answer 22

The argument that actions of individuals should only be limited to prevent harm to other individuals.

Question 23

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Mill argues what about Rule Utilitarianism?

Answer 24

It helps us decide what is “right”. He argues that our rights should be protected by the law.

Question 25

Bentham’s Utilitarianism seems to favour…

Answer 25

…community happiness.

Question 26

Mill’s Utilitarianism seems to favour…

Answer 26

…individual happiness.

Question 27

Example of a Preference Utilitarian.

Answer 27

Peter Singer.

Question 28

What does Preference Utilitarianism concern itself with?

Answer 28

The best interests of all those concerned. Trade offs where all parties are considered must take place before a decision is made.