Utilitarianism

Question 1

Utilitarianism

Answer 1

Through our actions we should strive to maximize happiness/pleasure and minimize suffering/pain.

Bentham - “human actions and social institutions should be judged right or wrong depending upon their tendency to promote the pleasure of happiness of the greatest number of people”

Question 2

Consequentialist

Answer 2

Theory focuses on the ends/outcomes of an action rather than the means or intentions behind the actions - ethical decisions must be based on calculating the good in terms of the consequences of the action.

Question 3

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Answer 3

Calculates the overall good and bad consequences the action or decision generates (looking at the number of people affected and the gravity of the pain suffered)

Question 4

Harm principle (MILL)

Answer 4

I am free to do and say whatever I want as long as it does not harm other people in society

• Liberty
• Freedom of choice