utilitarianism Flashcards
Who are the two main philosophers and what are their different types of utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham - Act Utilitarianism (teacher of J.S Mill)
John Stuart Mill - Rule Utilitarianism
Give the meaning of utilitarianism for Bentham
“Greatest good for the greatest number”
Bentham placed the meaning of right and wrong on the outcomes/consequences of the action.
Takes into account the interests of others.
Give the meaning of utilitarianism for Mill
“It’s better to be a human dissatisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”
- intelligence > happiness
- minimise pain - not maximise pleasure
What is Mill’s “The Harm Principle” ?
No action is allowed that brings harm to the minority.
What was Peter Singer’s adaptation of utilitarianism?
Every individual’s view/preference is taken into account and given equal value.
• minimising pain.
