Utilitarianism

Question 1

Principle of utility/greatest happiness

Answer 1

The idea that the choice that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number is the right choice

Question 2

Deontological

Answer 2

From the Latin for ‘duty’, ethics focused on the intrinsic rightness and wrongness of actions (concerned with the process rather than the outcome)

Question 3

Teleological

Answer 3

Looking to the end results (telos) in order to draw a conclusion about what is right or wrong.

Question 4

Hedonic calculus

Answer 4

The system created by Jeremy Bentham to calculate the amount of pain or pleasure generated

Question 5

Consequentialism

Answer 5

Ethical theories that see morality as driven by the consequences, rather than actions or character of those concerned

Question 6

Hedonistic

Answer 6

Pleasure-driven

Question 7

Quantitative

Answer 7

Focused on quantity

Question 8

Qualitative

Answer 8

Focused on quality

Question 9

Act utilitarian

Answer 9

Weighs up what to do at each individual occasion

Question 10

Rule utilitarian

Answer 10

Weighs up what to do in principle in all occasions of a certain kind

Question 11

In general terms, what is utilitarianism?

Answer 11

It’s an ethical theory that looks to create the greatest good for the greatest number, applying the principle of utility to moral problems.

Question 12

Who proposed utilitarianism?

Answer 12

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill (adopted by Peter Singer)

Question 13

Which utilitarian is concerned about qualitative pleasures?

Answer 13

John Stuart Mill

Question 14

Which utilitarian is concerned about quantitative pleasures?

Answer 14

Jeremy Bentham

Question 15

An example why actions should be based on the principle of utility.

Answer 15

You are pretending when you give money to a charity and claim you are altruistic, you are simply gaining some other kinds of pleasures, perhaps adulation from others for appearing to be generous - perhaps to win the heart of someone who will be impressed by your generosity.

Bentham’s view of the world is the basis for his principle of utility.

Question 16

Utilitarianism is a _______ theory.

Answer 16

Teleological

Question 17

What are relative ethical theories?

Answer 17

They do not promote a fixed or absolute set of particular rules (like natural law does).

Based on personal views of right and wrong or cultural traditions of right or wrong.

Question 18

What are the 7 factors in the hedonic calculus?

Answer 18

Intensity
Duration
Certainty
Remoteness
Fecundity
Purity
Extent

Question 19

How did John Stuart Mill categorise pleasures?

Answer 19

Higher, intellectual pleasures

Lower, sensual pleasures

Question 20

What is the issue with separating higher and lower pleasures?

Answer 20

Only the wisest could say what delivers the greatest pleasures, and that seems quite elitist.

Question 21

John Stuart Mill’s quote in ‘Utilitarianism’ about higher and lower pleasures.

Answer 21

“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.”

Question 22

What is Act Utilitarianism?

Answer 22

Individual actions must be guided by the principle of maximising pleasure/good in each situation.

For example, a driver might break the speed limit to get a woman to hospital in labour.

Question 23

Name an Act Utilitarian.

Answer 23

Jeremy Bentham

Question 24

What is Rule utilitarianism?

Answer 24

Based on an act being repeated in several occasions (that is why laws/rules are put in place). May not bring pleasure for the individual but it is sacrificed for the good of society.

For example, cars stop when the traffic lights turn red to allow pedestrians to cross.

Question 25

Name a rule utilitarian.

Answer 25

John Stuart Mill

Question 26

Strengths of utilitarianism

Answer 26

You don’t need a religious faith to understand it

It’s basic good, happiness, well-being or preferences seem quite reasonable.

Moral problems can be solved through a reasonable process and it’s universally accepted.

It offers a common currency of moral thought that seems relatively straightforward to apply. The various concerns of different interest groups can be accommodated and weighed against one another.

Question 27

Weaknesses of utilitarianism

Answer 27

Doesn’t account for the minority.

Gaining pleasure at the expense of the minority - is that right?

The hedonic calculus is not fit for purpose - are you really going to go through the seven steps to calculate the best decision? It’s impractical.

You cannot always accurately predict an outcome.

What’s wrong with lower pleasures? There is a place for lower pleasures.

Question 28

When you use utilitarianism, does the act that you commit have to be moral?

Answer 28

No - if you are in a situation where all options are to break the rules, then you cannot act morally.

Question 29

What did Alasdair MacIntyre have to say about utilitarianism’s way of judgement?

Answer 29

It can justify horrendous acts for the pleasure of many. Minorities don’t receive respected rights that are protected.

Using the minority for their own happiness is really wrong.

You should take justice, fairness, equality and rights into consideration, rather than just utility.

Question 30

What was Oscar Wilde’s opinion on utilitarianism?

Answer 30

We may have different views about the goods:

“Do not do unto others as you would have them do unto you; they may have different tastes.”