Utilitarianism - AO2 Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What are some strengths of Utilitarianism that can be applied to the modern day?

A
  • Relates human psychology and experiences to a method of drawing out the right thing to do
  • A method for the democratic age, “greatest good for the greatest number”
  • Shows us why people should be morally good - in ones best self interest
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the primary issue with Utilitarianism being a Teleological Theory?

A
  • How can we calculate outcomes, we may not have sufficient time or information.
  • You need sufficient intellectual capability, children may not have this - are they then incapable of being moral?
  • Hard to determine whether an action is good, save a kid from drowning but the kid grows up to be a mass murderer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why might some people question whether Utilitarianism is a genuine moral theory at all?

A

It permits evil provided it does not outweigh the good but a moral theory entails doing good - no acceptance of evil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Does morality just entail doing the right thing?

A

It can be argued that it also involves judging actions of others, educating the young. It may be easier to tell a child a rule than “work out the greatest balance of good over evil” - judgements differ from person to person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why does the “morality has multiple aspects” objection not apply to Peter Singer?

A

Singer recognises we need to be altruistic, so this objection is more suited towards Bentham

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Who might disagree with the rejection of Natural Rights in Utilitarianism?

A

Kantianism condemn sacrifice of a person for an abstraction. 2nd Categorical Imperative ‘So act as to treat everyone, yourself or another, always as ends, not means only’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What was Sir Bernard William’s objection?

A

If everyone was a utilitarian they would take preventative action and do evil therefore the overall picture would look a lot worse with lots of evil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Quote Sir Bernard William

A

“If utilitarianism is true… then it is better that people should not believe Utilitarianism”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Why can Utilitarianism be described as a ‘rational kind of ethics’

A

It requires no sort of religious belief and can therefore be applied to everyone, moral problems are solved through a rational process, not religious where there are disagreements. It is Secular

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why can Utilitarianism be regarded as ‘fair’

A

It weighs up all interests and keeps up with modern society.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How did Mill answer to criticism of sadistic pleasure in Benthams original theory

A

The quality of the pleasure is what is important, he improved upon the theory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How did Sidgwick answer Kants criticism?

A

He said the intention to bring about the greater good is an important one, an improvement on the theory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Is it fair to say that Utilitarianism is a good theory as it is constantly being improved?

A

It is true that the theory has been developed, Singers Utilitarianism is better than Benthams, but it’s unpredictable to know what is going to happen in the future so it is flawed to base ethics on what may or may not come about.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is Sir Bernard Williams objection?

A

If everyone was a utilitarian they would take preventative action to avoid a greater evil, this would in turn create an overall worse picture with lots of evil occurrences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Quote Sir Bernard William

A

“If utilitarianism is true then it is better that people should not believe in utilitarianism”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why might Utilitarianism appeal to non - religious people

A

It is a rational kind of ethics whereby it does not require any religious beliefs

17
Q

Why can Utilitarianism said to be reasonable?

A

Everyone wants happiness and therefore would want their interests considered

18
Q

Why can everyone adopt Utilitarianism?

A

It is an easy and practical theory.

19
Q

What could be considered a problem in Rule Utilitarianism when creating new rules?

A

Risk of too many rules introducing a rule clash and therefore causing a problem utilitarianism is made to avoid.

20
Q

What is the issue with using pleasure and happiness at the centre of a theory?

A

How do you measure pleasure or happiness? Can you measure which is greater, buying a car or having sex?