Utilitarianism a.o.r

Question 1

core principles

Answer 1

Consequentialist Framework: The morality of an action depends on its outcomes.
Principle of Utility: Actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Hedonic Calculus (Bentham): Quantifies pleasure and pain based on criteria such as intensity, duration, and certainty.
Higher and Lower Pleasures (Mill): Qualitative distinction between pleasures (e.g., intellectual pleasures are superior to physical ones).
Preference Utilitarianism (Singer): Morality is based on maximizing satisfaction of individual preferences.

Question 2

Argument 1: Maximization of Happiness

Answer 2

Premise 1: If morality aims to promote well-being and minimize suffering, then actions that maximize happiness are moral.
Premise 2: Utilitarianism seeks to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.
Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism provides a moral framework consistent with the goal of morality.
Support from Scholars:
Jeremy Bentham: “The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the measure of right and wrong.”
John Stuart Mill: Happiness, defined as the absence of pain, is the ultimate moral goal.

Question 3

Argument 2: Impartiality

Answer 3

Premise 1: If morality requires impartiality, then everyone’s happiness should be given equal weight.
Premise 2: Utilitarianism gives equal consideration to each person’s happiness.
Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism satisfies the requirement of moral impartiality.
Support from Scholars:
Peter Singer: Utilitarianism aligns with ethical impartiality, advocating for global responsibilities, such as alleviating poverty.

Question 4

Argument 3: Practicality and Flexibility

Answer 4

Argument 3: Practicality and Flexibility
Premise 1: If a moral theory is practical and adaptable to various situations, it is preferable.
Premise 2: Utilitarianism evaluates morality based on measurable outcomes (pleasure/pain).
Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism is a practical and flexible moral theory.
Support from Scholars:
R.M. Hare: Utilitarianism provides a rational decision-making framework that balances individual and collective good.

Question 5

Objection 1: Tyranny of the Majority

Answer 5

Objection Premise 1: If utilitarianism permits the sacrifice of minorities to maximize overall happiness, then it leads to unjust outcomes.
Objection Premise 2: Utilitarianism allows for sacrificing individual rights for collective happiness.
Objection Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism is unjust.
Reply (From Mill):
Higher Pleasures: Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures prevents the justification of immoral actions that degrade human dignity.
Rule Utilitarianism: Focusing on rules that promote overall happiness ensures protection of minority rights.
Scholarly Support: J.J.C. Smart: Rule utilitarianism can correct short-term injustices by emphasizing long-term benefits of moral rules.

Question 6

Objection 2: Difficulty in Predicting Outcomes

Answer 6

Objection Premise 1: If a moral theory requires precise knowledge of future outcomes, then it is impractical.
Objection Premise 2: Utilitarianism relies on predicting the consequences of actions, which is often uncertain.
Objection Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism is impractical.
Reply (From Modern Utilitarians):
Probabilistic Decision-Making: Utilize probabilities and best estimates to make reasonable judgments.
Preference Utilitarianism: Focus on fulfilling preferences based on available knowledge, reducing the burden of long-term predictions.
Scholarly Support: Peter Singer: Practical actions, such as donating to effective charities, focus on foreseeable positive impacts.

Question 7

Objection 3: Ignoring Justice and Individual Rights

Answer 7

Objection Premise 1: If utilitarianism ignores justice and individual rights, then it conflicts with core ethical intuitions.
Objection Premise 2: Utilitarianism prioritizes outcomes over principles like fairness or human rights.
Objection Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism is morally flawed.
Reply (From Rule Utilitarianism):
Rule Utilitarianism: Promoting rules that protect justice and rights leads to long-term happiness.
Mill’s Emphasis on Liberty: Individual freedoms are vital for achieving higher pleasures and societal progress.
Scholarly Support: R.M. Hare: Rules provide stability and consistency while retaining utilitarian flexibility.

Question 8

Objection 4: Over-Demandingness

Answer 8

Objection Premise 1: If a moral theory demands excessive sacrifice from individuals, then it is unrealistic.
Objection Premise 2: Utilitarianism demands that individuals always act to maximize collective happiness, even at great personal cost.
Objection Conclusion: Therefore, utilitarianism is overly demanding.
Reply (From Scholars):
Threshold Utilitarianism: Introduces thresholds where obligations to others are balanced with self-care.
Partiality in Practice: While impartiality is the ideal, individuals can prioritize personal relationships without undermining utilitarian principles.
Scholarly Support: Henry Sidgwick: Recognized the need to balance individual sacrifice with practicality.

Question 9

4. Applied Theory and Practical Examples

Answer 9

Example 1: Charity and Global Poverty
Utilitarian View: Redirecting resources to alleviate global poverty maximizes happiness.
Peter Singer’s Argument: Failing to act when one can alleviate suffering (e.g., donating to effective charities) is morally wrong.
Example 2: Euthanasia
Utilitarian View: Permitting voluntary euthanasia alleviates suffering and respects individual preferences, maximizing overall happiness.
Objections: Critics argue this could lead to abuse or devaluation of life. Rule utilitarians counter that safeguards ensure ethical outcomes.
Example 3: Environmental Ethics
Application: Utilitarianism advocates for policies addressing climate change to ensure long-term happiness for future generations.