Utilitarianism justifies bad actions and is against human rights Flashcards
Why is the moral basis of human rights considered deontological?
The moral basis of human rights is considered deontological because human rights are seen as intrinsically good, regardless of their consequences or outcomes.
What is the perceived incompatibility between Utilitarianism and human rights?
Utilitarianism, as a consequentialist ethical theory, evaluates actions based on their consequences in maximizing happiness. This approach seems incompatible with the deontological assertion of human rights as intrinsically good.
How does Utilitarianism typically evaluate the morality of actions?
Utilitarianism typically evaluates the morality of actions by their ability to lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of individuals, rather than asserting inherent moral principles like human rights.
What challenge does Utilitarianism face in condemning actions like torture?
Utilitarianism faces a challenge in condemning actions like torture because if torture were to maximize happiness for a majority, Utilitarianism might consider it morally justified, which conflicts with the deontological assertion that torture is inherently wrong.
What is the term used to describe the scenario where a majority infringes on the rights of a minority for their own benefit?
The scenario where a majority infringes on the rights of a minority for their own benefit is called the tyranny of the majority, highlighting the potential conflict between Utilitarianism and human rights.
How did Bentham respond to the consequence of Utilitarianism regarding scenarios like torturing one person for the pleasure of many?
Bentham didn’t accept
Bentham argued against the notion that Utilitarianism would justify scenarios like torturing one person for the pleasure of many by emphasizing that his theory is about maximizing pleasure, not just producing more pleasure than pain.
What is Bentham’s criterion for determining the morality of an action?
Bentham didn’t accept
Bentham’s criterion for determining the morality of an action is based on its ability to maximize pleasure, meaning it should produce the maximum amount of pleasure possible, rather than simply producing more pleasure than pain.
How does Bentham distinguish between actions that maximize pleasure and those that merely produce more pleasure than pain?
Bentham didn’t accept
Bentham distinguishes between actions that maximize pleasure by ensuring that they produce the maximum amount of pleasure possible for all individuals involved, rather than merely producing more pleasure than pain for a majority.
What example does Bentham use to illustrate the difference between maximizing pleasure and producing more pleasure than pain?
Bentham didn’t accept
Bentham uses the example of allowing torture, which may produce more pleasure than pain for the torturers, but fails to maximize pleasure as it does not consider the happiness of all individuals involved.
How does Bentham’s explanation challenge the interpretation of Utilitarianism that justifies actions based solely on producing more pleasure than pain?
Bentham didn’t accept
Bentham’s explanation challenges the interpretation of Utilitarianism that justifies actions solely based on producing more pleasure than pain by emphasizing the importance of maximizing pleasure for all individuals involved, not just a majority.
What limitation of Bentham’s Utilitarianism does the scenario of limited resources highlight?
Bentham didn’t accept HOWEVER
The scenario of limited resources highlights a limitation of Bentham’s Utilitarianism, wherein the logic of maximizing pleasure may justify sacrificing the well-being or even deliberately inflicting pain on a minority for the sake of the pleasure of the majority.
How does the scenario of limited resources challenge Bentham’s Utilitarianism?
Bentham didn’t accept HOWEVER
The scenario of limited resources challenges Bentham’s Utilitarianism by raising questions about whether maximizing pleasure should take precedence over considerations of fairness, justice, or the rights of minorities.
What dilemma does the scenario of limited resources present for Bentham’s Utilitarianism?
Bentham didn’t accept HOWEVER
The scenario of limited resources presents a dilemma for Bentham’s Utilitarianism by questioning whether it is morally justifiable to prioritize the pleasure of the majority at the expense of the well-being or rights of a minority.
How might Bentham’s Utilitarianism respond to the dilemma posed by limited resources?
Bentham didn’t accept HOWEVER
Bentham’s Utilitarianism might respond to the dilemma by arguing that maximizing overall happiness is still the most morally justifiable course of action, even if it requires sacrifices from a minority, as long as it results in the greatest total pleasure for the greatest number.
What alternative ethical considerations might be necessary to address the dilemma of limited resources?
Bentham didn’t accept HOWEVER
Addressing the dilemma of limited resources may require incorporating additional ethical considerations beyond Utilitarianism, such as principles of fairness, justice, or the protection of minority rights, to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and outcomes.