Utilitarianism key terms

Question 1

Consequentialism

Answer 1

The morality of an action is based on its results/consequences

Question 2

Utility

Answer 2

The usefulness of an action; the extent to which it helps us achieve our goal

Question 3

Hedonism

Answer 3

The view that pleasure is the primary/most important intrinsic good

Question 4

Net pleasure

Answer 4

Pleasure minus pain

Question 5

Psychological hedonism

Answer 5

The individual’s potential pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the sole motivation for the individual’s action

Question 6

Ethical hedonism

Answer 6

The right thing to do (what one ought to do) is to pursue pleasure and avoid pain

Question 7

The Greatest Happiness Principle

Answer 7

The morally right course of action to aim to maximise the greatest happiness of the greatest number

Question 8

Egalitarianism

Answer 8

Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities