Utilitarianism: Mill & J.C.C. Smart Flashcards
J.S. Mill improved upon ___’s theory.
Bentham.
What was Bentham’s theory?
Classical hedonism.
J.S. Mill stressed the need for a ___ ___.
Moral science.
J.S. Mill identified ___ and ___ pleasures.
Higher, lower.
How did J.S. Mill modify the utility principle?
Action is for the sake of an end.
Utility Principle
Maximize happiness, minimize pain.
In the Greatest Happiness Principle, ___ = ___ = ___.
Happiness, pleasure, ultimate end.
Greatest Happiness Principle
Everything is desired for pleasure or as a means to promote pleasure or prevent pain.
J.S. Mill’s response to the doctrine worthy of swine.
Pleasures for humans are more permanent, and they are better.
Mill said that there are ___ differences in pleasure.
Qualitative.
How are there differences in pleasure?
Circumstantially (duration, fecundity, purity, certainty, etc.) and intrinsically.
How do we judge the pleasures?
Look at the choice of competent judges when:
- No pressure from morality.
- No matter the displeasures that come with it.
- No matter the quantity.
Why would Mill disagree with the following principle: “happiness can’t be the goal of life because it is unattainable?”
Because there are different levels of pleasure, and it is not just about getting happiness but also about avoiding unhappiness. Avoiding pain can be ‘happiness.’
How does Mill respond to the following statement: “utilitarianism is a selfish/egoistic doctrine?”`
It takes into account the happiness of others, and overall happiness is a strict impartial calculator. Can explain self-sacrifice and devotion.
How does Mill respond to the following statement: “promoting happiness of all at all times is too high a standard.”
Utilitarianism does not require you to look at the whole world at all times. Utilitarianism is about actions and consequences, not character and notice of the agent (recall motive objection). Same actions with different motives has the same value.
How does Mill respond to the charge that morality justifies the expedient or useful?
- There is a misunderstanding of expediency.
- Exceptions to a moral rule is possible, but not every time I need it.
How does Mill respond to the claim that utilitarianism is inapplicable because there is no time to calculate the consequences?
There is ample time, because there is the whole of human history. General tendencies of actions are learned through experience. Code of ethics with general rules.
Extreme (Act) Utilitarianism
An act is right if and only if it brings about the best consequences.
Restricted (Rule) Utilitarianism
An act is right if and only if it is prescribed by a system of rules, the acceptance of which would bring about the best consequences.
How did J.C.C. Smart divide utilitarianism?
Extreme (act) utilitarianism and restricted (rule) utilitarianism.
Collapse Problem for Rule Utilitarianism
Implausibly absolutist does not seem to work. Seems better if we accept rules with exceptions. However, then it collapses into act consequentialism.
Implausibly Absolutist
Holds that specific types of acts are wrong no matter what.
Rule Worship Problem
There are cases where it tells to do what will usually bring about the best consequences, but won’t actually do so. However, the whole consequentialist idea justifies promoting their well-being as much as possible.
Whole Consequentialist Idea
You should care about the well-being of others.
