Utilitarianism Terms

Question 1

Consequentialism

Answer 1

an ethical theory that suggests that what makes an act right or wrong are the consequences it produces

Question 2

Utilitarianism

Answer 2

the correct moral action is one that maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain OVERALL (type of consequentialism)

Question 3

Hedonism

Answer 3

philosophical position that suggests that pleasure is the most valuable thing in the world (only thing that is good in itself)

Question 4

Intrinsic Value

Answer 4

something valued for its own sake

Question 5

Instrumental Value

Answer 5

something valued for the sake of something else

Question 6

Egalitarianism

Answer 6

everyone’s interests count equally when we are deciding what to do morally

Question 7

The Greatest Happiness Principle

Answer 7

“an action is right insofar as it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of those affected” MAX pleasure MIN pain OVERALL

Question 8

Higher Pleasures

Answer 8

product of uniquely human capacities ex) intellect, feelings, imagination (often require great effort)

Question 9

Lower Pleasures

Answer 9

sensual pleasures, bodily, also felt by non-human animals ex) eating and drinking

Question 10

Sentience

Answer 10

the capacity to feel pleasure or pain

Question 11

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 11

actions are morally right when they produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people

Question 12

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 12

action is good when it conforms to a rule which, if generally practiced, would produce the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people

Question 13

Integrity

Answer 13

the ability to design our own lives in the way we want