Utilitarianism - the hedonic calculus

Question 1

what was the hedonic calculus created as a solution to

Answer 1

the principle of utility which centres on the act delivering the most pleasure and the leat amount of pain

Question 2

what needs to be taken into account when calculating happiness

Answer 2

7 different elements

Question 3

intensity

Answer 3

stronger the better. potent rush of pleasure brings instant happiness

Question 4

duration

Answer 4

the longer lasting the better

Question 5

certainty

Answer 5

“all things being equal, we should go for the more certain than less certain pleasures.” - Driver

Question 6

extent

Answer 6

the more who experience it, the better

Question 7

propinquity

Answer 7

the nearer the pleasure is to you the better

Question 8

richness or fecundity

Answer 8

the more chance the pleasure will be repeated or will result in other pleasures, the better

Question 9

purity

Answer 9

the least amount of pain it involves, the better. a consistent experience of pleasure that is as far distanced from pain is superior

Question 10

what was Bentham most concerned about

Answer 10

maximising the quantity of happiness opposed to prioritising which forms of happiness were superior to others