Utilitariansim Flashcards
What can utilitarianism be summarised as?
“The greatest good for the greatest number”
What kind of theory is Utilitarianism?
Relativistic, teleological, consequentialist
How is it a relativist moral theory?
There are no absolute moral rules that everyone must obey
How is it a teleological theory?
Moral truth can be found through nature and purpose
How is it a consequentialist theory?
The right thing to do depends upon the consequence of actions
What is Act Utilitarianism?
The act where it would produce the greatest good for the greatest numbers
What is Rule Utilitarianism?
It depends on the moral correctness of action depends on the correctness of the rules that allows it to achieve the greatest good.
What is the Hedonic Calculus?
It involves calculating the amount of pleasure by considering seven key factors about the practical application of pleasure.
What will the Hedonic Calculus show? (4)
- Good or bad actions can be worked out according to predicted results
- We can calculate which action is more likely to produce the right result by reaching a happiness score
- The aim is to measure the moral value of an act by reference to the consequences.
- It measures by the quantity of the pain or happiness.
What are the seven factors to the Hedonic Calculus?
Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity, Fecundity, Purity, Extent of pleasure.
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is intensity?
Is the happiness or pain deep or superficial?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is duration?
Is it temporary or permanent?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is certainty?
How sure is it that the act will lead to happiness or pain?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is propinquity?
Does the act crate happiness/ pain for people close to us?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is fecundity?
Does the pain/happiness make things better or worse?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is purity?
Is the act morally pure?
In the Hedonic Calculus, what is extent of pleasure?
Does the happiness/pain touch the whole life of a person or just part?
What is the criticism of the Hedonic Calculus? (4)
- It measure happiness in quantity than quality
- It depends on being able to accurately predicting the consequences.
- It is difficult to say what counts as happiness or pain
- It is time consuming.
What did John Mill say that criticised Bentham’s act utilitarianism? (3)
- We should lean more towards rule utilitarianism, which starts by defining what is morally right by considering the consequences of acting in accordance with rules.
- It justified what he saw as lower pleasure, could be possible for the majority
- We should educate people to seek higher pleasures
What did Mill believe that morality should be? (4)
- Based on what is good
- Based on higher pleasures because they have greater moral worth
- Based on certain rules that promote happiness, such as keeping promises or not stealing.
- Considering the consequences of the action
What is the ‘harm principle’? (3)
- The majority can only pressure the minority if it prevents harm
- Not all pleasures are equal
- Pleasures of the mind are superior physical pleasures
Who said the quote ‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied’?
Mill
What is preference utilitarianism?
Choosing what is the right thing to do by best interest.
What is the main criticism of Mill’s view
It may be very difficult to distinguish between higher and lower pleasures.
