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Philosophy And Ehtics > Utilitariansim > Flashcards

Utilitariansim Flashcards

1
Q

What can utilitarianism be summarised as?

A

“The greatest good for the greatest number”

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2
Q

What kind of theory is Utilitarianism?

A

Relativistic, teleological, consequentialist

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3
Q

How is it a relativist moral theory?

A

There are no absolute moral rules that everyone must obey

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4
Q

How is it a teleological theory?

A

Moral truth can be found through nature and purpose

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5
Q

How is it a consequentialist theory?

A

The right thing to do depends upon the consequence of actions

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6
Q

What is Act Utilitarianism?

A

The act where it would produce the greatest good for the greatest numbers

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7
Q

What is Rule Utilitarianism?

A

It depends on the moral correctness of action depends on the correctness of the rules that allows it to achieve the greatest good.

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8
Q

What is the Hedonic Calculus?

A

It involves calculating the amount of pleasure by considering seven key factors about the practical application of pleasure.

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9
Q

What will the Hedonic Calculus show? (4)

A
  • 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.
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10
Q

What are the seven factors to the Hedonic Calculus?

A

Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity, Fecundity, Purity, Extent of pleasure.

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11
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is intensity?

A

Is the happiness or pain deep or superficial?

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12
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is duration?

A

Is it temporary or permanent?

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13
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is certainty?

A

How sure is it that the act will lead to happiness or pain?

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14
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is propinquity?

A

Does the act crate happiness/ pain for people close to us?

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15
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is fecundity?

A

Does the pain/happiness make things better or worse?

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16
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is purity?

A

Is the act morally pure?

17
Q

In the Hedonic Calculus, what is extent of pleasure?

A

Does the happiness/pain touch the whole life of a person or just part?

18
Q

What is the criticism of the Hedonic Calculus? (4)

A
  • 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.
19
Q

What did John Mill say that criticised Bentham’s act utilitarianism? (3)

A
  • 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
20
Q

What did Mill believe that morality should be? (4)

A
  • 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
21
Q

What is the ‘harm principle’? (3)

A
  • The majority can only pressure the minority if it prevents harm
  • Not all pleasures are equal
  • Pleasures of the mind are superior physical pleasures
22
Q

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’?

A

Mill

23
Q

What is preference utilitarianism?

A

Choosing what is the right thing to do by best interest.

24
Q

What is the main criticism of Mill’s view

A

It may be very difficult to distinguish between higher and lower pleasures.

25
Q

What are the modern views of utilitarianism?

A

Preference and Negative Utilitarianism.

26
Q

What is negative utilitarianism?

A

Choosing what is the right thing to do by avoiding pain.

27
Q

What does ‘utilis’ mean?

A

Useful

Philosophy And Ehtics (5 decks)

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