Chapter 2 - Utilitarianism Flashcards
What is utilitarianism?
It argues that an actions rightness or wrongness depends on the consequences.
How can any action be right under utilitarianism?
If it brings the right consequences and maximizies utility.
What is the principle of utility?
Is the idea that an action is good if it promotes happiness in its users.
What is act utilitarianism?
An action is morally right only if it maximizes utility. Everyones interest is weighted equally.
What are act utilitarianism steps?
Step 1: Determine each possible action available and all people/entities involved then determine pros and cons for each.
Step 2: Calculate how much happiness each pro and con will produce. Total and sum pros and cons.
Step 3: Select the action that produces the most utility/happiness.
What are the problems with act utilitarianism?
- How do we know what #s to assign.
- Focuses on quantity of pleasure as the morally signifigant factor.
- Must calculate ultility for every action every time.
- Problem of scapegoating.
- Trolley Problems.
What is rule utilitarianism?
Judging action by action can result in bad long term consequences. Instead we pick a set of rules that will generate the best utilities possible.
What is higher pleasure (intellectual)?
More, intense and valuable pleasure. Experience some sufferring to reach higher pleasure.
What is lower pleasure (physical)?
-Drinking, video games
What does RU fix compared to AU?
- Fixes problem of quantity of pleasure as signifigant fact.
- fixes having to calculate utility for action every time.
- Fixes scapegoating
What are the steps for rule utilitarianism?
Step 1: Determine ach possible rule available and the people affected. Then determine pros and cons of each rule.
Step2 : Calculate sum of pros and cons and add together.
Step 3: Select rule with greatest happiness.
