Consequentialism

Question 1

Consequentialism

evaluating actions

Answer 1

intent > conseqeuences

Question 2

Consequentialism

utilitarianism

Answer 2

the right action is whatever causes the most happiness

Question 3

Consequentialism

utility

Answer 3

a place holder for some desirable consequence; like an end

Question 4

Consequentialism

Mill’s official & unofficial arguments

Answer 4

• official: happiness is the ultimate end of human acts and the standard of morality
• unofficial: we should adopt the GHP as a Higher Order absolute

GHP: Greatest Happiness Principle

Question 5

Consequentialism

Greatest Happiness Principle

Answer 5

the right action is the action that produces the GHGN

GHGN: Greatest Happiness for the Greatest Number

Question 6

Consequentialism

quantity vs quality of happiness

Answer 6

• quantity = Bentham
• quality = Mill

Question 7

Consequentialism

particular vs. type of actions

Answer 7

• particular: Act Utilitarianism; acts are wrong in particular instances
• type: Rule Utilitarianism; acts are always wrong, no matter what

Question 8

Consequentialism

strengths of Act Utilitariansim

Answer 8

• rational/logical
• not self-centered
• includes equality & impartiality

Question 9

Consequentialism

strengths of Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 9

• answers weaknesses of AU
• avoids the “but what if everyone did that” issue

AU: Act Utilitarianism

Question 10

Consequentialism

objections to utilitarianism

Answer 10

• special relationships don’t matter
• many moral reasonings look backward (ex. promises)
• aims to get rid of burdens, which we shouldn’t do
• intentions SHOULD matter
• requires giving above and beyond