Moral:Utilitarianism 5. Act Utilitarianism, Fairness, Rights Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is the first stage of Mill’s proof?
That happiness is good
What is a constitutive means?
Something which is a part of happiness
What is speciesism?
Unfair discrimination on the basis of what species something belongs to
How is happiness understood in hedonistic act utilitarianism?
As pleasure and the absence of pain
What is the name for the method Bentham uses to work out how much pleasure or pain will be produced by an action?
Hedonic/Felicific calculus
In what stage of Mill’s proof does G. E. Moore make his objection regarding the fallacy of equivocation?
The first stage
Is Mill’s act utilitarianism qualitative or quantitative?
Qualitative
What is the principle of utility?
The defining principle of act utilitarianism: an action is right if it leads to the greatest happiness of all those it affects
What is sentience?
The basic consciousness needed to experience pleasure and pain
Which philosopher is associated with preference utilitarianism?
Peter Singer
What is justice according to the text?
The principle that each person receives their ‘due’
What does justice require?
That we treat equals equally and relevant differences proportionally
What are rights?
Justified moral demands regarding how other people may treat us
What is the tyranny of the majority?
The unjust exercise of power by a majority of people over a minority who have different values or desires
How might utilitarianism seem to have a problem with rights/fairness?
It can justify the abuse of individual or minority rights
What is Mill’s concern regarding the tyranny of the majority?
It can lead to the unjust exercise of power over minority groups
How could the introduction of individual rights prevent the tyranny of the majority?
By ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected regardless of majority opinion
How might act utilitarians reply to the concern about moral rights?
They argue that happiness is what matters, not rights
What is a perfect duty?
Duties which we must always fulfill and have no choice over when or how
What is an imperfect duty?
Duties not owed to specific individuals, where we have some choice in how to fulfill the obligation
Give an example of a perfect duty.
Respecting others’ rights
Give an example of an imperfect duty.
Helping someone in need when we choose to do so
What is the relationship between rights, justice, and utility according to Mill?
Rights and justice are derived from utility
What does Mill claim about breaking a rule of justice?
It can be just if it does not serve utility
