RSS01 - Utilitarianism

Question 1

Utilitarianism

Answer 1

An ethical theory that argues that the correct way of action is derived from working out what brings happiness to the greatest number.

Question 2

Greatest happiness principle

Answer 2

A calculation used in Utilitarian theory to assess the best course of action to take.

The most useful end which brings about the maximum levels of happiness or pleasure for the largest number.

Question 3

Teleological

Answer 3

An ethical theory that considers the consequences of a particular action, or the end result, and it’s the assessment of this end that determines whether or not the action is morally good.

Question 4

Denotological

Answer 4

A term used to denote an ethical theory that is based upon the belief that an action is intrinsically wrong or right, irrespective of consequences.

Question 5

Hedonic calculus

Answer 5

Devised by Bentham, this involves calculating the amount of pleasure by considering seven key factors about the practical application of pleasure.

Question 6

Eudaimonia

Answer 6

A term used by Aristotle literally meaning ‘good sorority’ and is translated as ‘happiness’ or ‘well being’.

Bentham revisited this idea as he equated happiness with the idea of what is good, wholesome, fulfilling and virtuous; that which leads to well being.

Question 7

Universalisability

Answer 7

Something that can apply to everyone.

Question 8

Mills key quote

Answer 8

“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”

Question 9

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 9

Considers the consequences of each individual action.

Question 10

Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 10

Considers the consequences of past actions to form a rule to guide present actions.

Question 11

Preference Utilitarianism

Answer 11

The idea that the outcome that produces the best result based upon preferences had to be the right course of action to take.

An idea proposed by Hare

Question 12

Sovereign good

Answer 12

Bentham’s idea that happiness was the supreme ethical value

Question 13

Hedonism

Answer 13

An earlier ethical theory that states the only thing that is right is pleasure.

It links the view of happiness to pleasure and leads to Bentham’s ideas on humans being motivated by pleasure and avoiding pain.

Question 14

What are the seven factors or the hedonic calculus?

Answer 14

Intensity
Duration
Certainty
Fecundity
Propinquity
Purity
Extent