utilitarianism

Question 1

what is utilitarianism

principle of utility

Answer 1

consequentialist ethical theory- suggests the best action is one that generates greatest levels of happiness - morality of an action is based on outcome

principle of utility-introduced by bentam - wanted a different approach to ethics than rules ect- concerned with wellbeing and happiness - what really mattered “they govern us in all we do”
- should be reformed seek to avoid pain
pain and pleaure are master of the universe

greatest happiness theory - human instict used to generate pleaasure - must consider community and how all would be involved

fragment on governemnt -“the business of government is to promote happiness of the society
should be adapted by gov

Question 2

scholars

Answer 2

bentham- introduces
mill - student
singer -strong foundation for his animal rights - animals can feel pain too -their interests should be considered too - leads to reduction in animal suffereing - “ animal liberation “utility can lead to promotion of animal rights
pojman- flaws - main concern - can justify injustice might lead to bad outcomes such as sacrifice of right to benefit a majority - punishing an innocent person to benefit a society - unconstitutional

Question 3

main argument of utility

Question 4

synoptic links

Answer 4

kant
natural law
situation ethics
augustine

Question 5

hedonic calculus

Answer 5

calculating the benefit and harm of actions consequences - to choose best suited action - may be time consuming.

considers its duration
intesity
extect ect
from this argues laws should be focussed on greatest good of people

Question 6

act utilitarianism

Answer 6

focussed on individuals action

Question 7

rule utilitarianism

Answer 7

seeks to set up series of rules that will maximise greatest good
eg highwaycode - driving followed by all brings maximum pleasure when followed preserves life

Question 8

whether or not utilitarianism provides a helpfull method of moral decision making

Answer 8

yes

Question 9

can an ethical judgement about something being good , bad,right or wrong be based on the extent to which , in any given situation utility is best served

3 for 3 against

Answer 9

for
1.ethical judgements =serving utility - for utilitarians weighs up judgements - proposes least bad option
- never a situation where no oprion is right - clear benefit

against
1.macIntyre-i f an individual can be sacrificed because of majority interests - how can utilitarian society be just - his book a short history of ethics
cristises utility-justifying horrendous acts - pleasure for many
suggests minorities have no rights to be protected eg someone is a suspect for commiting a crime -majority feel safer when locked away even tho innocent - takes away rights - unfair therefore may cause conflicts

Question 10

is it possible to reach good or pleasure and then reach a moral descision

Answer 10

1. utility relies on measuring happiness and good - against sadness and evil
2. oscar wilde-“they may have different tastes”if people dont have the same idea of pleasure / interest then ultilitarianism may fail - eg psychopaths would find it appealing to engage in activities a normally rational human
3. MacIntyre suspicious of happiness - may have come at price of thers paid - unethical eg designer fashion brands using proper people as means to en end

Question 11

mill

Answer 11

benthams pupil influenced by utilitarianism
investigagtions of pleasure and pain distingueshed between lower pleasures- sex drinking and higher pleasure - self actualisation and spirituality
lower bring pain - higher are superior and long lasting
“better to be socrates disatisfied than a fool satified “