Utilitarianism Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is Utilitarianism?
A normative ethical theory focused on maximizing happiness or pleasure.
Who systematised Utilitarianism?
Jeremy Bentham, later developed by John Stuart Mill.
What is Bentham’s quote on human nature?
Nature has placed us under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.
What is psychological hedonism?
The belief that pleasure is the sole ultimate goal of human life.
What is the principle of utility?
An action is good if it leads to the greatest pleasure for the greatest number.
What type of theory is Utilitarianism?
A consequentialist theory.
What is Act Utilitarianism?
The principle of utility applied to each individual action.
What is the Hedonic Calculus?
A method Bentham created to calculate pleasure with 7 criteria.
What are the 7 criteria of the Hedonic Calculus?
Intensity, Duration, Extent, Certainty, Remoteness, Purity, Fecundity.
What did Mill agree with Bentham on?
The principle of utility and that happiness is good.
What is Rule Utilitarianism?
Applying the principle of utility to rules instead of individual actions.
Why did Mill support Rule Utilitarianism?
Calculating every action is unrealistic; society should determine the best rules.
What is Mill’s harm principle?
People should be free to act unless they harm others.
What type of pleasure did Mill value more?
Higher pleasures (mental activities) over lower pleasures (bodily activities).
Who are competent judges?
People who have experienced both higher and lower pleasures and prefer higher.
What was Bentham’s view on pleasures?
All pleasures are equal; only quantity matters.
What criticism did Carlyle make?
Called Utilitarianism a theory fit only for ‘swine’.
How did Mill respond to the swine criticism?
By distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures.
What makes Mill’s Utilitarianism qualitative?
Focus on quality of pleasure, not just quantity.
What issue does Utilitarianism face in calculating consequences?
Future outcomes are unpredictable and subjective mental states are hard to measure.
How does Rule Utilitarianism help with calculation?
It lets society establish rules that individuals can follow.
What is the difference between strong and weak Rule Utilitarianism?
Strong: never break rules. Weak: break rules if it maximises happiness.
How does Mill resolve the strong/weak rule dilemma?
Rules can only be broken in extreme cases using the Hedonic Calculus.
What is the tyranny of the majority?
Harming a minority to benefit a majority.
