Classification of Values and Utilitarianism (Lecture Notes)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on classification of values, utilitarianism, intrinsic vs instrumental values, levels of human existence, and related ethical concepts.

What are the three fundamental classifications of values mentioned in the notes?

Useful or utilitarian good; Pleasurable or delectable good; Befitting or becoming good.

Who founded utilitarianism and who developed and popularized it?

Founded by Jeremy Bentham; developed and popularized by John Stuart Mill.

According to utilitarianism, when is an act considered good or morally right?

When it promotes happiness; it is bad or immoral if it tends to produce pain.

What is the central principle of utilitarianism?

Happiness (utility) as the measure of right and wrong.

Would a utilitarian endorse deception if it produced maximum benefits?

Yes, as long as it yields maximum benefits to the greatest number of people.

Why is condemning terrorists considered morally right in utilitarian terms?

Because it produces the greatest happiness or benefits for the greatest number of people concerned.

How would Christian ethics and utilitarianism view Robin Hood’s act?

Christian ethics: immoral because it deprives the wealthy of their rights; Utilitarianism: morally good because it produces maximum benefits to the majority.

What distinguishes Act Utilitarianism from Rule Utilitarianism?

Act Utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of individual actions; Rule Utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of adopting general rules.

What is the main aim of utilitarianism as described in the notes?

To maximize utility—pleasure, happiness, well-being—or the absence of pain.

How is utilitarianism related to consequentialism?

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism; morality is judged by outcomes, not intentions.

What does the maxim 'Greatest Good for the Greatest Number' mean in utilitarianism?

Choose the option that creates the most happiness or benefit for the largest number of affected individuals.

What are the two senses of 'pleasure' mentioned in the notes?

Pleasure as any feeling of satisfaction; pleasure as the special experiences of delight which are undefinable.

What is the distinction between intrinsic and instrumental values?

Intrinsic values are valued for their own sake; instrumental values are valued for their usefulness in achieving other goods.

What is instrumental value and its scholastic term?

Instrumental values are valued for usefulness in producing happiness; scholastic term: bonum cujus (good of which).

What is intrinsic value and its scholastic term?

Intrinsic values are valued for their own sake; scholastic term: bonum cui (for whose benefit).

List some intrinsic values according to Leo R. Ward's Value and Reality.

Physical and mental health; knowledge in all kinds and levels; appreciation, sympathy, and fellowship; inner balance and poise; all the moral virtues.

What are the 'Nature of occurrence' categories of values?

Accidental value (variable, temporary, impermanent) and Natural value (permanent in human nature).

What are the three main levels identified as the foundation for the moral, sociological, and religious rights of man?

Physical/biological life; Sentiency; Level of reason.

What is the Physical or Biological Life level about?

The lowest level; life itself; concerns life, food, and work.

What is the Sentiency level about?

The middle level; capable of experiencing pleasure and pain; includes desires like food and sex, and roots of family rights (marriage, home, parental authority, education).

What is the Level of Reason?

The highest level; ability to understand and control nature, guide oneself, and communicate with God.

What are Primary and Secondary Values?

Primary values are necessary for authentic development; Secondary values are socially determined and necessary for well-being.

What are Moral or ethical values?

Qualities with universal character realized in living activity; the ‘ought to be’ that appeals to freedom; lift personal value above economic, cultural, and aesthetic values.

What are the two characteristics of moral values?

Universality and Singularity.

What are Religious values?

Values aiming for the Absolute and Supreme Value (Highest Good); seek union with the ultimate principle.

What are Cultural values?

Cultural values are about spiritual production with relation to inner states; cover ethical, aesthetic, and religious areas; shared beliefs about desirable conduct; give cultures distinctive personalities.

Name four factors of cultural values.

Extensiveness, duration, intensity, prestige of value carrier.

What are Social values?

Values defined by the relationship between means and ends in society; include constitutionally social values and values related to what is social.

Give examples of constitutionally social values.

Patriotism, social consciousness, nationalism, liberty, family ties, economic productivity, friendships, initiative.

Give examples of values related to what is social.

Creative values, vivencial values.

What did Gerard Esser argue about sex life as a value?

Sex is a universal value; the sex urge reflects the essential destination of a person for love and has a transcendental function, aiming at union and mutual completion in body and spirit.