Crash Course Philosophy: Utilitarianism

Flashcards exploring utilitarian ethics, the principle of utility, comparisons to Kantianism and egoism, thought experiments by Bernard Williams, and the distinction between act and rule utilitarianism.

Why is Batman's ethical approach to the Joker described as Kantian?

Batman strictly follows an absolute moral rule book—specifically his hard and fast "no killing" rule—believing there are lines good people do not cross, regardless of the consequences.

Who founded the school of thought known as Kantianism, and when?

Eighteenth-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant.

How does utilitarianism fundamentally differ from Kantianism regarding moral evaluation?

Utilitarianism focuses entirely on the results or consequences of actions and treats intentions as irrelevant, whereas Kantianism strictly enforces moral rules and intentions regardless of the outcome.

Which two British philosophers founded modern utilitarianism in the eighteenth century?

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

Which ancient Greek thinker is identified as a philosophical ancestor of utilitarianism?

Epicurus.

Why do utilitarians view happiness as humanity's final end?

Because while people do many things for the sake of other goals (like studying for grades or working for money), all actions ultimately bottom out in wanting what we want because we believe it will make us happy.

What makes utilitarianism a hedonistic moral theory?

It equates the good with the pleasant, arguing that we morally ought to pursue pleasure and happiness and work to avoid pain.

How does utilitarianism differ from egoism?

Egoism claims everyone ought morally to pursue their own good, whereas utilitarianism is "other regarding" and demands pursuing pleasure or happiness for as many sentient beings as possible.

What is the formal definition of the principle of utility?

Act always so as to produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

What perspective do utilitarians recommend adopting to make unbiased moral choices?

The perspective of a benevolent, disinterested spectator—one who has goodwill toward everyone but is not emotionally invested, acting as a detached advisor rather than a self-interested participant.

What scenario is presented in British philosopher Bernard Williams's thought experiment involving Jim?

Jim happens upon 20 indigenous protesters about to be executed by soldiers in South America, and the soldier's leader offers Jim the choice to shoot one prisoner to let the other 19 go, or refuse and let all 20 be shot.

Why does Bernard Williams use the Jim thought experiment to critique utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism demands that Jim shoot one innocent person to save 19, but Williams argues that no moral theory ought to demand taking an innocent life or force someone to get blood on their hands for another's evil deeds.

What is act utilitarianism (classical utilitarianism)?

The version of the theory stating that in any given situation, one should choose the specific action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

What would act utilitarianism suggest a surgeon do when five patients need transplants and one healthy, unmissed neighbor is an organ match?

Kill the one neighbor and harvest his organs to save the five patients, because five lives saved produces five times less pain and greater overall good than letting five die.

What is rule utilitarianism?

A version of the theory stating that we ought to live by rules that, in general and over the long term, are likely to lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.

How does rule utilitarianism resolve the transplant surgeon dilemma differently from act utilitarianism?

It prohibits killing the neighbor because a society where innocent people can be taken off the street for organ harvesting creates widespread fear, yielding far less overall utility in the long run.