Ethics: Ethical Theories: Utilitarianism

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33 Terms

1
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What is the quote that describes utilitarianism?

"The greatest good for the greatest number." -Jeremy Bentham

2
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Define Deontology

The idea that actions are intrinsically right or wrong irrespective of consequence.

3
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Define Teleology

The right or wrong of an action is determined by the consequences.

4
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What is Bentham's utility principle?

Our actions are aimed at producing pleasure and avoiding pain. Moral action should be consistent and effective in producing general pleasure. Therefore we should follow a moral system that involves maximising pleasure for the most people

5
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What is the Hedonic Calculus?

A system used to measure pleasure and pain caused by an action. It involves giving a numerical value to several categories in order to help determine action.

6
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Name at least 2 of the categories of the hedonic calculus?

Any 2 from:
-Purity
-Remoteness
-Richness
-Intensity
-Certainty
-Extent
-Duration

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Who created the Hedonic Calculus?

Jeremy Bentham

8
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What 2 contributions did John Stuart Mill make to utilitarianism?

  • Distinguished between higher and lower pleasures, saying higher and intellectual pleasures were preferable.

  • Rule utilitarianism

9
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List 3 criticisms of John Stuart Mill’s proof of utilitarianism?

-Mills hierarchy of pleasure makes utilitarianism overcomplex and so makes decision making harder
-Fallacy of the composition: just because people desire personal happiness doesn't mean they desire general happiness
-Naturalistic fallacy: equates good to happiness

10
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List 3 criticisms of the hedonic calculus?

-Subjective: means decisions are made on an individual basis
-Difficult to quantify emotion
-Ignores justice/rights and justifies potentially harmful actions

11
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List 2 criticisms of Bentham's utilitarianism?

-Universal ethical hedonism: all pleasures are equal according to Bentham
-Tyranny of the majority, as general pleasure is sought

12
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How did John Stuart Mill believe utilitarianism could be proven?

-Happiness is good
-General happiness is good for all
-Happiness is the only good we seek

13
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What was the context for Bentham's interest in utilitarianism?

He was a lawyer who originated utilitarianism after realising in his first legal case the issues within the legal system and beginning his desire for reform

14
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Outline Karl Popper's negative utilitarianism?

We should try to reduce pain generally and not promote general happiness as pain is easier to agree upon.

15
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What are the 3 types of utilitarianism?

-ACT
-RULE
-PREFERENCE

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Outline Act Utilitarianism

Subjective and relies on consideration of consequences so each individual decision will create maximum happiness for the majority, created by Bentham

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Give the strength of rule utilitarianism?

Structural and can always be applied

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Give a criticism of rule utilitarianism?

Constantly changing or it's just act utilitarianism? Rules can't always be applied

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Give a strength of act utilitarianism

Logical

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Give a criticism of act utilitarianism

Anything could be justified and none of it can be given value

21
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Outline Rule Utilitarianism?

Developing ethical rules for all situations that benefit the majority

22
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Outline preference utilitarianism?

Acknowledges pleasure but places emphasis on individual preference. Moral good means maximising satisfaction of preference.

23
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Give a strength of preference utilitarianism

Recognises individual preferences

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Give a criticism of preference utilitarianism

Conflicting preferences leads to no help with decision making

25
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List 3 strengths of utilitarianism

-Improved over time
-Democratic, applied my many governments
-Universal values such as reducing harm and increasing pleasure aren't inherently ethnocentric or secular

26
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List 3 weaknesses of utilitarianism

-Immeasurable, it's impossible to assign value to a moral decision
-Tyranny of majority
-Subjectivity of 'good'

27
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What is effective altruism?

Focus on minimising suffering, by encouraging the rich to donate to good causes and encouraging projects to help others.

28
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Give an example of effective altruism?

Give What We Can; 10% of salary given to charity.

29
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What is the triage system?

Identifies and categorizes patients so most critical are treated first in event of medical disaster

30
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What is Q.A.L.Ys?

-Quality adjusted life years
-Allocation of limited medical resources
-Resources given based on effectiveness so those more likely to live given medicine

31
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Explain Strong version of Rule Utilitarianism

All rules must always be followed

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Explain the weak version of Rule Utilitarianism

Some exceptions, principle of utility gives moral value

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Who created Preference Utilitarianism?

Richard Hare