Ethics: Ethical Theories: Utilitarianism

What is the quote that describes utilitarianism?

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

Define Deontology

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

Define Teleology

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

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

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.

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

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

Who created the Hedonic Calculus?

Jeremy Bentham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

What are the 3 types of utilitarianism?

-ACT
-RULE
-PREFERENCE

Outline Act Utilitarianism

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

Give the strength of rule utilitarianism?

Structural and can always be applied

Give a criticism of rule utilitarianism?

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

Give a strength of act utilitarianism

Logical

Give a criticism of act utilitarianism

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

Outline Rule Utilitarianism?

Developing ethical rules for all situations that benefit the majority

Outline preference utilitarianism?

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

Give a strength of preference utilitarianism

Recognises individual preferences

Give a criticism of preference utilitarianism

Conflicting preferences leads to no help with decision making

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

List 3 weaknesses of utilitarianism

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

What is effective altruism?

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

Give an example of effective altruism?

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

What is the triage system?

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

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

Explain Strong version of Rule Utilitarianism

All rules must always be followed

Explain the weak version of Rule Utilitarianism

Some exceptions, principle of utility gives moral value

Who created Preference Utilitarianism?

Richard Hare