Eduqas Alevel RS Theme 3 DEF Utilitarianism

who is Jeremy Bentham

1748 - 1832

utilitarian thought. "greatest happiness for the greatest number" was the goal of society. Social reformer who wanted to develop an ethical theory to promote happiness Did lots for prison reform saying sentences should be strict enough but not bad enough to lead to unnecessary suffering. Campaigned for minimum wage, free education and tried to abolish children working in factories

where does the word utilitarianism come from

this comes from the word utility which means usefulness. The theory is going to stat, in very basic terms, that something is right or good if it is useful based on the end result. As it is concerned with the end result it makes it a teleological argument about the purpose/ end, not concerned with the end (consequentialist)

what is the general reasoning behind utilitarianism

1. the most useful end is that which brings about maximum levels of happiness or pleasure

2. therefore actions that produce the most happiness of all seen as the best course of action (and are therefore good moral actions)

3. the way of assessing which course of action is the best one to take is known as the greatest happiness prince.

--> the greatest good for the greatest number

what is meant by sovereign good

in life every action is taken is always ruled by pleasure or avoidance of pain. If it dictates our life.

what is the guiding principle

by the principle of utility is meant that the principle which approves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have argument or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question

--> any action is right if it promotes and maximises happiness for the majority (quanative happiness). Number of people rather than the quality of happiness

what is the role of the hedonic calculus

In order to determine and measure pleasure and therefore happiness Bentham developed the hedonic calculus to measure this to make sure what we are doing has the best result

what is the hedonic calculus

1. intensity = the stringer the better meaning that those pleasures that give and acute and extremely potent rush of pleasure bring instant happiness

2. duration = the longer lasting the better meaning that inevitably the enduring nature of the experience of happiness is a key factor in assessing the quality of the pleasure

3. certainty = the more sure that pleasure will result the better. this is a true calculation of the implications of pleasure being consistent and in some cases more reliable than an alternative.

4. extent = the more people who expense it the better, as shared pleasures enhance th impact of happiness beyond oneself in true keeping with the happiness principle

5. propinquity = the nearer the pleasure is to you the better, meaning the present as opposed to those we are looking forward to in the future

6. richness = the more chance the pleasure will be repeated or will result in other pleasures the better. This considers the additional occurrences of the same pleasure of pleasures, or alternatively subsequent and dependent sub-pleasures that may result

7. Purity = the least amount of pain involved the better. Some experiences may not be in pure happiness but may involve a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. For Bentham a constant experience of pleasure that is as far distanced from pain or negative feelings is superior.

what are the elements of the hedonic calculus

intensity, duration, certainty, extent, propinquity, richness, purity

DR PRICE

what does Bentham thin about how we get happiness

He doesn't care what method we use to get happiness from, there is no discrimination between different types of happiness

what is the modern trolley problem

Problem:

- the trolly problem is an ethical dilemma, as not pulling the level kills 5 people but however being an active participant and pulling the level kills one person. Not pulling the level removes any responsibility as you are a bystander, however the trolley kills 5 people who aren't directly responsible.

Utilitarianism response;

- pull the lever, happiness to the greatest number, more people would be saved

What is act utilitarianism?

We can't act based on previous expense and we must treat every moral situation as independent, apply the hedonic calculus to each act and see If it fulfils the principle of utility

-An act A is right if and only if it leads to the best balance of good over evil for everybody affected by A. Judges each action independently

what is the principle of utility

We should do what produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

what are the strengths or act util

- this theory does not affiliate with religion/ god so is more open to everyone in the secular society

- it is non absolutist so judges each situation independently increasing the chances of it being fair

- the hedonic calculus tries to make application to happiness more consistent by giving you simple framework to follow, DR PRICE -

- we are innately aiming for happiness as the goal in life

- it is fairly straight forward

what are the weakness of act util

- there is always collateral damage, the end doesn't always justify the means. this is a problem with consequentialism so it could lead to justifying immoral acts such as gambling - possibility for short term happiness

- the non absolutist/ realist approach is problematic as it ,was there is little consistency

- the hedonic calculus is unrealistic in modern dilemmas as it takes too long to apply. Bentham doesn't prioritise the calculus so how do we decide and level them out

- The hedonic calculus will be different for each individual with different levels of happiness so how can you use it as a universal thing.

- seeking only pleasure means to determine what is morally right is hedonistic and self interested

- we can never guarantee happiness

- there has to be a level of pain, can lead to abhorrent acts being justified such as rape, which a persons pleasure in this case would have more importance or excuse gang rape where the victim is the minorities

- oppress the needs of the minority e.g slavery where the majority were slave owners or women's rights

What is rule utilitarianism? (mill)

An act A is morally right if and only if A accords with morally right rules. And a rule is morally right if and only if it leads to the best balance of good over evil for everybody. Rules should be followed and people should conform to them as they have more common good interests the mind

Who is John Stuart Mill?

He was an English philosopher, economist and social reformer who promoted the freedom of individuals to pursue economic and intellectual interests. He developed rule util by introducing new ideas. He looks at the quality of the pleasures rather than the quantity.

who was Mill inspired by

Aristotles view on eudaimania, pleasure is not full gratification but includes well being and being fulfilled.

what is the difference between higher and lower pleasures

lower pleasures are pleasures of the body such as food and sex. Higher pleasures are superior pleasures that stimulate the mind, more satisfying and often intellectual such as poetry or philosophy. We shouldn't solely seeks lower pleasures. Choose higher pleasures because they haven't expended both, you would want to opt for higher pleasures to be experienced once you have experienced them

It is better to be a human dissatisfied than a big satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied

better to be capable of accessing higher pleasures than only be satisfied with lower pleasures

what is universality

we all aim to be happy as it is the only desirable outcome. We should aim to make others happy as this will increase my happiness overall. We should endorse the common good as for society to be happy we need to be happy as individuals and collectively.

What is Mill's harm principle?

"The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." The only time where power can be exercises over an individual is to impeded their liberty to prevent harm to others. the individual in sovereign and society shouldnt control the,, unless they harm others -> shouldn't stop people seeking pleasures as everyone is unique, unless they cause pain to others.

what does the harm principle tell us about Mill

he advocated for individual liberties being respected and should only be limited when they cause harm to others

what is the difference between strong and weak rule util

strong = always follows the rules and doesn't disobey, rules re based on principle of utility to maximise happiness so must be followed

weak = when you may break the rules if you feel happiness is best served by doing so e.g Killing Hitler would break the do not kill commandment but would bring about more happiness

what is the difference between Bentham and Mill

Bentham considered only quantity of pleasure, but Mill considered both quantity and quality of pleasure. - mytutor

ethical scenarios with util

1. modern trolley problem = act util says happiness or the greatest number so will lead to you puling the lever to save the 5.

2. the judge can send the murderer to prison or could set him free as he know that they wont commit any more crimes and the victims family forgave him. Act util says that the judge should show lenience and let him go to show happiness to the greater number and it will be long lasting pleasure. Rule util says that there would-be no real benefit of letting him go to the common good.

3. judge is faced with rioters that a culprit had been found of a crime and were threatening take revenge on a section of the community. The real culprit being unknown the judge could blame it on someone innocent and prevent the bloodshed. Act util would say blame it it on the innocent as it will make the riders happy and prevent any bloodshed. Rule util says the execution isn't a guarantee that there rioters are satisfied so the real culprit should still be searched for.

what do we apply utilitarianism to

animal experimentation for medical research and the use of nuclear weapons

who is Claudius Galen

he believe in clinical observations - he liked dissections to break through medicine, its argued that without them we would not be where we are today through anatomy

who is William Harvey

He discovered the circulation of blood and the role of the heart in propelling it. Harvey developed an accurate theory of how the heart and ciculatory system operated. He speculated that humans and animals reproduced through the joining of an egg.

what does animal use (legal) mean

the view that supports that idea that humans are supreme and we can use animals for food, sports and pleasures

what does animal protection (legal) mean

establishes laws and regulations to control the use of animals and ensure they are treated with dignity

what is animal welfare (legal) mean

supports the right of animals to be free from abuse and looked after with groups such as RSPCA

what does animal reform (legal) mean

people who fight for changes in the laws in everything from experimentation, ownership, clothing and sports

what does animal liberation (illegal) mean

an anonymous group that has used terrorist attacks to free animals from abuse

what does animal control (illegal) mean

supports the use of animals in extreme sports such as fox hunting and dog fighting and others as they believe animals are here for our pleasure

what does Bentham say about animal use

The question is not can they reason? Nor can they talk but can they suffer? It is whether they are sentient beings = have the ability to feel pain. Bentham says that of they are sentient they are worth of moral consideration

what is dissection

the careful cutting apart of body structures to study their relationships

what is vivisection

the practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation or scientific research

How can benthams util be applied to animal experiment

Case by case, they are worth moral consideration unless and extreme case comes along where we must do it to save humans

- greatest good for the greatest number. There will be many people that benefit so it will be okay to do in some circumstances.

hedonic calculus=

intensity = the happiness will be so great as the happiness will be overjoying but the pain suffered to the animal will be equally as great.

duration = the animal might have died a more painful way but this way their death is more beneficial than meat

extent= family and friends will feel grateful and animals families will not know of be affected. / millions of animals will be tested and researched on. Bills family and friends will live regardless of the treatment

richness = finding a cure can be repeated again and again saving thousands from dying / animal experiments are unreliable there is no saying that the sacrifice will be worth it the suffering does not outweigh the pleasure

purity = the pleasure gained by treating someone is contaminated by the pain of the dying animal.

what would mill say

mill argued that it was important to be able to empathise with the pleasure and pain experienced by the animals. He grouped animals together with children who need care from us as they cannot care for themselves.

How does rule utilitarianism respond to animal experiment

yes:

- animal testing leads to human purist of pleasures after treatment

- we should exercise our power to protect the sick from harm by testing

- it has been used since Ancient Greece to improve medical understanding

- our pleasures outweigh the animals pleasures

no:

- pleasures is being experienced by humans at the expense of animals

- vivisection violates the harm principle - unnecessary and cruel

- animal testing only tells us more about animal physiology not about human treatment

what does Peter singer say on animal liberation

He was heavily influenced by Bentham and Mill. We should not discriminate against them just because they are not human as that is unethical. Animals should be given rights suited to their level of sentience. Animals would not be given the right to vote but they should have ample water and food, space and without fear of slaughter. there is no guarantee of happiness, that the outcome is what they are looking for so it should not be done. Pain in pain.

what is a deterrent

something that discourages someone from doing something.

what was the campaign for nuclear disarmament

- nuclear missiles today are over 8x more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima which killed 240,00

- civilian casualties are inevitable and make them illegal

- form of genocide

- do not adress the issue of terrorism or warfare

- no geographical boundaries of the weapon due to radiation

- long term effects

weapons as a deterrent

- only PM can authorise the use of the NW - political control

- only UL codes and equipment would be used in firing them

- as a country we are committed to the leat amount of violence

- high readiness with minimum scale

- necessary for protection of society

- some wealthy countries dont have them such as Australia, NZ, canda or Italy

Bentham and act util on NW's

Good as a deterrent providing they are in a safe hands and not used. If war broke out having them would make people feel safe.

Duration -if we have them in society people will feel safe providing happiness

remoteness = the happiness could be felt closely if protection is guaranteed from NW

Purity = situation could be free from pain if each country has NW but never use them only exist as a deterrent

intensity = intense happiness that we are protected but pain if they were ever used there would be immense pain

certainty = no certainty that they would bring about happiness but certainty In the pain that would be feet if they were used

extent = many wood feel happens an security but the extent o feh pain would be even larger than just as a deterrent

Mill and rule util on NW's

no:

- If it is not universal not everyone will feel happy. For those who have them it will cause those without pain and fear, lacking in happiness.

- those who also use them would feel guilt and pain

- if you have them you then must use them is it is needed

yes:

- higher pleasures can be access because they feel safe. NW development fulfils th harm principle as they would be deployed to protect the majority from further harm.

- deployment of such weapons would be a lot resort and many would try and find and alternative

-strong util = beach war rules, having them leads to a risk of using them which leads to so many deaths and pain meaning that we shouldn't even own them

- weak util = circumstances, if others have them so should we, we need it for protection and deterrence it brings bout happiness