PHIL103 Utilitarianism & Consequentialism & Kantianism

What are the three key ideas of utilitarianism?

Consequentialism

Hedonism (only type of consequence that is good is happiness and vice versa)

Impartiality (equal amounts of happiness and unhappiness are equally important)

What do the three ideas of utilitarianism give us?

The principle of utility

What is the principle of utility?

Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness and vice versa. Happiness is intended pleasure

What is act utilitarianism?

The analysis of happiness that follows an act from an action (the consequences of an act determine the morality

What is rule utilitarianism?

Determines the morality of an action by the rules of that action

What are the 3 strengths of utilitarianism?

• Easy explaination of what makes actions right or wrong (similar feature of unhappiness)

• Makes sense of the intuition that there is something good about an action if it leads to happiness

• Helps us think of the most vulnerable groups as it only prioritises happiness

What are weaknesses of utilitarianism?

• Is too demanding

• Some happiness is at the expense of others and should not count

• Prioritising maximum happiness would lead to counterintuitive results

What is the rival to consequentialism?

Deontology

What is deontology?

The nature of the action decides morality- the end never justified the means

What is Kantianism

Theory that places moral worth of actions on a sense of duty and a respect of autonomy

What are the two imperatives of kantianism?

Hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative

What is the hypothetical imperative in kantianism?

Is an imperative of the pursuit of a further goal

What is the categorical imperative in kantianism?

Commands one must always follow no matter the circumstances or desires of the individual

What is the universal law?

Is a form of the categorical imperative, asking us what if everyone did this? Before doing things we should ask if it is is possible for everyone to follow that maxim

What is the autonomy of humans in relation to kantianism? (interests)

The interests of humans cannot be traded for another purpose

Describe the respect for persons formulation

A formulation of the categorical imperative: we cannot override ones autonomy merely to get what we want

What is the difference between Kantianism and utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism focuses on consequences for morality whilst kantianism focuses on actions making the action wrong and ignores consequences