Utilitarianism and Consequentialism (Lecture Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on utilitarianism, consequentialism, and related ideas.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that actions are morally right if they maximize overall happiness (pleasure) and minimize pain for the greatest number; a form of consequentialism.

Consequentialism

The view that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences, not by motives or intentions.

Act utilitarianism

The right action is the one that maximizes overall well‑being in that specific act; evaluates actions directly by their consequences.

Rule utilitarianism

The rightness of an action depends on the consequences of following general rules that typically promote the greatest good.

Greatest happiness principle

The core utilitarian aim to maximize happiness for the greatest number and minimize pain.

Higher vs. lower pleasures

Mill’s idea that humans have higher faculties and can pursue higher (intellectual) pleasures, not just bodily pleasures.

Ends justify the means

The moral value of an action is determined by its outcomes, so good ends can justify potentially less virtuous means (debated in utilitarianism).

Principle of Justice (Mill)

Societal rights and freedoms are balanced against the collective; there is a tension between what society can claim and what individuals can claim; safeguards against arbitrary power.

Individual rights

Basic freedoms and protections guaranteed within a society; should not be arbitrarily violated, though utilitarian considerations can pressure them for the greater good.

Hedonism

The ethical view that pleasure is the highest good; Mill defended it by arguing humans have higher faculties beyond mere pleasure.

Motive (in utilitarianism)

The intention behind an action; in utilitarianism, outcomes determine morality, but motive informs judgments about the agent's worth.

Secondhand smoke (illustration)

An example used to justify restricting indoor smoking to prevent harm to others, illustrating utilitarian limits on personal liberty.

Vaccination (act utilitarian example)

Getting vaccinated is morally obligatory under act utilitarianism because it increases overall well‑being by reducing disease spread.

Predicting outcomes

Utilitarianism relies on predicting consequences, which can be uncertain and imperfect due to hidden factors.

Education as utilitarian tool

Education helps instill a utilitarian ethos and informs people to promote the greater good.

For whom the bell tolls / interdependence

The idea that we are all interdependent; a death or misfortune affects everyone, signaling collective responsibility in society.