Utilitarianism- Bentham and Mill

Bentham

What is consequentialism? 

The idea that only consequences matter in morality.

What is Bentham’s principle of utility?

Actions should maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

What is the equality of consideration in Bentham’s utilitarianism?

"Everyone is to count as one, no one for more than one."

What are the seven properties Bentham uses to measure pleasure and pain? 

Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Remoteness, Fecundity, Purity, Extent.

What moral principles does Bentham reject?

1) The principle of ascetism (maximizing pain). 
2) The principle of sympathy and antipathy (basing morality on personal attitudes). 

Mill

How does Mill modify Bentham’s utilitarianism? 

He distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures.

Why does Mill rank pleasures?

Higher intellectual and moral pleasures are more valuable than basic sensory pleasures.

What is Mill’s preference test for determining higher pleasures? 

Competent judges—people who have experienced both types of pleasure will prefer the higher one. 

What is Mill’s famous quote about pleasure? 

"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied." 

Why does Mill support women's emancipation? 

Men falsely believe in their superiority, leading to harm. 

• Society loses talent by excluding women from professions. 

• Economic dependence forces women into limiting lifestyles.

Why does Mill argue in favor of capital punishment?

1) People fear death more than prison, making it a better deterrent. 
2) Death is less harmful than life imprisonment, which causes prolonged suffering. 

What is Mill’s claim about happiness? 

Even if a rational person is less content, they are still happier than a non-rational being experiencing only lower pleasures.