Utilitarianism & Rule-Consequentialism

Utilitarianism

A moral theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness. This philosophy evaluates actions based on their consequences.

The Greatest Happiness Principle

Actions are right in proportion to happiness.

The Happiness of all Concerned

People find happiness when other are happy as well.

Instrumental Goods

Some things are good because of what they bring about, they’re a means to an end. (Ex: Money, Cars)

Intrinsic Goods

Some things are good because they are valuable in itself. (Ex: Happiness, other moral actions).

Impartiality

It doesn’t matter whose pleasure/pain it is, quantity is all that matters.

Higher Pleasures

Mental pleasures, like philosophy and music.

Lower Pleasures

Physical pleasures, like eating and drinking.

Act-utilitarianism

Actions must be judged by consequences

Rule-consequentialism

Actions must be judged by a set of moral rules.

Murder, injustice, and too demanding

Objections to utilitarianism.

Non-compliance problem

Everyone may not comply to moral rules.

Aggregative utilitarianism

We want to maximize the total sum of well-being for everyone.

The average principle

If other things are equal, it is better if people’s live go, on average, better.

The total principle

If other things are equal, it is better if there is a greater total sum of happiness.

Situation Z

The greater sum of happiness comes from the vast increase in the number of lives lived— barely worth living for (mundane).

The repugnant conclusion

A bigger population of people who have lives barely worth living, can be better than a smaller population of people who have the highest quality of life.