Topic 7: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism

A moral theory holding that the right action is the one that produces the greatest total happiness for the greatest number

Consequentialism

The view that moral rightness depends only on the consequences of an action not the intentions or the character behind it

Intrinsic Value

Something valuable in itself for its own sake such as happiness or pleasure according to utilitarians

Instrumental Value

Something valuable only as a means to something else like money or doctors tools

Happiness as Intrinsically Valuable Utilitarian Claim

Utilitarians argue happiness is the only thing always valued for its own sake and all other values depend on producing happiness

Experience Machine Nozick

A thought experiment asking whether you would plug into a machine that gives perfect pleasure raising doubts that pleasure alone is all we value

Lesson of the Experience Machine

Suggests we value reality growth authenticity and relationships not just pleasurable feelings challenging utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism

Judge each action individually based on whether it maximizes happiness in that specific situation

Rule Utilitarianism

Judge actions by whether they follow rules that generally maximize happiness if widely adopted

Difference Act vs Rule Utilitarianism

Act focuses on single actions rule focuses on general moral rules that produce the most happiness overall

Objection Counterintuitive Consequences

Utilitarianism may justify harming innocent people lying breaking promises or sacrificing individuals if it increases total happiness

Response 1 to Objection Deny the Intuition

Some utilitarians say our moral intuitions are unreliable and outcomes are what matter so weird consequences may still be right

Response 2 to Objection Appeal to Rule Utilitarianism

Rule utilitarians argue such harmful actions usually break rules that reduce long term happiness so they should be avoided

Response 3 to Objection Modify the Theory

Some adjust utilitarianism by adding constraints or rights to prevent extreme or unjust consequences

Utilitarianism on the Trolley Problem

Utilitarians say pull the lever because saving five produces more total happiness than saving one

Utilitarianism Strengths

Simple clear impartial and focused on reducing suffering and maximizing well being for everyone equally

Utilitarianism Weaknesses

Can justify injustice demands predicting consequences ignores intentions and may treat people as mere numbers in a calculation

Hedonism Utilitarian Meaning

The view that happiness or pleasure is the only intrinsic good all else is valuable only when it contributes to well being

Cost Benefit Reasoning

A utilitarian method of weighing total happiness against total unhappiness to determine the morally right action

Impartiality Requirement

Everyone’s happiness counts equally no one’s well being matters more just because of who they are

Exam Requirement Intrinsic vs Instrumental Value

Must explain distinction clearly with examples and relate it to why utilitarians value happiness intrinsically

Exam Requirement Act vs Rule Utilitarianism

Must be able to define each distinguish them and explain how rule utilitarianism avoids some objections to act utilitarianism

Exam Requirement Experience Machine

Must know what it is why Nozick proposes it and how it challenges pure happiness based theories

Exam Requirement Counterintuitive Objection

Must explain why utilitarianism sometimes seems to justify morally wrong actions and give three utilitarian replies