Ethics Exam 2

Hedonism (Definition)

ethical view which states that "one should take actions that lead to the greatest amount of pleasure"

Pleasure (Hedonist Definition)

happiness, benefit, positive outcome

Epicurus's View on Pleasure

avoiding negative circumstances, peace, not uncontrolled desires

Epicurus's View on Afterlife

We must enjoy life to the fullest since it ends when we die. Emphasized there is nothing bad about lack of afterlife, it makes our life more valuable (YOLO)

Epicurus's View on Pain vs. Pleasure

many pains are greater than pleasures, since a greater pleasure comes to us when we have endured pain for a long time

Hobbes' View on the World

1. Human beings want security, resources, status, and continued life

2. Each person is vulnerable to other people

3. Therefore, no one can reliably trust anyone else

Hobbes' 3 Aspects of Human Nature

1. Desire: Humans continually pursue what they believe will satisfy them. We follow our desires.

2. Equality: People are sufficiently equal that no one is completely safe from another. Our strengths + weaknesses balance out.

3. Vulnerability: Even a weaker person can threaten a stronger one through planning, cooperation, surprise, or weapons.

Hobbes' "State of Nature"

A hypothetical condition without a common political authority capable of enforcing rules.

Hobbes' Social Contract Theory

1. Individuals recognize the dangers of life without common authority

2. They recognize that peace is preferable

3. They mutually restrict some of their liberty

4. They establish a common authority capable of enforcing agreements

Consequentialism

ethical actions are determined by the produced consequences. the output of an action makes it right/wrong

Utilitarianism

ethical actions are determined by consequences that produce the most happiness

"Happiness" within Utilitarianism

overall well-being, benefit, pleasure without pain, flourishing

General Utilitarianism

Consequences that lead to the overall happiness of all the individuals that are affected (the group as a whole)

Jeremy Bentham's View on Pleasure

Believed pleasure was the only good and that all other things are only good if they lead to pleasure. He viewed all types of pleasure as equal and was only concerned w/ the amount gained. Prioritized quantity over quality.

John Stuart Mill's View on Pleasure

Believed types of happiness-producing actions did matter and that some pleasures are better than others.

Mill's "Lower Pleasures"

physical comfort, eating/drinking, rest, entertainment, amusement/fun

Mill's "Higher Pleasures"

intellectual activity, meaningful relationships, appreciating art, developing morals

Mill's "Competent Judge" Test

If you have experienced 2 pleasures, you are competent to judge which experience was more beneficial

Aristotle's "Doctrine of the Mean"

States that true virtue is found in the middle of two vices. Balance between a virtue’s deficient and excessive form.

Aristotle's 5-Step Process of Virtue Formation

Action -> repetition -> habit -> character -> future action. We are not born virtuous, but must develop virtues through our actions, which requires time, effort, and intention.

Utilitarianism Involuntary Good Actions

If forced into doing a good action rather than personally wanting to, you are acting morally because it focuses on consequences/outcomes

Epicurus' Hedonism

1. Hedonism= actions leading to greatest pleasure

2. Pleasure = peace/avoiding negative circumstances (not debauchery).

3. Lack of afterlife makes life more valuable (enjoy life to the fullest).

4. Wisdom/enduring pain for greater long-term pleasure.

Virtue Theory Involuntary Actions

If forced into a good action, you are acting morally because it requires personal intention and desire

Virtue Ethics

the right action that which leads to the development of good character traits

Eudaimonia

flourishing, living well, human fulfillment

4 cardinal virtues

courage, self control, justice, practical wisdom