Utilitarianism 05 - tyranny of the majority, partiality, integrity

the principle that each person receives their due

what is justice

tyranny of the majority

greatest issue for act utilitarianism

maximise happiness do what the majority wants

how, according to utilitarianism, should a government act

through legislation, through social opinion

what two ways does mill argue the tyranny can exercise their power over the minority

no issue is ruled out as immoral by utilitarians

whats the issue arising from tyranny of the majority

we have no moral rights

what, about rights, do some utilitarians argue

the moral rights of the individual

what does mill say is at the heart of justice

perfect duties

what sort of duties are duties of justice

we must always fulfill them and have no choice over when or how

what are perfect duties

what if my rights conflict with the greatest happiness

issue for utilitarians that might arise from perfect duties

secondary principle

what are human rights a form of

partiality

what do we call our disposition to our friends and family

we care more about our friends and family’s happiness

what does partiality mean about happiness

no one’s happiness counts for more than anyone else’s

what key claim of utilitarianism does partiality counter

we should spend less time with those we love and instead benefit the greatest majority

what does utilitarianism say about partiality

it idealizes us

whats the problem with utilitarianism’s approach to partiality and equality

we have few opportunities to benefit the majority so it is okay to focus on people around us

how does mill respond to the issue of partiality

no longer true, globalisation

whats the issue with mill’s response to partiality

micheal stocker

who created the example of visiting a friend inn hospital

we should oppose partiality anyway

what do some other utilitarians say about partiality

acting according to your own values, sticking to them in the face of temptation

what is moral integrity

force us to disregard it

what could utilitarianism do to our integrity

intentions

what, for utilitarianism, doesn’t make a difference to actions