Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism

The first form of Utilitarianism invented by Jeremy Bentham, focusing on the consequences of individual actions.

Principle of Utility

An action is good if it leads to the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

Hedonic Calculus

A method devised by Bentham to measure pleasure and pain in order to determine the best actions.

Sovereign Masters

According to Bentham, the two forces that govern mankind are pain and pleasure.

Felicific Calculus

A system for calculating the net pleasure produced by an action.

Lower Pleasures

Pleasures derived from bodily activities like food, sex, and drugs.

Higher Pleasures

Pleasures derived from mental activities like poetry, philosophy, and music.

Competent judges

Individuals who have experienced both higher and lower pleasures and can determine their quality.

Harm Principle

A secondary principle proposed by Mill that individuals should be free to do as they want as long as they do not harm others.

Rule Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that suggests following rules which generally promote the greatest happiness.

Strong Rule Utilitarianism

The belief that moral rules should be followed absolutely, regardless of the situation.

Weak Rule Utilitarianism

The view that rules can be broken if doing so maximizes happiness.

Criticism of Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism can justify actions that violate human rights as it focuses solely on consequences.

Mill's response to Utilitarianism criticism

Mill argued that higher pleasures have superior quality and should guide moral actions.

Tyranny of the majority

A situation where the majority's interest overrides the rights of a minority.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes or consequences.

Moral Rightness

Determined by whether an action promotes the greatest happiness or reduces suffering.

Intentions vs Consequences

Utilitarianism focuses on outcomes rather than the character or intentions of the actor.

Kant vs Utilitarianism

Kant argues morality is based on duty and principles, while Utilitarianism emphasizes outcomes.

Partiality

The notion that Utilitarianism neglects personal relationships and emotional ties in moral decisions.

Utilitarian Calculations

The complex assessments needed to determine the happiness outcomes of various actions.

Cultural Context

Mill believed that individual happiness varies across different societies and cultures.

Addiction and Weakness of Will

Factors that can cause individuals to choose lower pleasures over higher ones.

Evolution of Ethical Principles

Mill argued that ethical principles should evolve based on societal experience and knowledge.

Social Conformity

The pressure to behave like others, which Mill sought to alleviate through individual freedom.

Empathy as a Barrier

Human emotional responses, like empathy, can hinder the practical application of Utilitarianism.

Moral Dilemmas

Situations where moral values conflict, such as the classic trolley problem.

Pleasure Measurement Problems

Challenges in measuring the subjective experiences of pleasure and pain.

Burning Building Analogy

A scenario illustrating how Utilitarianism could lead to morally questionable actions in practice.

Socrates vs Pig

Mill's argument that it is better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied pig due to the quality of pleasure.

Utility as an Ethical Standard

The principle that decisions should be guided by the potential to maximize happiness.

Relationship Between Law and Morality

The concern that legal principles may not always align with ethical utilitarian principles.

Threshold for Suffering

The point at which harm to an individual becomes unacceptable in the pursuit of general happiness.

Pragmatic Approach

Mill's suggestion that practical application of Utilitarianism is based on collective human experience.

Moral agents responsibility

Duties that individuals have in making ethical decisions, under both Kant and Utilitarian views.

Philosophical Underpinnings of Rights

The theory that rights may not be intrinsic but derived from a greater utility for society.

Singer’s Critique

Peter Singer's view that familial relationships may compete with charitable actions for moral consideration.

Mill’s Individual Liberty

The belief that individuals should pursue their own happiness while being considerate of others.

Consequences of Actions

Utilitarianism emphasizes outcomes, but this can lead to morally dubious justifications.

Self-Interest vs Altruism

The tension between pursuing personal happiness and the greater good in Utilitarian ethics.

Defining Happiness

The complexity of establishing a clear definition of happiness within moral philosophy.

Experience and Ethics

The importance of human experience in developing ethical principles and guidelines.

Naturalistic Basis of Ethics

The perspective that moral values should be based on human nature and social context.

Cognitive Dissonance in Ethics

The psychological conflict arising from contradictory beliefs or values in moral decision making.

Utilitarianism and Human Rights

Concerns about the ability of a consequentialist framework to uphold human rights violations.

Historical Context of Utilitarianism

The development of Utilitarian thought amidst changes in societal values and beliefs.