Utilitarianism and Its Implications

Utilitarianism Overview

• Origin of the term can be traced back to the Greeks, linking happiness as a central concept to human existence.
• Hedonism in Ancient Greece defined happiness as pleasures of the mind, differing from modern definitions which may equate happiness to lower, extrinsic pleasures.
• Concept of egoism is discussed in the context of 21st-century perceptions versus ancient philosophical definitions.

History and Key Thinkers

• Jeremy Bentham (late 18th century) is recognized as the originator of utilitarianism.
• Defined egalitarian differently than previous philosophers: emphasized calculating the utility for the largest number of people.
• Utilitarianism is mathematical in approach. Bentham's focus was on rationality and objective calculations, excluding personal biases.

Utilitarian Calculus

• Bentham promoted the idea that one must assess the impact of decisions on the greatest number of people.
• Questions the moral worth of individuals in utilitarianism, with implications on rights and human value.
• Example of historical misuse: slavery justified through economic arguments reflecting societal utilitarianism.

Moral Responsibility

• Utilitarians bear guilt for wrong decisions; this positions them as accountable, contrasting with acting for the majority without consideration of ethics.
• Importance of asking precise questions and maintaining objectivity in utilitarian decision-making.

Pleasure Classification

• Bentham introduced two types of pleasure: extrinsic (physical) and intrinsic (higher-level thinking and emotional).
• Practical aspects of utilitarianism stress realistic approaches to pleasure rather than high-minded ideals.

Use of Hedonism

• The pursuit of happiness is human universality—pleasure is inherently linked to all human experience, even in differing forms across various societal levels.
• Ethical implications arise when discussing animal rights; Bentham argued for humane treatment based on the shared experience of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.

Examples of Historical Misuse of Utilitarian Principles

• The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment as a prominent case of utilitarian arguments justifying unethical treatment of individuals for research purposes, emphasizing the long-term impact of such decisions.
• The study involved deceiving participants with false promises of healthcare and failing to treat known illnesses, showcasing disregard for participants' lives in favor of perceived benefits for society.
• A discussion of ethical boundaries in research today reflects ongoing issues related to consent and exploitation in vulnerable populations, reminding us of the importance of scrutinizing the application of utilitarian principles in real-world situations.

Critical Thinking and Application

• Students are encouraged to apply utilitarian principles in hypothetical scenarios on exams, demonstrating an understanding of ethical implications and calculations involved in decision making.
• Emphasis on separating personal biases to genuinely engage in utilitarian evaluation; the danger of emotional decisions in ethics is highlighted, cautioning against manipulation of facts.

Conclusion and Further Study

• As students progress, they will explore John Stuart Mill, who will further develop utilitarian thought, challenging traditional perspectives and advocating for a balance between higher and lower pleasures.