Utilitarianism
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Title: Utilitarianism ETHICAL THEORY: AN ANTHOLOGY, 413 - 422Author: Joshua Cedric Aquino Gundayao, MA, MOHRE
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Some Preliminary Notes: Introduction to utilitarianism and its foundational concepts.
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Consequentialism:
It is a family of theories focused on the outcomes of actions.
The central idea: moral assessment revolves around the amount of good produced or the bad avoided.
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Consequentialism:
Actions generating happiness for many while avoiding unhappiness for anyone are not immoral.
Ends justify the means if the ends are truly valuable and important.
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Divisions of Consequentialism:
Act Consequentialism
Morally right actions generate the best or sufficiently good results compared to available actions.
Rule Consequentialism
Morally right actions align with optimal social rules that, if widely endorsed, would generate the best results.
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General Mission of Consequentialism:
Enhance intrinsic goodness in the world.
Diminish what is intrinsically bad.
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Utilitarianism:
Historically a prominent form of consequentialism.
It asserts that happiness is the sole intrinsic value and morally right actions either maximize happiness or promote the greatest happiness.
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Utilitarianism - John Stuart Mill:
Highlighted as a significant proponent of utilitarianism.
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Greatest Happiness Principle:
The ultimate end is an existence free from pain and rich in enjoyment, both in quantity and quality.
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Standard of Morality:
Human action's end is the standard of morality, defining rules and precepts for human conduct.
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General Well-being:
Aim: to secure a pain-free existence abundant in pleasures for all mankind and the sentient creation.
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Happiness as a Standard:
The happiness valued by utilitarianism is collective rather than individual.
Impartiality is emphasized—acting as a disinterested spectator.
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The Golden Rule:
Emphasizes loving one another and acting as one would want to be treated aligns with utilitarian ethics.
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Achieving Happiness - First Principle:
Laws and social arrangements should harmonize individual interests with those of the whole.
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Achieving Happiness - Second Principle:
Education and societal opinion should create a strong connection between individual happiness and the common good.
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Utilitarian Formula:
Identify all possible actions.
Evaluate benefits and harms for everyone affected.
Choose the action yielding the greatest net benefit.
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Critiques of Utilitarianism:
The high moral standards required are seen as excessively demanding on individuals.
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Response to Critiques:
Ethics clarify our duties without necessitating that all actions are motivated by a sense of duty.
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Further Response:
Utilitarian moralists argue that while motives are important, they do not define the morality of an action.
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Multiplication of Happiness:
Virtue is often situational; opportunities to benefit the public are rare and should consider public utility only then.
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Against Utility:
Claims that utilitarianism fosters coldness and detachment from individual circumstances.
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Quality of Character:
Good actions indicate a good character, rejecting mental dispositions leading to poor conduct.
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Diversity among Utilitarians:
Utilitarian applications vary widely in rigidity and laxity among followers.
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Strength of Utilitarianism:
Its emphasis on social interest and regulation of immoral conduct is robust and influential.
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Utilitarianism and God:
Often criticized as godless; this assumption is challenged based on views of divine morality.
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Divine Happiness:
If divine intent prioritizes creature happiness, utilitarianism is relevant and deeply rooted in religious ethos.
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Utilitarianism and Divine Law:
Belief in God's perfect goodness implies His moral revelations align with utilitarian principles.
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Further Objections:
Critics argue there's insufficient time to assess happiness effects before acting.
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Time for Reflection:
The past experience of humanity provides ample time to reflect on the consequences of actions.
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Conclusion:
If utility is the foundation of moral obligations, it can be used to resolve conflicts between them.