Phil 103 Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism Overview

• Definition: Moral theory that evaluates actions based on their utility—promoting goodness defined as happiness and pleasure for all.

Historical Background

• Epicurus (341 – 270 BCE):

  • Advocated for Hedonism, emphasizing simple pleasures and avoidance of pain.

  • Focused on reflective, calm pleasures, like conversation.

• Jeremy Bentham (1748 – 1832):

  • Observed humans seek pleasure and are social beings; proposed Pleasure as the universal measure of moral rightness.

  • Introduced Act Utilitarianism: Assessment of actions based on their individual consequences for pleasure.

• John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873):

  • Agreed with Bentham but differentiated between types of pleasure, stating not all pleasures are equal.

  • Introduced Rule Utilitarianism: Advocated for judging actions based on general rules rather than individual acts.

Core Principles of Utilitarianism

• Consequentialism:

  • Ethics based on outcomes rather than intentions.

  • Maximizes pleasure, minimizes pain for all.

  • Phrases like "ends justify the means" illustrate this viewpoint.

• The Principle of Utility:

  • Aim to produce the most pleasure for the greatest number of people.

• Pleasure Definition:

  • Includes satisfaction, pride, joy, happiness—various forms of 'pleasure' are considered valuable.

  • Intrinsic Value: Pleasure holds inherent worth; its value is independent.

  • Extrinsic Value: Other aspects (e.g., money) are valued only for their contribution to pleasure.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Goods

• Intrinsic Goods:

  • Valued for their own sake; example: Pleasure as the highest good.

• Extrinsic Goods:

  • Valued based on relationships with intrinsic goods; used as instruments to achieve ends.

Objectivity and Universality

• Treats the interests of all affected individuals equally.

• Grounded in objective assessments of pleasure produced, applicable universally.

Action Evaluation in Utilitarianism

• Calculating Happiness:

  • Bentham's Five Considerations: Amount of pleasure, intensity, duration, fruitfulness, likelihood of pleasure.

• Act Utilitarianism:

  • A specific action is right if it leads to greater pleasure over pain for the majority.

• Rule Utilitarianism:

  • An action is right if it aligns with rules that promote overall happiness when consistently followed.

Pleasure Quality vs. Quantity

• Bentham: Focused solely on the quantity of pleasure (equal consideration).

• Mill: Acknowledged quality differences in pleasure; favored higher quality pleasures (e.g., poetry over simple games).

Ethical Challenges of Utilitarianism (Trolley Problem)

• A moral dilemma presenting the choice to save five children at the expense of one; highlights utilitarian demands.

  • Utilitarian perspective: Save five, even with moral implications of causing one’s death.

Critiques of Utilitarianism

• Complications in calculating happiness and its variables are seen as drawbacks.

• Concerns over family loyalty and personal relationships being overshadowed.

• Rights/duties are secondary to overall happiness, presenting ethical conflicts.

Conclusion

• Utilitarianism presents a structured ethical framework, promoting rational thought against dogmatism.

• Nonetheless, it remains subject to critique and refinement.