EP

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.