ETHICS FINAL
Is a consequentialist moral theory, meaning the morality of an action is judged based on its outcome or consequences.
Utilitarianism
The central principle of Utilitarianism is
The morally right action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.”
This theory measures morality using:
Pleasure (positive value)
Pain (negative value)
what is the aim of utilitarianism
The aim is to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.
KEY THINKERS
Founder of classical utilitarianism.
Introduced the Hedonic Calculus, which evaluates pleasure vs. pain through intensity, duration, certainty, etc.
Focused on quantity of pleasure.
Jeremy Bentham
key thinkers;
Focused on quantity of pleasure.
Improved Bentham's work.
Argued that some pleasures are higher (intellectual) and some are lower (physical).
John Stuart Mill
Improved Bentham's work.
Argued that some pleasures are higher (intellectual) and some are lower (physical).
John Stuart Mill
Emphasized quality over quantity.
Stated: “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied.”
John Stuart Mill
Types of Utilitarianism
1. Act Utilitarianism
2. Rule Utilitarianism
Types of Utilitarianism
Judges EACH individual act separately.
An action is good if that specific action increases happiness.
Act Utilitarianism
Types of Utilitarianism
Follows rules that, when generally obeyed, produce maximum happiness.
Emphasis is on long-term consequences of rules rather than individual acts.
Rule Utilitarianism
Practical and outcome-based.
Promotes the welfare of many people.
Flexible depending on the situation.
Strengths of Utilitarianism
Can justify harming a few for the greater good.
Hard to measure happiness accurately.
May ignore individual rights.
Weaknesses
attributed to Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, who believed that morality is based on following universal moral duties, not consequences.
deotological (kantian ethics)
states that an action is riqht if it produces the greatest good (happiness) for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism
●Looks at the consequences of a particular ACT
Act - Utilitarianism
If the greatest happiness for greatest number of people occurs then that act is RIGHT.
Act - Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarian
●Concerned with
quantity of happiness
Renown for his "Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation"
Gained a critical following for his doctrine of
utilitarianism
Social reform e.g. Prison reform
JEREMY BENTHAM
Who said this?
Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as determine what we shall do
Jeremy Bentham
Bentham
All politics aim at some good
Pursuit of individual interests
Self-preservation and order
The "good life"
Overall, politics is
meant to achieve the
common good
Basis of Utilitarianism Beliefs
(Bentham)
Pain and pleasure are basic sensations that direct our actions
Morality consists in seeking out happiness and avoiding pain
This is true of both individuals and governments.
PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY
●We will seek that object which increases our happiness more than the object can diminish it
●If ⬆️more happiness>⬇️less happiness, a action is consistent with the principle of utility
Principle of Utility
Aything consistent with the principle of utility (pursuit of happiness) is either good, should be done, or right.
The Common Good?
"The greatest good for the greatest number."
John Stuart Mill
Rule utilitarian
Concerned with
quality of happiness
"Better Socrates
dissatisfied thana
fool satisfied:
better a man dissatisfied than a pig satisfied"
Who said this ?
Over himself, over his own
body and mind, the individual is
sovereign.
John Stuart Mill
Rule Utilitarianism
Decide on rules, which are likely to
lead to pleasure for greatest number.
●We do not always choose the higher pleasure (of the mind) over the lower pleasure (of the body.)
E.g. you may cheat on the husband, whom you love, for a handsome lover. Mill said that having a noble character ads to the world's greater happiness. But this only works if people become noble
Rule Utilitarianism
Assess each individual situation on its own merits with the aim of promoting the greatest happiness for those involved
Act Utilitarianian
People should follow and be guided by moral rules
Rule Utilitarianian
Which in the past have shown to promote the greatest happiness of the greatest number
Rule Utilitarianian
Who is the
Principle of Utility
Emphasis on pleasure
Concerned with QUANTITY of pleasure
Social Reformer; Criminal, Judicial, penal
Labelled an act utilitarian
Jeremy Bentham
Who is the
Greatest Happiness Principle
emphasis on happiness
Concerned with QUALITY of pleasure
Social Reformer; equality for women
Labelled a rule utilitarianian
John Stuart Mill