Transcript Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism
Consequential, i.e. Utilitarianism – a
good moral decision is that which the
consequences of the action produces
the greatest good for the greatest
number of people.
Pleasure
Pain
Utilitarianism
Learning Intention:
• Know the key principles of Utilitarianism
Success Criteria:
• Create own notes on Utilitarianism
• Successfully answer an exam question on
Utilitarianism
What are the key principles
of Utilitarian Ethics?
4KU
Key Points
• E.g. Utilitarianism: actions are good or bad
depending on the outcome.
• The moral consequences of the action is the
promotion of human happiness/wellbeing and the
minimising of unhappiness/pain.
• The aim is to achieve consequences that will bring
about the greatest happiness for the greatest
number of people.
• Distinction between act-utilitarianism and rule
utilitarianism.
• Reference to Mill or Bentham’s position.
Utilitarianism
• Utility means an action is determined by its
‘utility’, or ‘usefulness’
• Utilitarian ethics focus on consequences of
actions rather than actions themselves
• Actions not good/bad in themselves- it is the
consequence of the action which is considered
• A moral theory which says that what is
morally right is whatever produces the
greatest overall amount of pleasure or
happiness to the greatest number of people.
• The moral consequence of good actions
promote the greatest happiness/well-being
and the minimising of unhappiness/pain for
the greatest number of people
• Based on the assumption/idea that
happiness/pleasure is the desired end of all
human activity
• Formulated by Jeremy Bentham and
developed by John Stuart Mill
Task 1
Use pages 20 -26
Make your own notes on Act Utilitarianism,
Rule Utilitarianism and Preference
Utilitarianism.
Act Utilitarianism
• Maintains that the good action is the one that
leads to the greatest good in a particular
situation
• Is flexible, being able to take into account
individual situations at a given moment.
Problems
• Has the potential to justify virtually any act.
• Might be impractical to suggest that we
should measure each moral choice every time
we act.
Rule Utilitarianism
• Looks at potential rules of action.
• To determine whether a rule should be followed,
he/she looks at what would happen if it were
constantly followed.
• If adherence to the rule produces more happiness
than otherwise, it is a rule that morally should be
followed at all times.
Problem
• May permit unethical practices because minority
interests are not protected e.g. slavery.
Preference Utilitarianism
• Applying the greatest good to the greatest
number only to those involved in the
situation.
• Maximise happiness for those involved –
according to what their preferences are.
Problem
• Whose preference is the right preference.
• How can they be weighed up against each
other.
Marking Instructions: No marks for simply writing a
list.
Each point about Utilitarian Ethics should be
accompanied by an explanation to gain a mark.
Suggested areas covered in answers:
 Consequentiality ethical system Actions are good
if they have good consequences
 Pleasure and pain
 Based on the principle of the greatest good
 Act Utilitarianism –principles applied to a
particular situation
• Rule Utilitarianism –principles applied as general
rules based on past experience