On Utilitarianism: Understanding the Philosophy

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why does the author apologize to the philosophical opponents of utilitarianism?

For assuming they might confuse utility with a rejection of pleasure. (correct)
For not acknowledging their contributions to the development of utilitarian thought.
For using complex language that is difficult for the general public to understand.
For misrepresenting their views on the importance of pleasure.

According to the author, what is a common criticism leveled against utilitarianism?

It oscillates between being seen as overly austere and excessively indulgent. (correct)
It places insufficient emphasis on individual rights and freedoms.
It is too focused on abstract principles and ignores practical considerations.
It fails to provide a clear and consistent definition of happiness.

How do proponents of utilitarianism, from Epicurus to Bentham, define 'utility'?

As the precise calculation of costs and benefits in decision-making.
As a concept fundamentally opposed to pleasure and enjoyment.
As the adherence to strict moral codes and principles.
As pleasure itself, including the absence of pain. (correct)

What is the primary way in which the term 'utilitarian' is commonly misunderstood and misapplied?

As the rejection or neglect of pleasure, beauty, or amusement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, where is the misapplication of the term 'utilitarian' most prevalent?

Across a wide range of publications, from newspapers to books. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the author to consider reviving the use of the term 'utilitarian' despite having previously discontinued it?

A belief that doing so can help correct the widespread misunderstanding and misuse of the term. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the general public's understanding of utilitarianism?

The public's understanding is largely shaped by inaccurate and distorted representations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author characterize the mistake of opposing 'the useful' to 'the agreeable or the ornamental' in the context of utilitarianism?

As a common but shallow and unfounded error. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the primary reason individuals with higher faculties would not wish to become beings of a 'lower grade'?

A deeply ingrained sense of dignity that outweighs the potential for increased contentment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The content suggests that a 'being of higher faculties' is more prone to which of the following, compared to an 'inferior type'?

Being susceptible to more diverse and intense forms of suffering. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction drawn between 'happiness' and 'content' within the content?

Happiness is a complex state that requires more to achieve, while content is simpler and more easily satisfied. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might someone momentarily desire to exchange their lot for 'almost any other'?

An intense and overwhelming feeling of unhappiness in their current life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following feelings does the content suggest is most closely tied to a person's 'higher faculties'?

A profound sense of personal dignity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The content mentions several potential explanations for why individuals do not wish to become 'lower animals'. Which of the following is presented as the most appropriate term for this unwillingness?

Sense of dignity (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of comparing happiness between a 'superior being' and an 'inferior' one in 'equal circumstances,' what error does the passage caution against?

Failing to distinguish between the concepts of happiness and contentment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content , the Stoics appealed to which of the following to promote the inherent dignity and worth of human beings?

Love of liberty (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the primary reason people who are outwardly fortunate still find life unfulfilling?

Caring only for themselves and lacking affection for others. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, how do individuals who cultivate a fellow-feeling with the collective interests of mankind experience life as they approach death?

They retain a lively interest in life, similar to their youth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides selfishness, what does the content identify as a significant cause of life dissatisfaction?

Want of mental cultivation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest a cultivated mind can find?

Sources of inexhaustible interest in the world. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why might someone with access to vast knowledge still become indifferent to it all?

They initially pursued knowledge only out of curiosity without genuine moral or human interest. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What assertion does the content make regarding mental culture and civilized societies?

Mental culture should be the inheritance of everyone born in a civilized country. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is sufficient to give ample earnest of what the human species may be made?

Genuine private affections and a sincere interest in the public good. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is feasible for every rightly brought-up human being, although in unequal degrees?

Genuine private affections and a sincere interest in the public good. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the ultimate criterion for determining which of two pleasures is superior?

The judgment of individuals who have experienced both pleasures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author emphasize the importance of considering the quality of pleasures in addition to their quantity?

To provide a comprehensive understanding of Utility or Happiness as a guide for human conduct. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between individual nobleness of character and overall happiness, according to the author?

A noble character benefits others and contributes to overall happiness, regardless of its impact on the individual. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with idea that the utilitarian standard does NOT prioritize?

The agent’s own greatest happiness (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author address the concern that a noble existence might not always result in greater personal happiness?

By arguing that the benefits to others outweigh any potential personal sacrifices. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'experienced' individuals in determining the value of a pleasure according to the author?

Their feelings and judgment are essential in deciding if a pleasure is worth the cost of pain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Greatest Happiness Principle, what is the ultimate goal?

An existence as free from pain as possible and as rich as possible in enjoyments, considering both quantity and quality. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the utilitarian view, what defines the standard of morality?

Rules that ensure the greatest possible happiness for all sentient beings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The author mentions that there is no other tribunal to be referred to when judging the quality of pleasures, what is the purpose of this statement?

To reinforce the importance of informed judgment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author implying when they describe the idea that 'each individual were only benefited by the nobleness of others' as an absurdity?

That everyone ought to strive for nobleness to achieve personal happiness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one objection raised against the idea that happiness should be the rational purpose of human life?

Happiness, in any form, is unattainable. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Entsagen,' and how is it related to achieving nobility, according to critics of the Greatest Happiness Principle?

<code>Entsagen</code> is a term meaning renunciation, which is a necessary condition for all virtue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Even if happiness is unattainable, what alternative aspect of utility remains relevant?

The prevention or mitigation of unhappiness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What extreme action does the content mention as a 'refuge' if the pursuit of happiness is futile and the mitigation of unhappiness is insufficient?

Simultaneous act of suicide. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If someone argues that we have no right to be happy, what related question does Mr. Carlyle add, according to the content?

What right, a short time ago, hadst thou even to be? (C) Signup and view all the answers

In determining the quality of enjoyments within the Greatest Happiness Principle, what is considered the most reliable measure?

The preference felt by those with ample experience, self-awareness, and comparative ability. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of laws and social arrangements in achieving the ideal of utility?

To create a society where individual happiness is harmonized with the overall good. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role do education and opinion play in establishing an 'indissoluble association' according to the text?

They should instill a deep connection between personal happiness and the well-being of society. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misunderstanding that objectors have about utilitarianism?

That it requires people to always act with the general interests of society as their sole motivation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethics, what distinction does the text draw between the 'rule of action' and the 'motive of it'?

The 'rule of action' determines what our duties are, whereas the 'motive' is the reason behind performing those duties. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest regarding the sentiments connected with promoting the general good?

They should be a prominent part of every human being's sentient existence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the impact if critics understood utilitarian morality in its true form?

They may find that other moralities lack any benefit that utilitarianism does not also offer. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about whether ethical systems require duty to be the sole motive for actions?

No system of ethics requires duty as the only motive; most actions arise from other reasons. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ethics?

To provide a framework for determining our duties and testing our actions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Utilitarianism

The principle that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.

Utility

In utilitarianism, it includes pleasure and the absence of pain. It is the ultimate goal.

Prominent utilitarians

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill were key figures.

Misconceptions of Utilitarianism

A common misunderstanding is equating utility with only practical usefulness, ignoring pleasure and happiness.