Podcast
Questions and Answers
How would a rule utilitarian justify the use of disinformation in government actions?
How would a rule utilitarian justify the use of disinformation in government actions?
- It is justified only when the end goal is noble.
- It must be avoided to maintain public trust.
- It is permissible if it leads to the greatest overall happiness. (correct)
- It is allowed as it improves government efficiency.
What is a potential consequence of the principle 'all life must be preserved whenever possible' regarding capital punishment?
What is a potential consequence of the principle 'all life must be preserved whenever possible' regarding capital punishment?
- It suggests capital punishment should be abolished. (correct)
- It implies life can be forfeited for retribution.
- It accepts capital punishment in cases of heinous crimes.
- It supports capital punishment to deter crime.
In terms of utilitarianism, how might gambling be viewed?
In terms of utilitarianism, how might gambling be viewed?
- As generally harmful and should be banned.
- As a personal choice that maximizes individual's happiness. (correct)
- As beneficial because it raises government tax revenue.
- As morally wrong due to its addictive nature.
What is a key consideration regarding the manufacture and sale of pornographic materials under utilitarianism?
What is a key consideration regarding the manufacture and sale of pornographic materials under utilitarianism?
How might a utilitarian approach the issue of abortion?
How might a utilitarian approach the issue of abortion?
What evidence is presented to argue that happiness is desirable?
What evidence is presented to argue that happiness is desirable?
How does virtue relate to happiness according to the content?
How does virtue relate to happiness according to the content?
What unique contribution did Henry Sidgwick make to the concept of utilitarianism?
What unique contribution did Henry Sidgwick make to the concept of utilitarianism?
What does ideal utilitarianism emphasize as its focal point?
What does ideal utilitarianism emphasize as its focal point?
What distinguishes act utilitarianism from rule utilitarianism?
What distinguishes act utilitarianism from rule utilitarianism?
What challenge does Sidgwick identify regarding utilitarianism as an ethical principle?
What challenge does Sidgwick identify regarding utilitarianism as an ethical principle?
Which of the following best illustrates the approach of act utilitarianism?
Which of the following best illustrates the approach of act utilitarianism?
What is the main critique of the greatest happiness principle as mentioned in the content?
What is the main critique of the greatest happiness principle as mentioned in the content?
What is implied about pleasure in the context of its selection?
What is implied about pleasure in the context of its selection?
What view does Hobbes hold regarding good and evil?
What view does Hobbes hold regarding good and evil?
How does Hobbes view the formation of the political state?
How does Hobbes view the formation of the political state?
What principle does Bentham use to underpin his hedonistic philosophy?
What principle does Bentham use to underpin his hedonistic philosophy?
How does Bentham's view of hedonism differ from Hobbes' egoistic approach?
How does Bentham's view of hedonism differ from Hobbes' egoistic approach?
What aspect of pleasure is highlighted when discussing freedom from pain?
What aspect of pleasure is highlighted when discussing freedom from pain?
What does Hobbes suggest about tranquility in relation to the human experience?
What does Hobbes suggest about tranquility in relation to the human experience?
According to the content, what is the essence of the principle of utility as per Bentham?
According to the content, what is the essence of the principle of utility as per Bentham?
What is a significant aim of utilitarianism as discussed?
What is a significant aim of utilitarianism as discussed?
How does utilitarianism relate to virtue?
How does utilitarianism relate to virtue?
What does utilitarianism prohibit regarding beliefs?
What does utilitarianism prohibit regarding beliefs?
Which of the following is a criticism of utilitarianism mentioned?
Which of the following is a criticism of utilitarianism mentioned?
What is stated about the consequences of actions in utilitarianism?
What is stated about the consequences of actions in utilitarianism?
What does egoistic hedonism propose regarding pleasure?
What does egoistic hedonism propose regarding pleasure?
Which of the following perspectives is consistent with utilitarianism's principle of utility?
Which of the following perspectives is consistent with utilitarianism's principle of utility?
How does utilitarianism address the future impact of actions?
How does utilitarianism address the future impact of actions?
What primarily constitutes an act as a moral act, according to the content?
What primarily constitutes an act as a moral act, according to the content?
What does hedonism imply about an individual's cooperation with society?
What does hedonism imply about an individual's cooperation with society?
What is described as a logical flaw in hedonism?
What is described as a logical flaw in hedonism?
How does utilitarianism extend the concept of hedonism?
How does utilitarianism extend the concept of hedonism?
According to the content, what is the danger of living a moral life solely for pleasure?
According to the content, what is the danger of living a moral life solely for pleasure?
What principle does Jeremy Bentham support in the context of utilitarianism?
What principle does Jeremy Bentham support in the context of utilitarianism?
What aspect of love do hedonists overlook according to the content?
What aspect of love do hedonists overlook according to the content?
What would a true hedonist's perspective on good and evil be?
What would a true hedonist's perspective on good and evil be?
What is indicated by the hedonistic paradox?
What is indicated by the hedonistic paradox?
Why is pleasure not considered a primary purpose in performing activities?
Why is pleasure not considered a primary purpose in performing activities?
How does electrical stimulation of the brain relate to pleasure?
How does electrical stimulation of the brain relate to pleasure?
What role does pleasure play in natural functions according to the analysis?
What role does pleasure play in natural functions according to the analysis?
Which of the following examples illustrates the relationship between pleasure and activity?
Which of the following examples illustrates the relationship between pleasure and activity?
Why might someone choose to avoid electrical brain stimulation for pleasure?
Why might someone choose to avoid electrical brain stimulation for pleasure?
What is a common misconception about pleasure?
What is a common misconception about pleasure?
How do the psychological perspectives view the faculty of pleasure?
How do the psychological perspectives view the faculty of pleasure?
Flashcards
Epicurean Pleasure
Epicurean Pleasure
Pleasure, in the Epicurean sense, is not just sensory experience but freedom from pain in the body and trouble in the mind.
Hedonism
Hedonism
The ethical theory that pleasure is the highest good and the proper aim of human action.
Egoism
Egoism
The ethical theory that one's self-interest is the foundation of morality.
Hobbes' Hedonism
Hobbes' Hedonism
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Bentham's Hedonism
Bentham's Hedonism
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Sovereign Masters
Sovereign Masters
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Political State
Political State
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Greatest Happiness Principle
Greatest Happiness Principle
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Act Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism
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Rule Utilitarianism
Rule Utilitarianism
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Ideal Utilitarianism
Ideal Utilitarianism
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Intuitionism
Intuitionism
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Combined Utilitarianism and Intuitionims
Combined Utilitarianism and Intuitionims
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Empirical Induction
Empirical Induction
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Hedonism's problem
Hedonism's problem
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Hedonism & Society
Hedonism & Society
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Moral life & Pleasure
Moral life & Pleasure
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Sole Motivator
Sole Motivator
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Personal & Community Happiness
Personal & Community Happiness
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Utilitarianism & Hedonism
Utilitarianism & Hedonism
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Supreme Sacrifice
Supreme Sacrifice
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Act Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism
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Rule Utilitarianism
Rule Utilitarianism
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Disinformation
Disinformation
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Principle of Utility
Principle of Utility
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Preservation of all life
Preservation of all life
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Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
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Egoistic Hedonism
Egoistic Hedonism
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Social Consequences
Social Consequences
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Public Welfare
Public Welfare
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Future Generations
Future Generations
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Measuring Happiness
Measuring Happiness
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Moral Standard
Moral Standard
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Social Reform
Social Reform
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Pleasure as an Accompaniment
Pleasure as an Accompaniment
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Hedonistic Paradox
Hedonistic Paradox
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Brain Stimulation Pleasure
Brain Stimulation Pleasure
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Purpose of Abilities
Purpose of Abilities
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Pleasure and Natural Functions
Pleasure and Natural Functions
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Real-Life Pleasure
Real-Life Pleasure
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No Special Pleasure Faculty
No Special Pleasure Faculty
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Pleasure and Life Goals
Pleasure and Life Goals
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Study Notes
Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to define different kinds of relativism.
- Students should be able to distinguish between hedonism and utilitarianism.
- Students should be able to apply the concept of subjective morality.
Pleasure
- Pleasure can be defined in two ways:
- Sensations and feelings resulting from bodily stimulation, opposite to bodily pain.
- Experiences enjoyed, liked, or found satisfying, opposite to painful or unenjoyable experiences.
- Both definitions involve the person apprehending pleasure as worthy of desire.
The Problem of the Good Life
- Achieving a truly satisfying life is difficult, even in ideal circumstances, due to the possibility of misuse of opportunities.
- Philosophy aims to help us avoid unhappiness and achieve a more satisfying life.
- Pleasure is considered a possible candidate for a satisfying life.
Hedonism
- An ethical theory that posits pleasure as the highest good.
- Different forms of hedonism exist:
- Egoistic hedonism: Focuses on personal pleasure.
- Altruistic hedonism (utilitarianism): Seeks the pleasure of all people.
- Hedonism has persisted throughout history and is lived by many regardless of conscious philosophy.
- Aristippus and Epicurus, early proponents connected pleasure with physical sensations,
- Epicurus refined this to include a lasting peace of mind, not intense pleasure.
- Bentham expanded on this including pleasures of intellect and emotion.
- Utilitarianism, championed by Mill, emphasized the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Pleasure is considered a component of a good life but not the only element.
Utilitarianism
- Focuses on the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- It considers consequences of actions, not just individual pleasure, in evaluating morality.
- Bentham viewed pleasure and pain as governing human activity.
- Mill expanded on Bentham, recognizing different qualities of pleasures.
- Critics argue that utilitarianism may lead to sacrificing individual well-being for the greater good.
- Utilitarianism is a response to egoistic hedonism but can be considered a more complex form of hedonism focused on the group rather than the individual.
The Place of Pleasure in the Good Life
- Pleasure is essential to human experience.
- An extreme focus on pleasure (hedonism) can be problematic.
- An extreme rejection of pleasure (puritanical spirit) is also problematic.
- A balanced approach is necessary for a fulfilling life.
Critique of Hedonism and Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism's focus on consequences may lead to morally problematic actions, such as sacrificing individuals for the greater good.
- The subjective value of pleasure for the individual can be overlooked in utilitarian calculations.
- The hedonistic emphasis on pleasure as the ultimate good neglects other important aspects of human life, such as virtue and duty.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of hedonism and relativism in ethics. This quiz will help you understand the definitions of pleasure, the complexities of a satisfying life, and how subjective morality plays a role in ethical theory. Test your knowledge on distinguishing between different kinds of relativism and the principles of utilitarianism.