Utilitarianism and John Stuart Mill
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Questions and Answers

______ rights draw an intransgressible boundary and are never permissible to infringe upon for any reason.

Absolute

______ rights leave states some room for manoeuvre to act in the name of security, public safety, or economic wellbeing under certain conditions.

Relative

______ justifies infringements on rights and liberties based on societal consequences.

Consequentialism

In liberalism, ______ is considered intrinsic, enabling autonomy and moral development.

<p>liberty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Waldron argues that debates on liberty and security are better understood as conflicts between different ______, not a balance between liberty and security.

<p>liberties</p> Signup and view all the answers

Actions are moral only when performed out of respect for the ______ law, not self- interest or emotion.

<p>moral</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] allows individuals to choose to act out of duty, ensuring motives align with moral principles.

<p>Freedom</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is the obligation to follow the moral law, regardless of personal desires or consequences.

<p>Duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kantian ethics emphasises doing the right thing for the right ______, rather than acting based on outcomes.

<p>reason</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kant: People are guided by freedom and ______, acting autonomously.

<p>reason</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is something that is measurable, comparable, and exchangeable.

<p>Value</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is intrinsic, absolute, and beyond any price or equivalence, a quality reserved for rational beings.

<p>Dignity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rational beings possess ______ because of their autonomy and capacity for moral reasoning.

<p>dignity</p> Signup and view all the answers

We must respect others’ ______, never using them merely as tools for personal goals.

<p>dignity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Act only on maxims that could become ______ laws, reflecting the equal dignity of all rational beings.

<p>universal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Utilitarianism is criticized for being hard to measure ______.

<p>utility</p> Signup and view all the answers

A criticism of utilitarianism is that it cannot accurately predict the ______ of an act or rule.

<p>consequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, freedom is self-______, following one's rational laws, not desires.

<p>legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kant asserts that humans are ______ beings, and their reason allows them to be free.

<p>rational</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ imperative is the unconditional law of morality in Kant's philosophy.

<p>categorical</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first formulation of Kant's categorical imperative states to act only on maxims you want to be ______ law.

<p>universal</p> Signup and view all the answers

The second formulation of the categorical imperative says to treat others as ______, not merely as means to an end.

<p>ends</p> Signup and view all the answers

For Kant, morality is about acting out of ______, not the outcomes of the action.

<p>duty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Innate freedom is defined as the natural ______ of every individual to act according to their will.

<p>independence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acting morally means acting out of duty, following principles rationally ______ by oneself.

<p>legislated</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bentham, people seek ______ and avoid pain.

<p>pleasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bentham's philosophy promotes the moral principle of maximizing ______.

<p>utility</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bentham, law is a system of ______ to act efficiently.

<p>incentives</p> Signup and view all the answers

One criticism of Bentham's utilitarianism is its lack of respect for ______ rights.

<p>human</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mill advocates for individual freedom by aligning utilitarianism with ______.

<p>liberalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

John Stuart Mill is known for endorsing the ______ Principle.

<p>Harm</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ argues that dignity has intrinsic value and cannot be traded off.

<p>Kant</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bentham supports government actions that benefit the greatest ______ of people.

<p>number</p> Signup and view all the answers

If harm is self-inflicted, the ______ should not intervene.

<p>state</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rights are not absolute but dependent on their societal ______.

<p>context</p> Signup and view all the answers

Act utilitarianism considers whether any proposed action will result in increasing the average ______.

<p>welfare</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rule utilitarianism asks what rule is best instituted to increase universal ______.

<p>welfare</p> Signup and view all the answers

Utility, in utilitarianism, corresponds to benefit/overall welfare or the greatest happiness for the greatest number of ______.

<p>people</p> Signup and view all the answers

The guiding principles of utilitarianism include rational ______ on the morality of decisions.

<p>calculations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pleasure and pain are our sovereign ______.

<p>masters</p> Signup and view all the answers

The highest principle of morality is to maximise ______, the overall balance of pleasure and pain.

<p>utility</p> Signup and view all the answers

Act utilitarianism would justify torture to benefit the greatest ______.

<p>number</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rule utilitarianism might conclude that authorising torture as a rule diminishes societal ______.

<p>welfare</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Utilitarianism

Focuses on maximizing overall happiness by balancing pleasure over pain.

Pleasure and Pain Principle (Bentham)

The belief that people naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain, which drives their actions.

The Morality of Actions (Utilitarianism)

Judged based on its consequences for maximizing overall happiness.

Freedom and Individuality (Mill)

Liberty promotes individual development and makes humans unique. The state should protect and promote individual freedoms.

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Harm Principle (Mill)

The state should only limit individual freedom if it harms others.

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Law as Economic Incentive (Bentham)

The state can use laws to incentivize efficient behavior and maximize overall happiness.

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Individuals as Experiencers (Bentham)

Individuals are viewed as experiencers of pleasure and pain, not as beings with intrinsic value.

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Criticism of Utilitarianism: Justice and Human Rights

Utilitarianism can neglect individual rights and fairness in favor of maximizing overall happiness.

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Act Utilitarianism

A version of utilitarianism where the morality of each individual action is judged based on its potential to maximize overall happiness.

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Rule Utilitarianism

A version of utilitarianism where the morality of a rule is judged based on its potential to maximize overall happiness.

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Ticking Bomb Scenario

A thought experiment where a ticking bomb threatens many lives. Utilitarianism suggests that torturing someone to find the bomb location could be justified, as it would save more lives.

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Rights Depend on Progress

The belief that individual rights depend on their societal context and cannot be considered absolute.

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Moral Balance

The concept that not all infringements on individual rights can be justified solely by utilitarian outcomes.

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Utility

The overall welfare or well-being of individuals in a society.

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Pleasure and Pain

In utilitarianism, the goal is to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of people.

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Rational Calculations

The idea that decisions should be based on rational calculations of their possible consequences.

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Moral Dilemma

A situation where one must choose between two options, both with negative consequences, hoping to minimize overall harm.

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Measuring Utility

The difficulty in accurately measuring happiness or well-being for all individuals involved in a decision.

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Predicting Consequences

Utilitarianism's challenge with predicting future consequences of actions or rules, making it hard to determine the best course of action.

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Deontology

A philosophical approach focusing on duty and principles rather than consequences.

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Human Dignity

The inherent worth and freedom of every individual, rooted in their ability to reason and make choices.

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Autonomy

The ability to govern oneself through reason and self-imposed laws, rather than external forces.

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Categorical Imperative

A universal moral law stating that actions should be based on principles that could be applied universally without contradiction.

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Motive over Consequence

The idea that moral worth is judged based on the intention behind an action, not its outcome.

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Innate Freedom

The freedom to act according to one's will, constrained only by the rights of others.

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Moral Action

Acting according to one's own rationally legislated principles, based on universal laws.

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Absolute Rights

Rights that are fundamental and cannot be infringed upon under any circumstances, regardless of the potential benefits. Examples include freedom from torture, slavery, and genocide.

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Relative Rights

Rights that allow for some leeway in their application based on specific circumstances, particularly for security or public safety. Examples include freedom of association, right to private and family life, and right to liberty.

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Consequentialism

A philosophical approach that justifies actions based on their consequences for maximizing overall well-being. It emphasizes maximizing good outcomes for the greatest number of people.

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Liberalism

A political and ethical philosophy that prioritizes individual liberty and autonomy. It emphasizes protecting fundamental rights and liberties, arguing that they are essential for human flourishing.

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Waldon's Argument on Liberties vs. Security

The idea that debates about liberty and security are better understood as conflicts between different liberties rather than a trade-off between liberty and security. It argues that restricting liberties doesn't necessarily enhance security and can even undermine it.

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Kant's Moral Law

Actions are morally right only when performed out of respect for the moral law, not for personal gain or emotions.

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Duty in Kantian Ethics

The obligation to follow moral principles regardless of personal desires or potential consequences.

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Freedom in Kantian Ethics

The ability to choose to act out of duty, ensuring our motives align with moral principles.

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Dignity in Kantian Ethics

A quality of rational beings that cannot be measured, replaced, or traded. It signifies the inherent worth of every individual.

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Value in Kantian Ethics

Something that is measured, compared, exchanged, and replaceable. Material goods or services that serve human desires.

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Humanity as an End in Itself

Never using another person solely as a means to achieve our own goals. We must respect their inherent dignity.

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Beyond Price: Dignity

Dignity cannot be sacrificed or replaced for greater utility. Moral principles protect the inherent worth of individuals.

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Universal Law

Act only on maxims that could become universal laws, reflecting the equal dignity of all rational beings.

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Truth vs Lying in Kant's Ethics

Lying cannot be universalised because it undermines truth and violates the dignity of those being lied to.

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Kantian Ethics: Motive vs. Outcome

Kantian ethics emphasizes doing the right thing for the right reason, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

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Study Notes

Utilitarianism (Bentham and Mill)

  • Pleasure and pain: People seek pleasure and avoid pain.
  • Maximising utility: The most moral principle is maximising overall happiness (pleasure over pain).
  • Consequences matter: The morality of an action is judged by its outcomes.
  • Government and law: Should strive for the greatest good for the greatest number.
  • Law and economics: Law should be designed using economic principles to maximize overall happiness.
  • Criticisms: Ignores human rights and fairness in distribution of happiness.
  • Justice vs. Calculation: Critics argue justice concerns fair distribution, not just calculation.
  • Measuring utility: Difficult to quantify pleasure/pain/happiness.
  • Non-consequentialist objections: Critics argue dignity/intrinsic value cannot be reduced to calculations.

John Stuart Mill

  • Defender of liberty: Mill argues for individual freedom as essential for human flourishing.
  • On Liberty: Aims for maximising freedoms, state should limit only to curb harm to others.
  • Harm principle: State intervention is justified only to prevent harm to others.

Act Utilitarianism

  • Considers the consequences of each individual action.
  • Aims to improve overall welfare by maximizing good (e.g., torture to save many)
  • Requires assessing pros and cons of actions.

Rule Utilitarianism

  • Considers the consequences of general rules or actions.
  • Focuses on whether rules would best promote happiness in the long term.
  • Torture rule might be rejected as harmful, even if an individual case might seem to justify it.

Criticisms of Utilitarianism

  • Rights and progress: Rights importance depends on broader social progress and utility.
  • Moral balance: Individual rights can't always be explained using utilitarian calculations.

Deontology (Immanuel Kant)

  • Human dignity and autonomy: Freedom is self-legislation; rational beings can be free.
  • Categorical imperative: Act only according to principles you can reasonably universalise or want others to follow.
  • Treat others as ends, not means: Treat people with respect (don't use them as tools to achieve something).
  • Motive over consequence: Morality is judged by motive (duty) not outcomes.
  • Criticisms: Can be overly inflexible (e.g., the "terror case")
  • Innate freedom: Self determined, limited only by others' rights.
  • link to morality: Acting morally involves acting out of a sense of duty in accordance with principles.

Kant's Distinction between Value and Dignity

  • Value: Measurable, comparable, replaceable.
  • Dignity: Intrinsic, absolute, cannot be traded, reserved for rational beings.

Liberty and Security

  • Consequentialism: Justifies infringements on rights/liberties based on consequences.
  • Liberalism: Recognizes inherent value in liberty, but acknowledges that security can limit rights in some cases for overall benefit in some scenarios.
  • Conflict between liberties: Conflicts between different rights, security, or liberties, not a balance between liberty and security.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of Utilitarianism as proposed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. This quiz delves into the principles of maximizing utility, the role of government in ensuring the greatest happiness, and critiques of these philosophical ideas. Test your understanding of both classical and contemporary discussions on liberty and morality.

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