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Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are considered the classic founders of the ethics of utilitarianism.
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are considered the classic founders of the ethics of utilitarianism.
True
Utilitarianism is based on the idea that everyone desires pleasure and happiness.
Utilitarianism is based on the idea that everyone desires pleasure and happiness.
True
Utilitarianism aims to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism aims to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of people.
True
Utilitarianism solely focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain, and does not consider other ethical factors such as justice or fairness.
Utilitarianism solely focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain, and does not consider other ethical factors such as justice or fairness.
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Utilitarianism aims to identify moral goodness through commands of God, dictates of reason, or fulfillment of human nature.
Utilitarianism aims to identify moral goodness through commands of God, dictates of reason, or fulfillment of human nature.
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Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill built upon the work of previous British empiricists like Locke, Berkeley, and Hume.
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill built upon the work of previous British empiricists like Locke, Berkeley, and Hume.
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What is the name of Bentham's work that outlines the principles of morals and legislations?
What is the name of Bentham's work that outlines the principles of morals and legislations?
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According to Bentham, what are the two "sovereign masters" that govern human behavior?
According to Bentham, what are the two "sovereign masters" that govern human behavior?
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Bentham believed that the principle of utility could be proven through a series of logical arguments.
Bentham believed that the principle of utility could be proven through a series of logical arguments.
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Bentham argued that theories like those of Kant, Hobbes, Aristotle, and Plato were either reducible to the principle of utility or were inferior to it.
Bentham argued that theories like those of Kant, Hobbes, Aristotle, and Plato were either reducible to the principle of utility or were inferior to it.
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Bentham believed that the social contract theory, as illustrated by Hobbes, requires the principle of utility for its justification.
Bentham believed that the social contract theory, as illustrated by Hobbes, requires the principle of utility for its justification.
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Bentham believed that both primary and secondary evils should be considered by legislators when making laws.
Bentham believed that both primary and secondary evils should be considered by legislators when making laws.
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Bentham argued that punishment can be justified only if it achieves a greater good for the community.
Bentham argued that punishment can be justified only if it achieves a greater good for the community.
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Bentham believed that the concept of “retribution” or revenge has no legitimate place in a utilitarian system of punishment.
Bentham believed that the concept of “retribution” or revenge has no legitimate place in a utilitarian system of punishment.
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According to Bentham, in which of the following situations should punishment NOT be inflicted?
According to Bentham, in which of the following situations should punishment NOT be inflicted?
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Bentham argued that private ethics should be used to regulate sexual immorality, as it is not appropriate for government intervention.
Bentham argued that private ethics should be used to regulate sexual immorality, as it is not appropriate for government intervention.
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Bentham believed that the primary purpose of law is to encourage actions that lead to the greatest happiness of the community.
Bentham believed that the primary purpose of law is to encourage actions that lead to the greatest happiness of the community.
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Study Notes
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
- Bentham (1748-1832) and Mill (1806-1873) are considered founders of utilitarianism.
- Utilitarianism promotes actions producing greatest good for greatest number.
- Utilitarianism is appealing for its simplicity; the belief that people desire pleasure and happiness.
- Utilitarianism seeks to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
- Utilitarianism offers scientific accuracy, unlike other ethical theories (e.g., commands of God, reason, human nature).
Principle of Utility (PU)
- PU is the standard for determining right and wrong actions; it considers pleasure and pain.
- PU determines actions that increase happiness and reduce pain for the greatest number.
- Utilitarianism doesn't need proof for the validity of the principle.
- It rejects theories based on higher powers, duty or purpose.
Pleasure-Pain Calculus
- Used to evaluate actions based on the intensity, duration, certainty, and propinquity (nearness) of pleasure and pain.
- Considers fecundity (likelihood of further pleasure), purity (likelihood of further pain), and extent (number of people affected).
- Actions are judged by the balance of pleasure and pain.
Law and Punishment
- Law's role is to deter acts causing community harm.
- Utilitarian approach to punishment: punishment is a pain and should aim to prevent future, greater pain.
- Punishment is not justified when:
- It lacks a basis.
- It is ineffective.
- It is unprofitable (inefficient).
- It is unnecessary.
- Utilitarianism suggests considering the total overall happiness of community.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of utilitarianism as introduced by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. This quiz delves into critical ideas such as the Principle of Utility and the pleasure-pain calculus, offering insights into how these thinkers defined right and wrong actions. Test your understanding of how these principles seek to maximize happiness for the greatest number.
