Utilitarianism Concepts and Theories

A philosophy that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences and whether it maximizes overall happiness or well-being.

A type of utilitarianism where the focus is on maximizing happiness by following general rules, even if those rules lead to undesirable outcomes in specific cases.

A type of utilitarianism where the focus is on maximizing happiness by analyzing the consequences of each individual action.

A key principle in utilitarianism stating that individuals should be free to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't harm others.

A theory that explains the origins of society and government as agreements between individuals to form an organized community.

A person who favors promoting the well-being of all sentient beings, regardless of species.

The act of evaluating the consequences of an action to determine its ethical value.

A political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty and limited government intervention in the lives of citizens.

A moral paradox where an action might seem good on the surface but has hidden negative consequences.

Acting based on principles that you believe could be universally applied without creating contradictions or inconsistencies. It emphasizes consistency and universality in moral decision-making.

A system of ethics that focuses on a person's character and virtue rather than on specific rules or consequences.

A philosophy that emphasizes the importance of human capabilities and freedoms, promoting a life of flourishing and well-being for everyone.

The concept of happiness and well-being, particularly as it relates to living a virtuous and fulfilling life. It's not just an emotional state but a deeper sense of flourishing.

Practical wisdom, grounded in lived experience and the ability to make sound judgments about what is good and right in a given situation.

The ability to act justly based on rational principles and a concern for the equal rights and freedoms of all individuals.

A state with strong legal frameworks and governance, focusing on upholding the rule of law and ensuring the equal rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Authority based on following established procedures or rules, focusing on the process rather than the individual's expertise.

Authority stemming from an individual's knowledge, expertise, or recognized position, demonstrating their influence.

The conflict arising when individuals are required to act against their personal beliefs or reasoning due to authority, highlighting a tension between individual thought and collective action.

The difference between authority based on the aims and goals it seeks to achieve versus its adherence to specified methods and rules.

International authority, according to realism, is derived from the power held by individual states, emphasizing national sovereignty and survival.

International authority, according to liberalism, is dispersed among states, intergovernmental organizations, and private actors, suggesting authority is not solely concentrated within individual states.

Challenges in establishing international laws, as seen in the case of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, which lacks legal status due to insufficient agreement among states.

The process by which informal guidelines and practices evolve into formal, recognized international laws, with the Geneva Conventions as an example.

A philosophy that sees life as having a purpose or goal. This purpose is to live virtuously, balancing one's potentials and striving toward excellence in character.

The idea that true happiness and well-being come from living virtuously by finding a balance between extremes in our character. For example, courage exists between cowardice and recklessness.

A moral framework that evaluates social arrangements based on how well they promote individual freedom to choose and achieve things they value, such as education, health, or relationships.

A list of 10 fundamental capabilities that every democracy should strive to promote, including life, health, bodily integrity, senses, imagination, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, interaction with nature, play, and control over one's environment.

The process by which individuals achieve self-awareness and freedom through mutual recognition and acknowledgment of each other's autonomy and dignity in social contexts.

A societal environment that hinders individual development and the pursuit of eudaimonia, often by promoting cultural values that discourage intellectual growth.

A problem that explores the relationship between morality and divine will. It asks whether something is good because God commands it or if God commands it because it's inherently good.

The belief that morality is determined solely by God's commands. Actions are right because God commands them, and wrong because He forbids them.

The idea that moral principles are based on reason and can be understood independently of divine revelation. We can discover these principles by observing the natural order and using our intellect.

The idea that a military action should be taken only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, even if those risks involve harm to civilians.

The principle that military actions during war should be limited to targeting military objectives and minimizing harm to civilians.

The principle that only military targets should be targeted during war, and civilian casualties should be avoided as much as possible.

A situation where a military action unintentionally causes harm to civilians as a side effect of targeting a legitimate military objective.

The dilemma of choosing between harming civilians to achieve a military objective, or failing to achieve the objective and potentially facing greater harm.

The situation where a leader has to make a morally questionable decision to achieve a greater good, often involving the harm of innocent people.

The idea that the United Nations should take action to prevent atrocities and protect civilians, even if it means intervening militarily.

A situation where a country is unable to defend itself against an aggressor due to overwhelming military power.