5 Questions
What is the basic idea behind utilitarianism?
To maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals
How did Jeremy Bentham define utility in the context of utilitarianism?
Property in any object that tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness
What distinguishes utilitarianism from other forms of consequentialism?
It considers the interests of all sentient beings equally
What does utilitarianism consider as the only standard of right and wrong?
The consequences of any action
How is utility often defined in utilitarianism?
In terms of well-being or related concepts
Study Notes
Utilitarianism Basics
- The basic idea behind utilitarianism is that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Jeremy Bentham's Definition of Utility
- Jeremy Bentham defined utility in the context of utilitarianism as the property of something that tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, or happiness.
Distinguishing Features of Utilitarianism
- What distinguishes utilitarianism from other forms of consequentialism is its focus on the overall happiness or well-being of all individuals affected by an action.
Standard of Right and Wrong
- In utilitarianism, the only standard of right and wrong is whether an action promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Definition of Utility in Utilitarianism
- In utilitarianism, utility is often defined as the pleasure, satisfaction, or happiness that an action produces, minus the pain, dissatisfaction, or unhappiness that it produces.
Test your knowledge of utilitarianism with this quiz! Explore the foundational principles of this ethical philosophy and its approach to maximizing happiness and well-being for all. See how well you understand the different varieties and key concepts of utilitarianism.
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