Utilitarianism: The Ethical Theory

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does utilitarianism primarily determine to define right behavior?

It is determined by the moral values of the individual.

It is determined by the usefulness of the action's consequences. (correct)

It is determined by the ethical rules of society.

It is determined by religious beliefs and doctrines.

Who are the two foremost thinkers associated with utilitarianism?

Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill (correct)

Aristotle and Socrates

David Hume and John Locke

According to Bentham, which two factors govern human actions?

Justice and fairness

Knowledge and ignorance

Duty and obligation

Pleasure and pain (correct)

What is the principle of utility primarily concerned with?

Guiding actions based on the desire for pleasure and avoidance of pain. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill's perspective on happiness relate to pleasure?

Happiness is equated with pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for pleasure to be considered 'good' in utilitarian terms?

Pleasure must produce more happiness than unhappiness. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do utilitarian thinkers emphasize about actions?

Actions are directed towards achieving the greatest pleasure for the most people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'utility' in the context of utilitarianism?

It denotes the usefulness of actions and their consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill believe should be considered when evaluating pleasures?

Pleasures must be distinguished qualitatively. Signup and view all the answers

According to Mill, what can lead to degradation in a person's moral standing?

Pursuing only base or sensual pleasures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of fecundity in the context of evaluating actions?

The potential for an action to lead to opposite sensations afterward. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill's view differ from Bentham's regarding pleasure?

Mill argues for the quality of pleasure being as important as its quantity. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill imply about human pleasures compared to animal pleasures?

They are qualitatively different and should not be compared. Signup and view all the answers

What example does Mill provide to illustrate the importance of quality over quantity in pleasure?

The experience of having a balanced diet. Signup and view all the answers

Which dimension of pleasure does the concept of extent refer to?

The number of individuals affected by pleasure or pain. Signup and view all the answers

What moral implication does Mill suggest regarding the pursuit of crudely bestial pleasures?

They lead to overall moral degradation. Signup and view all the answers

What does utilitarianism primarily focus on in moral evaluation?

The greatest happiness for the greatest number of people Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best reflects Mill's perspective on rights?

Rights are justified if they contribute to the general good Signup and view all the answers

According to utilitarianism, how is moral value determined?

By the amount of pleasure or pain produced Signup and view all the answers

What concern arises from utilitarianism's focus on the greatest happiness?

It could justify ignoring individual rights for the majority's benefit Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill's view extend to the rights of animals?

Animals have rights because they affect overall happiness positively Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of utilitarianism on social justice?

It integrates justice and rights to enhance overall happiness Signup and view all the answers

What is one major critique of utilitarianism regarding individual rights?

It can lead to sacrificing individual rights for collective happiness Signup and view all the answers

How does utilitarianism define the concept of justice?

Justice is a respect for rights towards collective happiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary justification for actions according to Mill's view on justice?

The principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill differentiate between types of pleasures?

By their intellectual versus sensual nature Signup and view all the answers

According to Mill, what can occasionally justify overriding individual rights?

Promoting overall societal welfare Signup and view all the answers

What do Bentham and Mill agree upon in their views of moral good?

Moral good equates to pleasure for the majority Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill's view of rights differ from an absolute perspective?

Rights are seen as flexible and situationally dependent Signup and view all the answers

What is Bentham's felicific calculus aimed at assessing?

The comparative value of different pleasures Signup and view all the answers

What is a key criticism of utilitarianism that Mill addresses?

It neglects absolute moral truths Signup and view all the answers

In Mill's view, what becomes paramount in assessing justice?

The contribution to the social good Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for determining which pleasure is preferable according to Mill?

Experiences and actual preferences Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill illustrate the difference between human and animal pleasures?

By asking about the value of human qualities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects Mill's view on utilitarianism?

It considers the happiness of the greatest number. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill suggest about preferences that are deeply integrated into daily life?

They are difficult to compare without experience. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does Mill suggest if one's actions only lead to personal satisfaction?

They may not constitute a moral good. Signup and view all the answers

Which best represents the preference Mill believes people have regarding higher intellectual pleasures?

They are preferred over purely sensual ones. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pleasures does Mill consider when comparing the life of a pig to that of Socrates?

Swinish pleasures Signup and view all the answers

What role do sacrifices play in Mill's utilitarian framework?

They can enhance happiness for others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory emphasizing the goodness of pleasure and the determination of right action based on the usefulness of its consequences.
This theory suggests that pleasure is good, and an action's goodness is measured by its usefulness.
Actions are considered good if they bring the greatest pleasure and least pain to the greatest number of people.
The theory's root word "utility" refers to the usefulness of an action's consequences.

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are considered the foremost utilitarian thinkers.

The Principle of Utility

Bentham argues that our actions are governed by two "sovereign masters": pleasure and pain.
These masters guide us in determining what is good or bad and what should be done or not done.
The principle of utility encompasses our subjection to these masters.
It suggests that our actions are motivated by avoiding pain and seeking pleasure.
It also states that pleasure is good only if it produces more happiness than unhappiness.
Bentham equates happiness with pleasure.
Mill supports Bentham's principle, reiterating that moral good is happiness and happiness is pleasure.
Mill clarifies that intended pleasure leads to happiness, while the privation of pleasure causes unhappiness.
Good things produce happiness and pleasure, while bad things produce unhappiness and pain.

Dimensions of Pleasure and Pain

According to Mill, actions should be evaluated considering three dimensions: intensity, duration, and fecundity (chance of being followed by sensations of the opposite kind).
Extent refers to the number of people affected by the pleasure or pain.
Bentham suggests that pleasure and pain can only be measured quantitatively and not qualitatively.
Mill disagrees with Bentham's single scale of pleasure and argues that pleasures should be distinguished qualitatively.
He argues that there are higher intellectual pleasures and lower base pleasures, with humans being capable of seeking and desiring higher intellectual pleasures.

Quality vs. Quantity of Pleasure

Mill believes that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to pleasure.
Excess of even pleasurable things can lead to pain.
The test for determining which of two pleasures is preferable is to experience both and discover which one is actually more preferred.

Greatest Happiness Principle

Utilitarianism emphasizes the pursuit of not just individual pleasure, but also the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people affected by our actions.
This principle promotes the idea that moral good involves considering everyone's happiness, including our own, when evaluating moral actions.
It is not about satisfying only ourselves and excludes selfish acts.
Utilitarianism advocates for maximizing total pleasure over displeasure for the greatest number of people.
The focus lies on the best consequence for the highest number of people and not the intention of the person acting.

Justice and Moral Rights

Mill defines justice as respecting rights, aligning with society's pursuit of the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
Rights are valid claims on society justified by utility.
Rights are related to interests that serve general happiness, like the right to due process, free speech, and religion.
These rights contribute to the general good and make society happier.
Utilitarians are also strong advocates for animal rights, as these rights contribute to overall happiness.
Justification for rights originates from the principle of utility, where they produce more happiness than their implementation.

Mill's View on Justice

While Mill believes justice promotes the greater social good, he recognizes situations where individual rights might be overridden for the sake of greater happiness.
He argues that this is only justifiable if the act produces more happiness than unhappiness.
Justice is not an absolute concept, but rather justified by its consequences in promoting the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Summary

Both Bentham and Mill believe that moral good is pleasure, pursuing not just self-gratification, but also the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people.
They advocate for actions that increase pleasure and decrease pain for the most number of people.
Bentham proposes the felicific calculus, a framework for quantifying moral valuation, while Mill offers criteria for comparing different types of pleasures.
Mill supports rights, arguing that they are socially protected interests justified by their contribution to the greatest happiness principle.
He acknowledges that in extreme situations, individual rights can be overridden to prioritize general welfare.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the foundations of Utilitarianism, an ethical theory that emphasizes pleasure and the usefulness of actions' consequences. Discover the insights of key thinkers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, and understand how the principle of utility guides moral decisions based on pleasure and pain.