Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism

Learning Objectives

- Describe utilitarianism, including the utility principle, the hedonic calculus, and act and rule utilitarianism

- Apply different kinds of utilitarian thinking to different ethical issues

- Identify the distinctive contributions of important utilitarian philosophers, including Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, and Peter Singer

- Be aware of suggested strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism and make judgments about them in theory and practice

What do you already know about utilitarianism?

Overview of Utilitarianism

- Utilitarianism is an ethical theory proposed originally by Jeremy Bentham 

- Principle of utility or 'greatest happiness principle' 

- Rightness of an action determined by producing the greatest good for the greatest number

Key Philosophers

- Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)

 - John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

 - Peter Singer (1946-)

Key Terms

- Hedonism: belief that pleasure is the chief 'good'

- Act Utilitarianism: rightness or wrongness of individual acts calculated by the amount of happiness resulting from these acts

- Utility Principle: rightness or wrongness of an action determined by its usefulness

- Hedonic Calculus: utilitarian system to measure the effects of an action in terms of pleasure

Key Questions in Utilitarianism

- What is the greatest good for the greatest number?

- How do we measure pleasure and pain?

- Should we focus on the consequences of individual acts or adhere to general rules?

The Theory of Utilitarianism

- Developed by Jeremy Bentham 

 - Emphasises the pursuit of happiness and pleasure 

 - Actions are judged based on their overall utility

The Principle of Utility

- Actions are right if they produce the greatest good for the greatest number

- Utilitarianism aims to maximize overall happiness and well-being

The Hedonic Calculus

- Utilitarian system to measure pleasure and pain

- Considers intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent of pleasure or pain

Act and Rule Utilitarianism

- Act Utilitarianism: rightness or wrongness of individual acts calculated by the amount of happiness resulting from these acts

- Rule Utilitarianism: adherence to general rules that promote overall happiness

Summary

- Hedonism: pleasure is the chief 'good'

- Utility Principle: rightness or wrongness determined by usefulness

- Hedonic Calculus: measure pleasure or pain

- Act Utilitarianism: calculate happiness from individual acts