Rule
Who is the main thinker of rule utilitarianism?
Mill
Who is associated with act utilitarianism?
Bentham
According to Bentham, what are the most moral acts?
Those that maximise pleasure and minimise pain
What would strong rule utilitarians say?
Follow strict rules and is deontological, based on act not the outcome.
Where does the word 'utilitarianism' come from?
Utility/usefulness
What is a higher pleasure?
Pleasures that make people happy because they are progressive
How do act utilitarians make a moral decision?
Using the hedonic calculus
How does Bentham say moral acts should be measured?
Hedonic calculus
When does Mill want humans to become utilitarians?
when 2 moral rules come into conflict
What are some weaknesses of utilitarianism?
Hedonic calculus is hard to apply.
How did Mill try to define utilitarianism?
In a way that made it practical to use when creating rules for society.
What is Benthams ethical system based on and what is it?
Ancient hedonism which pursues physical pleasure and avoided physical pain.
What is a positive of the hedonic calculus?
The consequentialist nature allows us to apply utilitarianism to our own situations
What did Mill famously say?
"it is better to be socrates dissatisfied, than a pig satisfied"
What type of theory is utilitarianism?
Teleological
What did Mill believe and what does this make him?
Empiricist: one who believed that all knowledge was based on experience.
Would Bentham disagree with animal testing and why?
Yes: Anything that has the ability to suffer should be included in the measurement of the consequences
What is a positive about act utilitarianism?
It is egalitarian, meaning everyone is treated equally.
Was Mill a strong utilitarian?
He was nether strong or weak as he thinks certain rules have a utilitarian justification.
How do Mill and Bentham differ?
Unlike Bentham, Mill thought previous experiences did help us make decisions.
What did Sidgwick say regarding Act Utilitarianism?
how do we decide between higher and lower pleasures. Suggests that an act is moral if the intention is to create the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
How does MacIntyre reject Act Utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism allows horrendous acts to be permitted just because a majority wants it.
What is the principle of utility?
Greatest good for the greatest amount of people
How did Mill try to define utilitarianism?
in a way that made it practical to use when creating rules for society
What would a strong rule utilitarian say? Provide an example
You can never break rules. e.g. "do not lie" even if an axe murderer comes to your door asking where your loved one is.