Utilitarianism

• What does Bentham mean by ‘pain‘

  Bad outcome
• What does Bentham mean by ’pleasure’

  A good outcome
• What is Bentham's principle of utility?

  ’greatest good for the greatest number of people‘
• How does utilitarianism help in decision-making?

  • Governs our lives
  • Achieves good for the greatest number
• What does Singer argue about animals?

  they should be included in the outcome
• What are the 7 stages of the 'Hedonic Calculus'?

  Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity, Fecundity, Purity, Extent
• Why are lower pleasures considered addictive?

  they stimulate the body and give temporary happiness
• What do democratic societies say about utilitarianism? (+ao2)

  • Values the needs of the majority and seeks the fairest result
  • fits into modern democratic societies
• how do organisations positively criticise utilitarianism (ao2)

  • helps to ensure that ethical decisions are made
  • helps make decisions that affect large numbers of people
• What is Rule Utilitarianism?

  • Associated with Mill
  • Argued humans have developed key rules to avoid harm eg no killing
  • however some rules can be broken if it leads to the greatest good
• What is Act Utilitarianism?

  • Associated with Bentham
  • each Situation is unique so we shouldn’t follow rules that don’t maximise happiness
  • most useful for individuals
• how does the 'Tyranny of the Majority' criticise utilitarianism? (-Ao2) - Ross

  It can be used to justify morally wrong actions that deliberately inflict pain

  eg the holocaust or slavery
• What are the problems with calculating happiness in utilitarianism?

  Measuring happiness is subjective
• What is a criticism of Act utilitarianism (ao2)

  It’s complicated when involving large groups of people
• What is a criticism of Rule utilitarianism (ao2)

  Critics argue its an deontological view
• What are higher pleasures?

  Stimulate mind and give lasting pleasure

  Eg revising
• what does Popper say about utilitarianism ?

  it should focous on minimising pain instead of creating pleasure as we cant behave ethically if we are causing harm
• What’s a counterpoint for Poppers arguement (ao2)

  His response is only directed to Bentham
• What’s a counterpoint for Ross‘ arguement? (ao2)

  he misunderstands B&M arguments because society needs to be free from the pressure of decision-making
• What does Mill suggest about breaking rules?

  Rules can be broken for greater good
• how does problem with calculations negativity criticise utilitarianism? (-ao2)

  Some situations are too complex to calculate

  because unforeseen circumstances can cause pain, even if not intended
• What is the counterpoint with the calculation problem view? (-ao2)

  It’s dismissed by B&M