Utilitarianism

• What is the principle of utility according to Bentham?

  Greatest happiness for the greatest number
• How does utilitarianism differ from egoism?

  It is democratic, not egoistic
• What are the key components of the hedonic calculus?

  1. Duration: How long pleasure lasts
  2. Intensity: How strong the pleasure is
  3. Certainty: Likelihood of pleasure occurring
  4. Propinquity: How soon pleasure will occur
  5. Fecundity: Likelihood of producing more pleasure
  6. Purity: How free from pain the pleasure is
  7. Extent: How many people are affected
• What does the hedonic calculus measure?

  Quantity of pleasure and pain
• What does utilitarianism say about moral actions?

  They are assessed based on consequences
• What is the harm principle in utilitarianism?

  Interference is allowed if it prevents harm
• Under what conditions can personal liberty be interfered with?

  If a person is a child, mentally ill, mentally disabled, or uneducated
• What are the distinctions between higher and lower pleasures in utilitarianism?

  • Higher pleasures: Intellectual and mental satisfaction
  • Lower pleasures: Bodily and physical satisfaction
• How does utilitarianism assess the morality of actions?

  Based on their consequences and outcomes
• What is the significance of the term 'consequentialism' in utilitarianism?

  It emphasizes outcomes over intentions
• What does the term 'teleological' refer to in utilitarianism?

  Means are justified by their ends
• What is the role of happiness in utilitarian philosophy?

  It is the ultimate goal of moral actions
• How does utilitarianism view intrinsic good or bad?

  There are no absolutes; context matters
• What is the focus of utilitarianism in decision-making?

  Maximizing overall happiness and minimizing pain
• What is one unit of pleasure according to Bentham?

  Hedone
• Act utilitarianism:

  Bentham
• Rule utilitarianism:

  Mill
• What kind of theory is act utilitarianism?

  Relativistic, consequentionalist, and teleological
• What kind of theory is rule utilitarianism?

  It is a teleological/deontological hybrid
• “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied. It is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied”
• What is Bentham act utilitarianism?

  Hedonistic and secular