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Ancient Greek Philosophy
Teleological
Pleasure for the individual
Therefore the action which results in the most pleasure, is the right thing to do
Pleasure
Bentham believed that all human beings pursued pleasure and sought to avoid pain. He saw this as a moral fact, that pleasure and pain identify what we should and should not do.
Principle of Utility
The rightness or wrongness of an action can be determined by it's utility, or its usefulness
By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question; or, what is the same thing in other words, to promote or to oppose that happiness. I say of every action whatsoever; and therefore not, only of every action of a private individual, but of every measure of government
'An action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number'
where good is pleasure and the greatest number is the majority of society
Good therefore is the maximisation of pleasure and the minimisation of pain
Democracy
Hedonic Calculus
The Hedonic Calculus weighs up the pain and pleasure generated by the available moral actions to find the best option.
It considers 7 factors
Activity:
Devise a snakes and ladders game on Bentham's theory of Utilitarianism or you could plan a game involving cards with questions or situations requiring Utilitarian solutions
For Debate:
"The only good is pleasure, the only evil is pain"
Do you consider this to be a valid statement?
How useful would it be as a method of measuring actions?
Stretch and Challenge:
"It is vain to talk of the interests of the community, without understanding what is the interest of the individual"
How could Bentham use Utilitarian ethics to create laws?
Tasks:
"Nature has placed mankind under two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do"
Higher and Lower Pleasures
Preferences
Minimising Suffering
Happiness
Jeremy
Peter
John Stuart
Rule Utilitarianism
Activity:
Choose 2 different activities (eg. having a tattoo or studying for your A-Levels) and apply Bentham's Hedonic Calculus to them.
Quality not Quantity
Minority groups
Inaccurate prediction of consequences
Epicurus thought that pleasure was the main aim of life
It's straightforward and based on the single principle of minimising pain and maximising pleasure and happiness. A system which aims to create happier life for individuals and groups is attractive
It is good to consider the consequences, but as with any teleological ethical theory it is difficult to predict the consequences with any accuracy
based on consequences
It a popular approach to ethics as people do seek pleasure and avoid pain
Popular and Straightforward
Provides a clear mathematical method of deciding any course of action by balancing pleasure and pain
Universal
The end justifies the means
Advocates injustice
Utilitarianism justifies anything to happen so long as there is a good outcome. Surely there as some things that are simply bad regarless of the results they produce
The innocent man that is unjustly imprisoned framed for murder to prevent riots
During WWII the Nazi's carried out many experiments of the Jewish people. Amongst other things this involved;
All these experiments produced good outcomes, the nazi's and then the rest of the world discovered many useful ideas. Many would argue however that these experiements are cruel, inhumane and should not be carried out regardless of how beneficial the result are the majority of society
Utilitariamism's acceptance of the universal principle (the greatest good for hte greatest number) is essential for any ethical system. It is important to go beyond your own personal point of view
Ignores individuals and minorities
Preference Utilitarianism also gives us the valuable principle of being an impartial observer.
It is important to think about others's intrests or prefernces as long as one also includes behaving justly
"Standing in someone else's shoes"
RM Hare
Ignores duty
The Impartial Observer
An act may be right or wrong for reasons other than the amount of good or evil that it produces.
The Dying Millionaire
The millionaire asks his friend to swear that on his death bed he will ensure all his assets are left to his local football club. Soon after the millionaire dies. The friend, whilst arranging the transfer of the money sees an advert on the TV that calls for money to save 1, 000, 000 people who are dying of starvation.
Should he keep his promise or save 1, 000, 000 people?
Should promises be kept, the truth and obligations honoured?
WD Ross thought that the role of duty was important and advocated the acceptance of prima facie duties, duties that are self evident.
For example;
for example if you are carrying a heavy load through and someone holds open a door for you, it is self evident that you say thank you
Teleological
The idea of promoting the well-being of the greatest number is also important
Emphasises pleasure
It's consequentialism is also a strength, as when we act it is only natural to weigh up the consequences.
W all know that giving to charity is good and that cruelty is bad, utilitarianism rewards charitable giving and condems cruelty
This is the basis of the national heath care system. Care is provided to improve the health of the populationand if more money is spent on the heath service, people are healthier and therefore happier
Ignores intentions
It relates to actions which can be observed in the real world