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Utilitarianism
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Utilitarianism
Some problems
How do we determine Pleasure/Happiness?
Rule Utilitarianism
- Instead of applying the theory to a real world act, apply it to an ideal rule.
Mill's Definitions:
- Pleasure - The absence of ____
- ____ - The absence of Pleasure
- Dealing with rules, as abstractions makes it possible quantify happiness outcomes.
Utilitarianism is satisfied when there is a
NET amount of pleasure
How do we measure pleasure?
Hedonistic Paradox
1) Does the pursuit of happiness work?
Limitations
Jeremy Bentham's explanation:
Pleasure cannot always be attained directly; it can sometimes come indirectly
The Hedonic Calculus
Mill: "Ask yourself whether you are happy, and you cease to be so"
2) Sadism + Masochism?
- Intensity
- Duration
- Certainty
- Propinquity
- Fecundity
- Purity
- Extent
Can we abuse individual rights to satisfy society's demands?
- Ex: Slavery
The Harms Principle
Mill: "The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others."
Basic Foundation
Outline of Utilitarianism
- What is "good"?
"The greatest good for the greatest number"
Consequentialist answer: Anything that produces a net amount of pleasure (or Happiness)
- Why?
Modern Applications
Because all people seek happiness, it is the ideal mechanism to determine morality
History
- The actions of a government
- All cost-benefit analyses
- Individual vs Society
- Ergo, pleasure and pain form the basis of right and wrong
What makes Utilitarian a Universalist philosophy?
Jeremy Bentham
- Founder of the modern Utilitarianism
John Stuart Mill
- Most notable contributor of Utilitarianism
Other Notable Contributors:
- David Hume, Epicurus
- Happiness is the ONLY thing that has intrinsic value
- ALL people seek happiness
Mill: “pleasure, and freedom from pain, are the only things desirable as ends...all desirable things are desirable either for the pleasure inherent in themselves, or as means to the promotion of pleasure and the prevention of pain.”
What is Ethical Philosophy?
- Morality vs. Ethics
- Which Ethical philosophy best describes morality?
Types Of Ethical Philosophies
What's the point of Philosophy?
Deontology
Further our understanding of polemical issues
Relativism
Hard Universalism
Nihilism
Soft Universalism
Subjectivism
Security
Liberty
Utilitarianism
Societal
Welfare
Individual
Rights
Can consequences be accurately calculated?
Can we take into account each and every action?