Bentham

Question 1

Hedonic Calculus

Answer 1

The Hedonic Calculus is a decision-making framework, designed to quantify the total pleasure and pain an action is likely to produce. By applying criteria such as —intensity, duration, certainty and proximity.

Question 2

Principle of utility

Answer 2

The principle for maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.

Question 3

Key concepts:

Answer 3

1. Hedonic Calculus
2. Principle of Utility
3. Problem of Seeking pleasure
4. Problem of Quantifiability
5. Problem of Justice
6. Problem of Unknown Consequences

Question 4

Problem of Seeking pleasure

Answer 4

He posits that if given the choice, most people would refuse to be permanently plugged into a machine that could simulate any pleasurable experience they desired, because pleasure alone is not what makes a life good. Instead, he suggests we value authentic experiences.

Question 5

Problem of Quantifiability

Answer 5

It is very hard to quantify pain. Some people are more “pain tolerant” than others — what they describe as a “5” might be someone else’s “7”.

Question 6

Problem of Justice

Answer 6

Utilitarianism doens’t take into account individual rights; in fact, unjust circumstances which abuse individual’s rights may arise from Hedonic calculus.

Question 7

Problem of unknown consequences

Answer 7

It is very hard to calculate all probable consequences for every act.

Question 8

Act Utilitarianism

Answer 8

Act utilitarianism is an ethical theory stating that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences, with the goal of producing the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people in a specific situation.