What did Bentham write in 1789 on prevention of war?
‘A Plan for Universal and Perpetual Peace’
What was Bentham’s view on war?
It is essentially ruinous with no true benefits
Which war did Mill primarily write about?
American Civil War
What was Mill’s view on war?
Sometimes necessary, resulting in greater happiness
What is the stance of Rule Utilitarians on nuclear weapons?
Harming civilians is unacceptable, but they may be permissible as a deterrent
What is the stance of Act Utilitarians on nuclear weapons?
Suffering caused by the threat of nuclear weapons may contaminate any consequential happiness
What did Peter Singer write concerning speciesism and medical experimentation?
Animal Liberation (2005)
What is the view of Peter Singer on use of animals in medical research?
It is speciesism, animal suffering should be treated as equal to human suffering
What is Bentham’s view on animal experimentation?
The pain experienced by the animal must be balanced against the pain experienced by the person suffering
What is Mill’s view on animal experimentation?
Human pleasure/pain is of a higher quality than animal so may be prioritised
What does Singer argue that consistency in views on animal experimentation requires?
Permission of experiments on children or unconscious people
What does Bentham argue about animal equality?
Animals are not agents but they experience pleasure and pain, and so their happiness is worth the same as human
What does Mill argue about animal equality?
Laws and decisions made for people and animals who can’t do so for themselves must be made only for the benefit of those concerned
How is Mill’s Utilitarianism teleological?
Has the end purpose of creating the greatest happiness for the greatest number
How is Mill’s Utilitarianism deontological?
Enforces the sense of duty that all moral agent have to obey laws established by the principle of utility
What of Bentham’s theory is rejected by Mill?
The idea that all happiness is the same
What is Thomas Carlyle’s ‘Pig Philosophy’?
Criticism of Utilitarianism, arguing it suggests happiness from ignorance is equal to happiness from productivity
What was Mill’s approach to Utilitarianism?
Qualitative, type and quality of happiness should be considered
What are lower pleasures?
Sensual and physical pleasure that a person may have in common with animals - easily obtained
What are higher pleasures?
Intellectual pleasures, which may be contaminated by dissatisfaction, such as appreciation of art
What is the Harm Principle?
States the individual should be allowed freedom to pursue pleasure as long as no harm is caused
What is the stance of Utilitarianism on self-harm?
It is not acceptable to interfere with a self-harming person unless they are incapable of rational decision making
What is the purpose of the Harm Principle?
Protects minorities whilst allowing individual freedom
When does Utilitarianism deny complete freedom?
When children/others are in the care or protection of others
