What is teleological theory/ethics?
The ethicality of an action/behaviour/thought is determined with reference
to the purpose it serves/consequence it produces, rather than its cause.
Ends, justify means or rightness of actions is determined solely by the amount of food consequences they produce
What is utilitarianism?
An action is right if and only if it produces the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for everyone
What are the two versions of utilitarianism?
Act Utilitarianism: an act is right if only and only if: it produces the greatest pleasure over pain for everyone
Rule Utilitarianism: an act is right if only and only if: it conforms to a set of rules, the general acceptance would produce the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for everyone
What are the 4 distinct these of utilitarian theory?
Consequentialism: action is right is determined only be its consequence
Hedonism: Only pleasure (least pain) is good
Maximalism: greatest pleasure or least pain in comparison to all other alternatives
Universalism: consider everyone
What are the criticisms of utilitarianism?
Who is everyone?
Can we truly calculate utility?
Does everything have a discernible monetary value
Pain and pleasure - subjective
Extent of pleasure of pain experienced by persons
How do we apply rule utilitarianism?
- identify the (prospective) act that constitutes the ethical dilemma
- based on ethical dilemma, formulate a relevant rule, if generally accepted would generate the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for everyone
- apply rule to the act/ethical dilemma to determine whether act was ethical
