Utilitarianism

Question 1

What is utility in the context of actions?

Answer 1

The usefulness of an action in leading to good consequences, such as pleasure/happiness

Utility is a key concept in utilitarianism, determining the moral rightness of actions.

Question 2

Define utilitarianism.

Answer 2

The normative moral theory that what makes an action morally right is its utility

This theory focuses on the consequences of actions rather than the actions themselves.

Question 3

What type of theories are utilitarianism classified as?

Answer 3

Teleological or consequentialist

These theories emphasize the outcomes of actions in determining their moral value.

Question 4

Who was the first to formalise the theory of utilitarianism?

Answer 4

Jeremy Bentham

Bentham’s work laid the foundation for modern utilitarian thought.

Question 5

What does Bentham argue about human nature in relation to pleasure?

Answer 5

Human nature inevitably values the maximisation of positive mental states like pleasure

This forms the basis of Bentham’s ethical framework.

Question 6

True or false: Utilitarianism became a defining normative theory of the secular age.

Answer 6

TRUE

It reflects a shift in moral concern from religious to secular considerations.

Question 7

What is the hedonic calculus?

Answer 7

A method for measuring pleasure based on seven criteria

It helps assess the consequences of actions in utilitarian ethics.

Question 8

List the seven criteria of Bentham’s hedonic calculus.

Answer 8

• How strong the pleasure feels
• How long the pleasure lasts
• How likely it is that the pleasure will occur
• How far away in time the pleasure will occur
• The likelihood that the pleasure/pain will lead to further pleasure/pain
• The likelihood that the pleasure will be followed by pain, or pain by pleasure
• How many people are affected

These criteria help evaluate the potential outcomes of actions.

Question 9

What is the difference between act and rule utilitarianism?

Answer 9

• Act Utilitarianism: Applies the principle of utility directly to actions
• Rule Utilitarianism: Applies the principle of utility to rules

This distinction affects how moral decisions are made in utilitarian theory.

Question 10

What is negative utilitarianism?

Answer 10

Utility is understood as the reduction of suffering or pain

Moral rightness involves the minimisation of suffering.

Question 11

What does preference utilitarianism focus on?

Answer 11

The satisfaction of preferences

Moral rightness involves maximising the satisfaction of preferences of all morally relevant beings.

Question 12

Who argued that utilitarianism is fit only for swine?

Answer 12

Thomas Carlyle

This criticism highlights concerns about the theory’s view of human dignity.

Question 13

What are lower pleasures according to Mill?

Answer 13

Pleasures gained from bodily activity, such as food, sex, and drugs

Mill distinguishes these from higher pleasures to defend the dignity of human life.

Question 14

What are higher pleasures according to Mill?

Answer 14

Pleasures gained from mental activity, such as poetry, reading, philosophy, and music

Mill argues these are superior to lower pleasures.

Question 15

What is the trolley problem?

Answer 15

A moral dilemma where one must choose to save multiple lives at the cost of one

It illustrates the complexities of utilitarian decision-making.

Question 16

What is the principle of utility?

Answer 16

The principle which approves or disapproves of every action according to its tendency to augment or diminish happiness

This principle is central to utilitarian ethics.

Question 17

What does Bentham say about the legal system in relation to utilitarianism?

Answer 17

Laws should be based on the principle of utility, aiming to maximise happiness

This aligns legal frameworks with human inclinations towards utility-seeking.

Question 18

According to Mill, what distinguishes higher pleasures from lower pleasures?

Answer 18

Higher pleasures are of greater quality than lower pleasures

Mill argues that higher pleasures produce a greater quantity of happiness and are more desirable.

Question 19

What does Mill mean by the term ‘nearer good’?

Answer 19

Lower pleasures that are fleeting and costly due to addiction

Mill contrasts these with higher pleasures that do not have such costs.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Mill believes that higher pleasures can be proven on a _______ ground, their superior quality.

Answer 20

higher

This is to address the unease around utilitarianism and human dignity.

Question 21

What does Mill say about the preferences of competent judges?

Answer 21

They always prefer higher pleasures over lower pleasures

This preference indicates the greater quality of higher pleasures.

Question 22

True or false: Mill claims that it is better to be a pig satisfied than a human being dissatisfied.

Answer 22

FALSE

Mill argues that it is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.

Question 23

What does Mill argue about the capacity for nobler feelings?

Answer 23

It is a tender plant easily killed by hostile influences or lack of sustenance

This can lead individuals to choose inferior pleasures.

Question 24

What is Rule Utilitarianism according to Mill?

Answer 24

An action is good if it follows a good rule that maximizes happiness

Mill believes rules should be aimed at maximizing happiness.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Mill disagreed with Bentham's application of the principle of **_______**.

Answer 25

Utility ## Footnote Mill thought happiness is too complex to be sought solely through consequences.

Question 26

What does Mill say about the **obligation to abstain** from certain actions?

Answer 26

It is based on the understanding that actions could be generally injurious if practiced ## Footnote This reflects the importance of moral considerations.

Question 27

According to Mill, when can rules be justifiably broken?

Answer 27

When two rules **conflict** and one has greater utility ## Footnote This ensures that people follow socially approved rules.

Question 28

What is the **harm principle** proposed by Mill?

Answer 28

People should be free to do what they want as long as they **aren't harming others** ## Footnote This principle aims to maximize societal happiness.

Question 29

How does Mill's view on **justice** differ from Bentham's?

Answer 29

Mill believes rules of justice have **supreme utility** and are more obligatory ## Footnote Justice concerns essential human well-being.

Question 30

What does Mill argue about the **quality of pleasures** in society?

Answer 30

The happiness of society depends on the number of people experiencing **higher pleasures** ## Footnote Rules should aim to maximize the highest quality of happiness.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: Mill argues that the **principle of utility** determines whether a rule is **_______**.

Answer 31

valid ## Footnote Mill understands utility qualitatively.

Question 32

What is Mill's stance on the **opportunity to experience higher pleasures**?

Answer 32

He advocates for radically expanding opportunity through **access to education** ## Footnote This is to ensure equality in experiencing higher pleasures.

Question 33

True or false: Mill believes that the enjoyment of higher pleasures is a **status symbol** used by upper-class people.

Answer 33

TRUE ## Footnote This reflects cultural elitism and the perception of superiority.

Question 34

What is the **principle of utility** in utilitarianism?

Answer 34

The tendency of actions to maximise happiness ## Footnote Both Bentham and Mill defined moral goodness based on the tendency of actions to produce happiness.

Question 35

According to **Mill**, what components contribute to a developed, happy mind?

Answer 35

* Justice * Virtue ## Footnote Mill believed that these components are essential for true happiness, beyond mere pleasure.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: Mill incorporates insights from **_________** virtue ethics.

Answer 36

Aristotelian ## Footnote Mill considered Aristotle a utilitarian for his focus on virtue.

Question 37

What are the **issues** with calculating utility in utilitarianism?

Answer 37

* Knowing immediate and long-term consequences * Measuring subjective mental states like pleasure and pain ## Footnote These challenges complicate the application of utilitarianism in moral decision-making.

Question 38

True or false: Bentham and Mill believed that perfectly acting on the principle of utility is achievable.

Answer 38

FALSE ## Footnote They acknowledged that perfect calculation is impossible but argued for sufficient approximation.

Question 39

What is the **obligation** of individuals according to Bentham and Mill?

Answer 39

To follow secondary principles that maximise utility ## Footnote This shifts the burden of calculation to lawmakers and society.

Question 40

What does Mill's **qualitative approach** to utilitarianism emphasize?

Answer 40

Quality of pleasure over quantity ## Footnote Mill argues that higher pleasures should be prioritized in moral decision-making.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: Mill's **harm principle** states that individuals should be free to do what they want, as long as they are not **_________** others.

Answer 41

harming ## Footnote This principle supports liberty as essential for happiness.

Question 42

What is a criticism of utilitarianism regarding **human rights**?

Answer 42

It can justify the tyranny of the majority ## Footnote Utilitarianism may allow for the violation of minority rights if it maximises overall happiness.

Question 43

According to Bentham, what happens if injustices are allowed to one person?

Answer 43

It leads to a cycle of injustice affecting more individuals ## Footnote This undermines the overall utility and happiness of society.

Question 44

What does Mill argue about the **type of pleasure** gained from oppression?

Answer 44

It lacks higher pleasures ## Footnote Mill believes that true happiness cannot come from the suffering of others.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: Mill's ethical framework aims to cultivate **_________** and virtue for all people.

Answer 45

rational autonomy ## Footnote This is essential for achieving genuine happiness.

Question 46

What is the **ultimate appeal** on all ethical questions according to Mill?

Answer 46

Utility in the largest sense ## Footnote Mill emphasizes the importance of considering the permanent interests of individuals as progressive beings.

Question 47

What did Mill suggest about the **improvement** of ethical standards?

Answer 47

They admit of indefinite improvement ## Footnote Mill believed that ethical principles should evolve with society.

Question 48

According to Mill, what is the **harm principle**?

Answer 48

People should be free to do what they want, so long as they are not harming others ## Footnote This principle emphasizes the importance of liberty in relation to happiness.

Question 49

What does Mill propose regarding **moral rules**?

Answer 49

* Favor liberty * Against unvirtuous acts involving harm to others ## Footnote Mill believes moral rules should promote happiness and prevent harm.

Question 50

True or false: Mill believes in **intrinsic rights**.

Answer 50

FALSE ## Footnote Mill proposes rules that resemble rights but does not believe in intrinsic rights.

Question 51

What is the main critique against Mill's utilitarianism by defenders of **deontological rights**?

Answer 51

Mill cannot say violations of rights are wrong in themselves ## Footnote Critics argue that Mill's framework lacks a foundation for inherent rights.

Question 52

What does Mill argue about **principles like justice and freedom from harm**?

Answer 52

They reduce to utility ## Footnote Mill insists that moral feelings around justice are due to their usefulness for human well-being.

Question 53

What is the **dilemma** faced by rule utilitarianism according to act utilitarians?

Answer 53

Cases where breaking a rule would maximize utility ## Footnote This dilemma challenges the rigidity of rule utilitarianism.

Question 54

What does **weak rule utilitarianism** state?

Answer 54

Rules can be broken if it would maximize happiness ## Footnote This view collapses back into act utilitarianism.

Question 55

What does **strong rule utilitarianism** assert?

Answer 55

Rules should not be broken even if it would maximize utility ## Footnote This view is criticized for becoming deontological.

Question 56

According to J.J. Smart, what should we do if we have time and ability to maximize utility?

Answer 56

We should break the rule if it maximizes utility ## Footnote Smart argues that following rules blindly can be seen as superstition.

Question 57

What is Mill's **meta-rule** regarding actions?

Answer 57

We ought always to act on socially approved rules ## Footnote This allows for flexibility in breaking rules to follow a better one.

Question 58

What is the **issue of partiality** in utilitarianism?

Answer 58

Impartiality may conflict with personal relationships ## Footnote Utilitarianism requires setting aside personal desires for the greater good.

Question 59

What does Singer's **shallow pond** paper illustrate?

Answer 59

Utilitarianism places responsibilities that ignore the reality of partiality ## Footnote It highlights moral inconsistencies in prioritizing lives.

Question 60

What does Sidgwick argue about **impartiality**?

Answer 60

It is a rational principle ## Footnote He states that the good of any individual is of no more importance than that of another.

Question 61

What is the **tension** in moral psychology regarding partiality and impartiality?

Answer 61

Both are intuitive and need to be balanced ## Footnote This tension is reflected in cultural themes and moral dilemmas.

Question 62

What does Singer suggest about the **benefit of relationships** in utilitarianism?

Answer 62

They should be weighed against the cost of partiality ## Footnote Allowing partiality is essential for personal relationships.

Question 63

What is the implication of overwhelming utility in moral decisions?

Answer 63

Being impartial becomes intuitive ## Footnote This suggests that utility is a valuable framework for ethical decision-making.

Question 64

What does **utility** serve as in decision-making when partiality and impartiality conflict?

Answer 64

A valuable framework ## Footnote Utility helps in deciding how to act when the tension between partiality and impartiality arises.

Question 65

According to **Singer**, what instincts do humans have that affect their decision-making?

Answer 65

* Self-preservation * Favouritism towards offspring and relatives ## Footnote These instincts can create tension between personal biases and impartiality.

Question 66

True or false: Singer believes we can completely overcome our instincts for self-preservation and favouritism.

Answer 66

FALSE ## Footnote Singer suggests that while we cannot completely overcome these instincts, we can influence them positively.

Question 67

What does Singer imply about the nature of human instincts?

Answer 67

They are flexible and not biologically rigidly programmed ## Footnote This flexibility allows for the possibility of adapting our instincts towards more impartial decision-making.

Question 68

The issue of **partiality** underestimates what aspect of utilitarianism?

Answer 68

The adaptability of utilitarianism to human psychology ## Footnote This suggests that utilitarianism can align with human instincts rather than contradict them.