What is consequentialism?
the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends on its consequences
What is the relation between consequentialism and utilitarianism?
utilitarianism is a variety of consequentialism
What is the main idea of utilitarianism?
moral acts are those which maximize the good and minimize the bad consequences
What is the classical theory of good and bad we studied in connection to utilitarianism?
the Greatest Happiness Principle:
actions that promote happiness are right, actions that are wrong are those that produce the reverse of happiness
Principle of Equality:
no one’s happiness is more important than anyone elses
How can we apply utilitarianism to moral issues?
1) identify acts available/options
2) determine how much happiness will result by each
3) sum the results
4) select the act that will yield the most happiness
What are some objections to utilitarianism?
- it is hard to accurately predict consequences of an action
- how can we measure happiness?
- can we compare happiness?
- organ transplant case - is it okay to sacrifice the happiness the few to maximize happiness for everyone else?
What is a potential solution to the objections raised against utilitarianism?
rule utilitarianism instead of act utilitarianism:
- instead of evaluating the individual act, assess the individual rules and how they affect overall happiness
- ex. instead of the specific organ donor case, evaluate the general rule that kidnapping and killing someone is not generally promotive of human happiness
Is rule utilitarianism a successful response to objections to utilitarianism?
yes
