Utilitarianism - AO2

Question 1

What are some strengths of Utilitarianism that can be applied to the modern day?

Answer 1

• Relates human psychology and experiences to a method of drawing out the right thing to do
• A method for the democratic age, “greatest good for the greatest number”
• Shows us why people should be morally good - in ones best self interest

Question 2

What is the primary issue with Utilitarianism being a Teleological Theory?

Answer 2

• How can we calculate outcomes, we may not have sufficient time or information.
• You need sufficient intellectual capability, children may not have this - are they then incapable of being moral?
• Hard to determine whether an action is good, save a kid from drowning but the kid grows up to be a mass murderer

Question 3

Why might some people question whether Utilitarianism is a genuine moral theory at all?

Answer 3

It permits evil provided it does not outweigh the good but a moral theory entails doing good - no acceptance of evil.

Question 4

Does morality just entail doing the right thing?

Answer 4

It can be argued that it also involves judging actions of others, educating the young. It may be easier to tell a child a rule than “work out the greatest balance of good over evil” - judgements differ from person to person

Question 5

Why does the “morality has multiple aspects” objection not apply to Peter Singer?

Answer 5

Singer recognises we need to be altruistic, so this objection is more suited towards Bentham

Question 6

Who might disagree with the rejection of Natural Rights in Utilitarianism?

Answer 6

Kantianism condemn sacrifice of a person for an abstraction. 2nd Categorical Imperative ‘So act as to treat everyone, yourself or another, always as ends, not means only’

Question 7

What was Sir Bernard William’s objection?

Answer 7

If everyone was a utilitarian they would take preventative action and do evil therefore the overall picture would look a lot worse with lots of evil

Question 8

Quote Sir Bernard William

Answer 8

“If utilitarianism is true… then it is better that people should not believe Utilitarianism”

Question 9

Why can Utilitarianism be described as a ‘rational kind of ethics’

Answer 9

It requires no sort of religious belief and can therefore be applied to everyone, moral problems are solved through a rational process, not religious where there are disagreements. It is Secular

Question 10

Why can Utilitarianism be regarded as ‘fair’

Answer 10

It weighs up all interests and keeps up with modern society.

Question 11

How did Mill answer to criticism of sadistic pleasure in Benthams original theory

Answer 11

The quality of the pleasure is what is important, he improved upon the theory

Question 12

How did Sidgwick answer Kants criticism?

Answer 12

He said the intention to bring about the greater good is an important one, an improvement on the theory.

Question 13

Is it fair to say that Utilitarianism is a good theory as it is constantly being improved?

Answer 13

It is true that the theory has been developed, Singers Utilitarianism is better than Benthams, but it’s unpredictable to know what is going to happen in the future so it is flawed to base ethics on what may or may not come about.

Question 14

What is Sir Bernard Williams objection?

Answer 14

• If everyone was utilitarian they would be on their guard to prevent harm
• They would take preventative action to prevent harm and this would mean good is always in greater balance
• However if everyone did this then there would just be bare evil

Question 15

Quote Sir Bernard William

Answer 15

“If utilitarianism is true then it is better that people should not believe in utilitarianism”

Question 16

Why might Utilitarianism appeal to non - religious people

Answer 16

It is a rational kind of ethics whereby it does not require any religious beliefs

Question 17

Why can Utilitarianism said to be reasonable?

Answer 17

Everyone wants happiness and therefore would want their interests considered

Question 18

Why can everyone adopt Utilitarianism?

Answer 18

It is an easy and practical theory.

Question 19

What could be considered a problem in Rule Utilitarianism when creating new rules?

Answer 19

Risk of too many rules introducing a rule clash and therefore causing a problem utilitarianism is made to avoid.

Question 20

What is the issue with using pleasure and happiness at the centre of a theory?

Answer 20

How do you measure pleasure or happiness? Can you measure which is greater, buying a car or having sex?