GGH2605 Assignment 1 (DETAILED
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2024 -
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED -
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, Question 1: Use the search function on YouTube or Google to find a short
video clip to orientate yourself on the concept and various aspects of
Utilitarianism. Suggested search terms could include “Utilitarianism and the
natural environment” For your convenience, a recommended resource is
detailed below: Title of the video: What is utilitarianism? (2022) Click on the
following link: Length of video: 3.58 minutes Compile a list of the important
aspects of the concept of utilitarianism and consider how these aspects are
related to the way we interact with nature and the environment. 10 Marks
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests that the moral worth of an
action is determined by its overall utility or happiness it produces. Here are
some key aspects of utilitarianism:
1. Greatest Happiness Principle: The core idea is to maximize overall
happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering. Actions are morally right if
they lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
2. Consequentialism: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, meaning the
morality of an action is judged by its outcomes.
3. Quantifiable Happiness: Utilitarianism often involves the idea of
quantifying happiness or pleasure, which can be challenging in practice.
4. Impartiality: Utilitarianism emphasizes impartiality, meaning that each
person's happiness is equally valuable, without favoritism.
5. Utility Calculus: Decisions involve a calculation of the overall utility,
considering the intensity, duration, certainty, and other factors of happiness
or suffering.
In terms of the natural environment:
1. Anthropocentrism vs. Ecocentrism: Utilitarianism, when applied to
environmental ethics, may face challenges in balancing human-centric and
ecocentric values.
2. Resource Allocation: Utilitarian considerations may impact how resources
are allocated, with a focus on maximizing overall environmental and human
well-being.
3. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Happiness: Balancing short-term gains with
long-term sustainability is a challenge, as some environmental decisions may
lead to immediate happiness but have negative long-term consequences.
4. Intrinsic Value of Nature: Critics argue that utilitarianism may not
adequately recognize the intrinsic value of nature, viewing it merely as a
means to human ends.
ANSWERS) Semester 1 2024 -
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED -
DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME] [Company address]
, Question 1: Use the search function on YouTube or Google to find a short
video clip to orientate yourself on the concept and various aspects of
Utilitarianism. Suggested search terms could include “Utilitarianism and the
natural environment” For your convenience, a recommended resource is
detailed below: Title of the video: What is utilitarianism? (2022) Click on the
following link: Length of video: 3.58 minutes Compile a list of the important
aspects of the concept of utilitarianism and consider how these aspects are
related to the way we interact with nature and the environment. 10 Marks
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests that the moral worth of an
action is determined by its overall utility or happiness it produces. Here are
some key aspects of utilitarianism:
1. Greatest Happiness Principle: The core idea is to maximize overall
happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering. Actions are morally right if
they lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
2. Consequentialism: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, meaning the
morality of an action is judged by its outcomes.
3. Quantifiable Happiness: Utilitarianism often involves the idea of
quantifying happiness or pleasure, which can be challenging in practice.
4. Impartiality: Utilitarianism emphasizes impartiality, meaning that each
person's happiness is equally valuable, without favoritism.
5. Utility Calculus: Decisions involve a calculation of the overall utility,
considering the intensity, duration, certainty, and other factors of happiness
or suffering.
In terms of the natural environment:
1. Anthropocentrism vs. Ecocentrism: Utilitarianism, when applied to
environmental ethics, may face challenges in balancing human-centric and
ecocentric values.
2. Resource Allocation: Utilitarian considerations may impact how resources
are allocated, with a focus on maximizing overall environmental and human
well-being.
3. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Happiness: Balancing short-term gains with
long-term sustainability is a challenge, as some environmental decisions may
lead to immediate happiness but have negative long-term consequences.
4. Intrinsic Value of Nature: Critics argue that utilitarianism may not
adequately recognize the intrinsic value of nature, viewing it merely as a
means to human ends.
