Ethics: Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism - ANS-Considers consequences of specific individual acts.
Consequentialism theories: egoism, utilitarianism - ANS-Differences: egoism considers
consequences of actions in their own self-interest; utilitarianism considers consequences of
action as it relates to the greatest happiness of all.
Criticisms of Utilitarianism - ANS-• Application of principles is too complex
• Inductive like science, but can't
consider/don't know all the variables
• Cannot privilege our own happiness or the
happiness of those we love over others - treating everyone equally lacks common sense -
affront to our own personal integrity
• Ends justify the means - so is it ok to kill someone for the sake of the good of a greater number
(like population control) - leads to conclusions that are contrary to commonsense morality.
John Stewart Mill Quote on Quality of Happiness
**
Deductive Reasoning - ANS-make a statement then set out to prove it.
Empirical philosophy - ANS-We know what is good by personal observation or experience.
Epicureanism - ANS-"The good life is the pleasant life." Avoid distress and desires for things
beyond one's basic needs. Bodily pleasure, mental delight and peace should be sought.
Hedonism - ANS-Classical theory of pursuing happiness - close to some utilitarian theories
Inductive Reasoning - ANS-Scientific, observe/test then propose a theory - can be disproved if
new information found; never stated as positive fact.
Instrumental Goods - ANS-Things such as fame, fortune, education and freedom - good only to
the extent that they produce happiness.
Intrinsic Goods - ANS-Happiness and pleasure - the only things good in themselves.
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) - ANS-Developed original theory of utilitarianism;
Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1789 (morals should be the basis of
law); democratic, progressive, empirical, optimistic; social policy should work for all;
John Stewart Mill (1806-1873) - ANS-Follower of Bentham; Utilitarianism - dispel misconception
that morality has nothing to do with usefulness/utility and that morality is opposed to pleasure
Act Utilitarianism - ANS-Considers consequences of specific individual acts.
Consequentialism theories: egoism, utilitarianism - ANS-Differences: egoism considers
consequences of actions in their own self-interest; utilitarianism considers consequences of
action as it relates to the greatest happiness of all.
Criticisms of Utilitarianism - ANS-• Application of principles is too complex
• Inductive like science, but can't
consider/don't know all the variables
• Cannot privilege our own happiness or the
happiness of those we love over others - treating everyone equally lacks common sense -
affront to our own personal integrity
• Ends justify the means - so is it ok to kill someone for the sake of the good of a greater number
(like population control) - leads to conclusions that are contrary to commonsense morality.
John Stewart Mill Quote on Quality of Happiness
**
Deductive Reasoning - ANS-make a statement then set out to prove it.
Empirical philosophy - ANS-We know what is good by personal observation or experience.
Epicureanism - ANS-"The good life is the pleasant life." Avoid distress and desires for things
beyond one's basic needs. Bodily pleasure, mental delight and peace should be sought.
Hedonism - ANS-Classical theory of pursuing happiness - close to some utilitarian theories
Inductive Reasoning - ANS-Scientific, observe/test then propose a theory - can be disproved if
new information found; never stated as positive fact.
Instrumental Goods - ANS-Things such as fame, fortune, education and freedom - good only to
the extent that they produce happiness.
Intrinsic Goods - ANS-Happiness and pleasure - the only things good in themselves.
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) - ANS-Developed original theory of utilitarianism;
Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1789 (morals should be the basis of
law); democratic, progressive, empirical, optimistic; social policy should work for all;
John Stewart Mill (1806-1873) - ANS-Follower of Bentham; Utilitarianism - dispel misconception
that morality has nothing to do with usefulness/utility and that morality is opposed to pleasure
