Utilitarianism Consequential i e Utilitarianism a good moral

Utilitarianism Consequential, i. e. Utilitarianism – a good moral decision is that which the consequences of the action produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Pleasure Pain

Utilitarianism Learning Intention: • Know the key principles of Utilitarianism Success Criteria: • Create own notes on Utilitarianism • Successfully answer an exam question on Utilitarianism

What are the key principles of Utilitarian Ethics? 4 KU

Key Points • E. g. Utilitarianism: actions are good or bad depending on the outcome. • The moral consequences of the action is the promotion of human happiness/wellbeing and the minimising of unhappiness/pain. • The aim is to achieve consequences that will bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. • Distinction between act-utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. • Reference to Mill or Bentham’s position.

Utilitarianism • Utility means an action is determined by its ‘utility’, or ‘usefulness’ • Utilitarian ethics focus on consequences of actions rather than actions themselves • Actions not good/bad in themselves- it is the consequence of the action which is considered

• A moral theory which says that what is morally right is whatever produces the greatest overall amount of pleasure or happiness to the greatest number of people. • The moral consequence of good actions promote the greatest happiness/well-being and the minimising of unhappiness/pain for the greatest number of people

• Based on the assumption/idea that happiness/pleasure is the desired end of all human activity • Formulated by Jeremy Bentham and developed by John Stuart Mill

Task 1 Use pages 20 -26 Make your own notes on Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism and Preference Utilitarianism.

Act Utilitarianism • Maintains that the good action is the one that leads to the greatest good in a particular situation • Is flexible, being able to take into account individual situations at a given moment. Problems • Has the potential to justify virtually any act. • Might be impractical to suggest that we should measure each moral choice every time we act.

Rule Utilitarianism • Looks at potential rules of action. • To determine whether a rule should be followed, he/she looks at what would happen if it were constantly followed. • If adherence to the rule produces more happiness than otherwise, it is a rule that morally should be followed at all times. Problem • May permit unethical practices because minority interests are not protected e. g. slavery.

Preference Utilitarianism • Applying the greatest good to the greatest number only to those involved in the situation. • Maximise happiness for those involved – according to what their preferences are. Problem • Whose preference is the right preference. • How can they be weighed up against each other.

Marking Instructions: No marks for simply writing a list. Each point about Utilitarian Ethics should be accompanied by an explanation to gain a mark. Suggested areas covered in answers: Consequentiality ethical system Actions are good if they have good consequences Pleasure and pain Based on the principle of the greatest good Act Utilitarianism –principles applied to a particular situation • Rule Utilitarianism –principles applied as general rules based on past experience