Utilitarianism is a kind of consequentialism Utilitarianism evaluate

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Utilitarianism is a kind of consequentialism Utilitarianism evaluate the morality of actions on basis

Utilitarianism is a kind of consequentialism Utilitarianism evaluate the morality of actions on basis of their probable outcomes or consequence

Four Theses of Utilitarianism • Consequentialism: The rightness of actions is determined solely by

Four Theses of Utilitarianism • Consequentialism: The rightness of actions is determined solely by their consequences. • Hedonism: Utility is the degree to which an act produces pleasure. Hedonism is thesis that pleasure or happiness is the good that we seek and that we should seek. • Maximalism: A right action produces the greatest good consequences and the least bad. • Universalism: The consequences to be considered are those of everyone affected, and everyone equally.

Two Formulations of Utilitarian Theory - Principle of Utility: The best action is that

Two Formulations of Utilitarian Theory - Principle of Utility: The best action is that which produces the greatest happiness and/or reduces pain. - Greatest Happiness : We ought to do that which produces the greatest happiness and least pain for the greatest number of people.

Two Types of Utilitarianism • Act: An Action is • Rule: An action is

Two Types of Utilitarianism • Act: An Action is • Rule: An action is right if and only if it conforms to a set of rules the general produces the greatest balance of acceptance of which would produce the pleasure over pain greatest balance of for the greatest pleasure over pain for the number. (Jeremy greatest number. (John Bentham) Stuart Mill)

Application of Utilitarian Theory • If you can use eighty soldiers as a decoy

Application of Utilitarian Theory • If you can use eighty soldiers as a decoy in war, and thereby attack an enemy force and kill several hundred enemy soldiers, that is a morally good choice even though the eighty might be lost. • If lying or stealing will actually bring about more happiness and/or reduce pain, Act Utilitarianism says we should lie and steal in those cases.

Criticisms of Utilitarianism If I am to bring the greatest happiness to the greatest

Criticisms of Utilitarianism If I am to bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number, not putting my own happiness above others, that may lead to a dilemma. I live in a neighborhood where 83% of my neighbors use drugs. I could make them most happy by helping supply them with cheap drugs, but I feel uncomfortable doing that. What should a utilitarian do?

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