Utilitarianism Overview

Utilitarianism Overview

1. teleological theory

   • looks at results/consequences when considering morality

2. consequentialist

   • an action is right or wrong dependent on its consequences

3. Act Utilitarianism

   • Jeremy Bentham
     • empirical observation
       • believed that theories should be supported by evidence
     • scientific
       • believed the study of ethics should be undertaken in a practical way
     • his theories led to extensive social reform
       • changes to criminal justice, jury system, prison, saving banks and cheap postage
   • Hedonic Calculus
     • amount of pain & pleasure
       • all pain & pleasure is equal
   • all people considered
   • each action is judged individually
   • hedonistic

4. Principle of utility

   • greatest happiness for the greatest number

5. Rule Utilitarianism

   • rule is devised and then followed in a specific case
   • higher and lower pleasures
     • quality over quantity
   • John Stuart Mill

6. Preference Utilitarianism

   • should satisfy people's preferences rather than maximise pleasure
     • e.g) dying wishes
   • Peter Singer