Flashcards
Utilitarianism
Cards in this deck (17)
- 1UtilitarianismEthical theory that argues that the correct way of action is that derived from working out what brings happiness to the greatest number
- 2Greatest happiness principlecalculation used in utilitarian theory to assess the best course of action to take
- 3teleologicalan ethical theory that considers the consequences of a particular action, or the 'end' result, and it is the assessment of this 'end' that determines whether or not the action is morally good
- 4deontologicala term used to denote an ethical theory that is based upon the belief that an action is intrinsically wrong or right, irrespective of consequences
- 5consequential thinkingconsiders the consequences
- 6Jeremy BenthamGreatest happiness for greatest number
Hedonic Calculus
Teleological Theory - 7The Hedonic CalculusPurity
Remoteness
Extent
Duration
Certainity
Time - 8John Stuart MillQuality over Quantity
Universability
Eudaimonia
Deontological Theory
Higher and Lower PLeasures
Refinement of Happiness - 9Act UtilitarianismConsiders the consequence of each indiviudal action
Hedonic Calculus
Jeremy Bentham
Rejects Rules - 10Rule UtilitarianismConsiders the consequences of past actions to form a rule to guide the present,
Quality over Quantity
Use previous experiences
John Stuart Mill - 11Compatiable with a religious approach to ethics1) situation ethics is similar to utiliriansm with mills refinement of happiness found in the priciple of 'agape'
2) idea of sacrificing for others is common to many religous traditions - 12Not Compatible to a religous approach to ethics1) 'means to an end' can be seen to be lacking in compassion
2) it is against the ideas of natural moral laws as adapted by Roman Catholic tradition - 13Prefernce Utilitarianismthe idea that the outcome that produces the best result based upon the preferences has to be the right course of action to take.
- 14Supporting the pursuit of happinesshigher pleasures are noble.
life is to be enjoyed and not suffered.
all noble religious and non-religious ideals seek some form of satisfaction.
happiness is important for complete mental health.
spiritual and intellectual happiness is important. - 15against the pursuit of happinessis happiness or pleasure a valid aim?
depends upon the nature of the happiness.
does it seem rather self-indulgent?
preference utilitarianism.
what about when pain can be good for you? - 16Strengths of John Stuart Mill1) it avoids the pitfalls of Benthams basic calculus
2) it comes across as a more refined and nobler system of thought
3) it is arguably a more intelligent and thougful approach than Benthams theory - 17Weaknesses of John Stuart Mill1) it is too complex a system to calculate
2) due to its complexity it is therefore of no practical use
3) was mill right when he said that higher pleasures are better than lower pleasures?
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- A-Level Religious Studies Flashcards on Utilitarianism, created by Jessica Anne on 13/05/2015.
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- Jessica Anne
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