...PHIL 1 1 May 2013 Utilitarianism: Ethics Many people in this generation are living a media influenced lifestyle based on having “no regrets” and not taking into account the effects their irresponsible behavior may result in. The world would turn into pure chaos if people lived with “no regrets,” each individual must live and know their regrets; a person should learn and build off of the mistakes that either they or someone else has made in the past. John Stuart Mill’s ethical theory of Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, which means by observing similar past events people are able to predict what may happen in their future. As a result of learning from past events a person would therefore be able to make a choice that would bring maximum utility in future occasions. "Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure" (p.412). Mill believes that looking at the motives behind an action are needed to find the source of why a certain choice was made, but the source does not always explain the action, because even though a person may be good morally they may do a wrongful action, even though they may or may not have been acting with the best of motives. However, that person can always get maximum utility (happiness) if it follows the theory of utilitarianism. Ignorance is not always...
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...Utilitarianism. Jeremy Bentham 1748-1832 It a teleological ethic, and a consequentialist approach as whether an action is right or wrong it doesn’t matter the consequences are most important. Background. Created by Jeremy Bentham, he was born in London at a time of great change. He was born in the eighteenth century. It was a time of great depression, alcoholism and violence plague the streets you can see this in gin lane. Jeremy Benthem saw humans were guided by two main motivations pain and pleasure. 'nature has placed mankind under the governess of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure it is from them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as determine what we shall do' this ethic is hedonistic, as it strives to obtain maximum pleasure. Pleasure is as the sole good and pain the sole evil. Principle of utility for utilitarianism is the greatest good for the greatest number. This is hard to calculate as happiness is relative and different to all. So Jeremy Bentham created a quantitative method via the hedonic calculus. It has seven factors: intensity- how deep or superficial the happiness is duration- how temporary or permanent the happiness is certainty- how sure the happiness is propinquity- how near or remote the happiness is fecundity-how likely the happiness is to recur or lead to further happiness purity- how free from pain the happiness is extent- how far the happiness,giving effects of action will spread. This can be obviously...
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...That is, meeting the greatest happiness for a great majority depends on the attainability of these desires. More often than not we are forced to upgrade or downgrade these desires based on the availability of resources needed to satisfy them. This makes some desires unattainable; a preposition that utilitarianism does not appreciate. Moreover, the pleasure we derive from utilities decreases with increasing quantity of utility. A utilitarian’s action is guided by the end result; pleasure maximization for a great majority. However, if this pleasure cannot be maximized then the agent ceases to be utility; rather, it becomes a disutility. Utilities can only maximize pleasure if their numbers are limited; if they are scarce but not too little to lead to adaptive...
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...Ethical Judgments ! Utilitarianism ! An Introduction to the Moral Theories of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill Ethical philosophy differs from the sciences because it is normative or prescriptive, rather than descriptive. In other words, ethics tell us how we ought to act or what we should do, while the sciences are more likely to observe how things are in nature or society. Making Ethical Judgments Areas of Emphasis in Making Moral Judgments Purpose or Act Rule Act, Rule, Motive or Maxim Results or Consequences Making Ethical Judgments in Utilitarianism ! ! ! Utilitarianism says that the Result or the Consequence of an Act is the real measure of whether it is good or bad. This theory emphasizes Ends over Means. Theories, like this one, that emphasize the results or consequences are called teleological or consequentialist. Bentham’s Formulation of Utilitarianism ! ! ! Jeremy Bentham Man is under two great masters, pain and pleasure. The great good that we should seek is happiness. (a hedonistic perspective) Those actions whose results increase happiness or diminish pain are good. They have “utility.” 1 Jeremy Bentham’s Hedonistic Calculus ! Four Theses of Utilitarianism ! ! ! In determining the quantity of happiness that might be produced by an action, we evaluate the possible consequences by p q y applying several values: Intensity, duration, certainty or uncertainty, propinquity or remoteness, fecundity, purity,...
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...Explain how moral decisions should be made according to Act utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism. (30) The crucial difference between Jeremy Bentham's Act and John Stuart Mill's Rule Utilitarianism is their usage of the hedonic calculus. Bentham's Act Utilitarianism requires the use of the calculus in every single situation whilst Mill abandons it altogether. For example, a true Act Utilitarian would use the hedonic calculus to decide whether he should eat eggs, waffles or both for breakfast. He would need to input figures for each of the 7 for each of the three options and then choose the ones suits best based on the product of the calculus. This means that Act Utilitarianism takes a lot. Although it takes much longer to get an outcome whatever is that the decision is more likely to be the right one than Rule Utilitarianism, and since even something as dull as breakfast could lead to an important consequence, the added effort might be worth it for example waffles might provide the extra energy that day for an important life changing decision. Rule Utilitarianism as stated does not use the hedonic calculus but instead focusses around rules that generally lead to the greatest good. Parts of Mill’s changes to Bentham’s work however include the addition of quality to pleasure, as Mill put it: "it is better to be an unsatisfied Socrates than a satisfied pig'. In the case of the breakfast example, a Rule Utilitarian may decide that although he likes the taste of waffles more...
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...values. People, as stated in the above excerpt of the Declaration of Independence, have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. There are three main philosophical views on justice that drive our lives; they are Utilitarianism, Social Contract Theory and Entitlement Theory. These theories have some similar aspects as well as differences which set them apart. Each person must choose the view that best fits them and live their lives accordingly. The theory of Utilitarianism was brought forth from the minds of Jeremy Bentham, James Mill, John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick and G.E. Moore. Although it is one of the older theories, its attributes are still seen today in market economies and “cost-benefit analysis”. It is a simple theory which relies on few principles; the great happiness principle states that actions are just as long as they promote happiness, not only in ourselves but in others as well. This presents two principles for consideration: first, that the purpose in life is to be happy; and secondly, that the “rightness” of an act depends on the amount of happiness it creates. There are two groups within the believers of Utilitarianism: the Act-Utilitarianism believers and the Rule-Utilitarianism believers. The Act-Utilitarianism believers follow in Bentham’s idea that every action must be calculated to determine if it is...
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...Utilitarianism presents itself everyday when someone decides what is the greatest good for the greatest number of people. For example, my dad wakes me up in the morning to ask what I want for breakfast, I answer with eggs. He asks the same question to my mom and sister. They both want pancakes. When he decided to cook pancakes instead of the eggs he is making the decision based on the amount of people it benefits. At school decisions are made all the time, for instance this February the sophomore student council has to decide what the theme of Sadies will be. By voting democratically many people will definitely not get the theme they chose. However, the majority that picked that certain theme will be happy. For these dances we are concerned with generating a great amount happiness, to offset the troubled. Utilitarianism seems to encourage happiness over justice....
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...follower of utilitarianism would respond to issue raised by euthanasia. Classical Utilitarianism is teleological, and it says that the outcome of an action determines whether the action is right or wrong. The basic principle of utilitarianism is to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. When regarding euthanasia, the question of what counts as a good consequence is questioned. John Stuart Mill says that good consequences are simply happiness, happiness is pleasure and freedom from pain, this involves physical, mental and psychological pain. Mill placed a high value on this individual freedom, saying that one should have sovereignty over the things that didn’t affect other people, whether or not it led to the best outcome for that individual. He also says that good consequences depend on the quality of pleasure as well as quantity. This higher happiness stresses self-development and develops peoples rational nature. When discussing types of euthanasia, for instance voluntary euthanasia, a follower of Mills utilitarianism may apply his notion of victimless crime, as there is no crime since the patient wishes to die. However although a patient has had their wish and the doctor is simply carrying it out, there are still effects on society and on the doctor-patient relationship, thus making society itself the victim as human life loses its value. Singer agrees that we should look beyond merely pleasure, to people’s interests. This sort of ‘welfare’ utilitarianism would ask...
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...which one can judge whether or not different behaviors are ethical or unethical. Three areas that display this variance include virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics. While most examination of ethical validity comes through analysis of a particular action or idea, virtue theory places an emphasis on the ethical standing of the source. It examines whether the person committing the act is behaving in a manner that exhibits good character and is of high moral standing. A common display of where virtue ethics have a place can be found in a student standing up for his or herself and others by pushing away a bully who was tormenting others. While the specific action of pushing another student may be ethically questionable, most would likely find virtue in the courage displayed by standing up to the bully. Utilitarianism takes the approach that the greater good is best served when the majority benefit from an action. As such, actions that provide positive outcomes for a larger group than those that feel a negative burden are deemed to be ethical under utilitarianism. Utilitarianism can be easily seen on almost every commercial for pharmaceutical drugs. Each medication promises to cure major issues for patients, ranging from depression, to restless leg, to seasonal allergies. Most also list a small number of side effects that will impact a portion of the populous - but, because the majority of those who take the medicine will benefit, its production and promotion...
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...Utilitarianism ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● 1. Introduction Utilitarianism is one of the most powerful and persuasive approaches to normative ethics in the history of philosophy. Though not fully articulated until the 19th century, proto-utilitarian positions can be discerned throughout the history of ethical theory. Though there are many varieties of the view discussed, utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. There are many ways to spell out this general claim. One thing to note is that the theory is a form of consequentialism: the right action is understood entirely in terms of consequences produced. What distinguishes utilitarianism from egoism has to do with the scope of the relevant consequences. On the utilitarian view one ought to maximize the overall good — that is, consider the good of others as well as one's own good. The Classical Utilitarians, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, identified the good with pleasure, so, like Epicurus, were hedonists about value. They also held that we ought to maximize the good, that is, bring about ‘the greatest amount of good for the greatest number’. Utilitarianism is also distinguished by impartiality and agent-neutrality. Everyone's happiness counts the same. When one maximizes the good, it is the good impartially considered. My good count for no more than anyone else’s good. Further, the reason I have to promote the overall good is the same...
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...Why Corporations Should Set Strict Moral Standards More often than not, there are stories about the immorality of corporations and their decisions that impact not only their employees but the people in surrounding communities and the environment. Most corporations have more than one person in charge of making moral decisions. These selected few should set strict moral and ethical standards when conducting business for the benefit of the company, their employees and the rest of the world. In philosophy, there are several subsections that teach the various kinds of moral and ethics. Some of these subsections can be applied to the morality of a corporation while others, when applied, can cause controversy and harm. The following paper will discuss why corporations should be morally just and the benefits that can be derived from this. It will also discuss three different types of philosophical morals and ethics processes that may or may not compliment the benefits. A corporation with good morals have more important priorities that one that does not. One of the most important reasons why a corporation should be moral is because of the people, i.e. the people that work for the corporation, the people that want and use their services or products and the people that built the corporation. Employees might not always see the boss or the CEO every day at work but they should know and experience that their well-being is important to the CEO. Good morals for the employees mean that they...
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...Act and Rule Utilitarianism? Why is rule utilitarianism considered by many to be a preferable form of utilitarianism? Clearly describe each version of utilitarianism and explain which you think is to be preferred, and why. The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy defines Utilitarianism as ‘a system of ethics according to which the rightness or wrongness of an action should be judged by its consequences. The goal of utilitarian ethics is to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number’. This is known as the Principle of Utility. There are two main versions of utilitarianism: Classical Utilitarianism and Preference Utilitarianism. Classical Utilitarianism describes utility as pleasure or happiness and looks at the balance between pleasure/happiness and pain/unhappiness. Preference Utilitarianism defines utility as the satisfaction of preferences. Act Utilitarianism vs. Rule Utilitarianism: Act utilitarianism is ‘the value of the consequences of the particular act that counts when determining whether the act is right’. It depends on the Principle of Utility for every situation. In other words, it depends on the consideration of the utility value of every distinct action. Rule Utilitarianism ‘determines rightness by finding the value of following a particular rule’. It uses the Principle of Utility in order to select the rules that mostly bring about the most utility. The distinction between the two is simply that Act Utilitarianism is based on...
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...Law and Ethics “Pro Utilitarianism” Student: Mentor: Besnik Mustafa Bejtullah Demiri Content Introduction…………………………………………………………………3 Branches……………………………………………………………………...4 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………9 References…………………………………………………………………..10 Introduction Utilitarianism is one of the most powerful and persuasive approaches to normative ethics in the history of philosophy. Though not fully articulated until the 19th century, proto-utilitarian positions can be discerned throughout the history of ethical theory. Though there are many varieties of the view discussed, utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. There are many ways to spell out this general claim. One thing to note is that the theory is a form of consequentialism: the right action is understood entirely in terms of consequences produced. What distinguishes utilitarianism from egoism has to do with the scope of the relevant consequences. On the utilitarian view one ought to maximize the overall good — that is, consider the good of others as well as one's own good. The Classical Utilitarians, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, identified the good with pleasure, so, like Epicurus, were hedonists about value. They also held that we ought to maximize the good, that is, bring about ‘the greatest amount of...
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...perspective in The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals that is founded on his belief that the worth of man is inherent in his skill to reason. John Stuart Mill holds another belief as presented in the book, Utilitarianism, which is seemingly conflicting with the thoughts of Kant. What is most unique about the ethics of morality is the idea of responsibilities to particular individuals. According to both Mill and Kant, moral obligations are not fundamentally particularistic because they are rooted in universal moral principles. Both philosophers have made great impacts in their niche areas in the field. An analysis of their theories may help develop a better understanding of them and their theories. Mill holds an empiricist theory while Kant holds a rationalist theory. Kant explains morality through forms that he believes are essential to free and sensible judgment. Mill’s utilitarian approach is a form of consequential theory because the rightness or wrongness of an act is determined by the outcomes. Kant’s ethics of duty is the foundation for his categorical imperative, which gives the basis for his universal duty based theory. Mill’s theory of utilitarianism is the main structure of consequentialism. John Stuart Mill, who made utilitarianism the subject of one of...
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...John Stuart Mills a famous utilitarian obeyed Bentham’s idea of utilitarianism but he redefined this to iron out these objections and make the theory more acceptable to the Victorian middle classes. His father was a friend of Bentham’s and, like Bentham he was preciously bright, he was reading Greek by the age of three and by the age of ten he had read all the classical authors usually required of undergraduates. Unlike other Victorians he argued strongly for equal rights for women. As well as being one of the most important of all moral philosophers, then, Mill is also one of the great political theorists, and still valued by many as the father of modern political liberalism. Mill’s theory originates from only part of Bentham’s theory which states that utilitarianism is a teleological theory, which involves looking at the future effects or consequences of an action, which therefore implies that it is the consequences which are right or wrong, not the actions or motives. This means that an action should be chosen because it creates the right consequences and not the wrong ones. Mill also agrees with the idea of hedonism, which refers to the idea that naturally everybody experiences pleasure or pain. It claims that pleasure should be maximised as it is intrinsically good where as pain is intrinsically bad and therefore should be minimised. In addition to this the principle of Utility, also an idea of Bentham’s, judges an action by how useful it is in bringing about good consequences...
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