Explain how a utilitarian might use the hedonic calculus in making moral decisions.
Introduction
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory, introduced by Bentham, in guiding people on how to make moral decisions, based on the outcome of your actions. Does the action that you are going to do, bring pleasure to the majority of people? This is the whole basis of utilitarianism. The hedonic calculus is a part of the decision making process in utilitarianism, it is a guide with 7 measures, which help the utilitarian make a moral decision. This essay will look at the ethical issue of death penalty and how a utilitarian will use the hedonic calculus in making a moral decision.
1st paragraph
Death penalty * What is it? * Controversial debate * Talk about how modern society compensation, people want pay back for the loss * Many are in favour some aren’t believe life is valuable
2nd paragraph
* A terrorist * Death penalty favourable great happiness * Looking at the hedonic calculus 7 measures how they fit in category? Benefit society how? * Summarise back to the question yes utilitarian then see its good moral decision say it’s good considering all views
3rd paragraph
Counter argument * However, doesn’t look at the minority? * How can utilitarian use the hedonic calculus to make a decision? It doesn’t look what else can happen from the action u do. More death threats for the country etc. * Subjective * Summarise back to question
4th paragraph * How can u use the calculator? * Immeasurable * Summarise
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Unitarian will go through the criteria in the hedonic caucus to see if the death penalty is compatible to the criteria and if it will bring a majority of happiness in society. It can be easily applied to many moral issues but some issues can arise from using the hedonic calculus, like it is immeasurable and doesn’t take into other factors. Plus many would argue it isn’t fair and isn’t a good guidance to make a moral decision.
Happiness should be the only worthwhile goal in life?
Introduction
Happiness to some is regarded as the only worthwhile goal in life, as many people believe we have one life, so we should live it to the max and do what we feel that brings us happiness. However …. Religious teachings say happiness isn’t a worthwhile goal, it is about focusing on the journey to get back to God. Or some may say that people have different interpretation of happiness, what’s happiness to one may be a difficulty to another. People like Freud argue if people pursue there happiness it would bring caous to society. This essay will examine views on if happiness is the only worthwhile goal in life.
Yes
1st paragraph/ 2nd paragraph * One life * Happiness all about * Utilitarian guy singer? Do what you please pleasurable things
No
3rd paragraph
* Other goals * Helping others * Leaving impact legacy * Change society martin Luther king/manalma Pakistani girl standing up for education rights for women
4th paragraph relates to 3rd paragraph
-situation ethics
-helping others agape love
- bring in little bit of religion not much
5th paragraph
* Wrong definition of happiness * Nazi * Rape * Making people sad
6th paragraph
* Freud * Happiness fulfilled then caous in society! People have wrong intentions, aggression, society will never accept the individual. Have to sacrifice your happiness to fit in society. Etc. look at your notes etc. go on video on Freud etc.
Conclusion
Happiness can be a worthwhile goal in society, because we should do things that bring us happiness, but some may use it in a wrong way like the Nazis. Happiness should not make other people suffer. Etc.………….. 