Philosophy - Utilitarianism & Eudaimonia

What is Utilitarianism?

The doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.

How would a Utilitarian stop parking problems in London?

He would favour threatening to shoot people who parked illegally. If only a few people were shot for this, illegal parking would soon stop.

How does Bernard Williams argue that utilitarianism is wrong because it fails to regard personal integrity as important?

Williams argues that utilitarianism makes us lose our status as moral actors and decision-makers.

What are 2 disadvantages to Utilitarianism?

•It is Over-simplified •We cannot predict the future

What are 6 advantages to Utilitarianism?

•Makes us forward thinkers •It is extremely attractive to reduce suffering and make human life better •Better odds most of the time •It provides us with a single principle •It is common-sensical •It gets at the substance of morality rather than simply providing us with an overly formal rule like the categorical imperative •It is egalitarian

What are Pojman's primary 4 objections to Utilitarianism?

•The no-rest objection •The absurd implications objection •The integrity objection •The justice objection

What is the justice objection to Utilitarianism?

Argues that the theory might allow us to imprison an innocent person to cause feelings of public safety. e.g. Police arresting innocent people after IRA bombings

What is the integrity objection to Utilitarianism?

Bernard Williams arguement that Utilitarianism can cause us to go against deeply held moral principles, thus compromising our moral integrity.

What is the absurd implications objection to Utilitarianism?

Can make telling a lie and telling the truth of equal moral value if they bring the same amount of pleasure. Utilitarianism permits us to do evil to bring about good consequences.

What is Eudaimonia? (Virtue Ethics)

It is a Greek word commonly translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing'

What do the moral virtues within Eudaimoia refer to?

The moral virtues are simply a subset of the general sense in which a human being is capable of functioning well.

What is the no-rest objection to Utilitarianism?

The objection that you would have 'no-rest' from doing good, no time to indulge your own pleasures.