Unit 2 CH 15 Utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill

Exceptions

Exceptions to lies: even this rule, sacred as it is, admits of possible exceptions is acknowl edged by all moralists, the chief of which is when the withholding of some fact (as of information from a malefactor, or of bad news from a person dangerously ill) would save an individual (especially an indi vidual other than oneself) from great and unmerited evil, and when the withholding can only be effected by denial.But in order that the exception may not extend itself beyond the need,

Act Utilitarianism (aka Classical Utilitarianism)

In any given situation, you should choose the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

the happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what is right in conduct is not the agent's own happiness but that of all concerned. as between his own happiness and that of others, utilitarianism requires him to be as strictly impartial as a disinterested and benevolent spectator. I

In the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth, we read the complete spirit of the ethics of utility. "to do as you would be done by," and "to love your neighbor as your self," constitute the ideal perfection of utilitarian morality.

Higher pleasures

Intellectual and moral pleasures, which are superior to lower, merely bodily pleasures not because of their intrinsic nature but because of their circumstantial advantages, such as greater permanence, safety, and inexpensiveness

Utilitarianism

Moral theory holding that actions are right to the extent that they promote as much happiness as possible and wrong to the extent that they promote unhappiness, each person counting equally.

A Critique of Utilitarianism (Williams)

No moral theory ought to demand the taking of an innocent life Example: Jim and the Indigenous People Thinking of a Kantian

Utilitarianism

moral theory that focuses on the results, or consequences, of our actions, and treats intentions as irrelevant. Good consequences = good actions actions should be measured in terms of the happiness or pleasure that they produce. Happiness in our final end.

Hedonistic Moral Theory

Utilitarianism

Rule Utilitarianism

Version of the theory that says we ought to live by rules that, in general, are likely to lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.

Principle of Utility

We should act always so as to produce the greatest good for the greatest number Example: You've chosen the action that would produce the most overall happiness for the group, even though it produced less happiness for you than other alternatives would have.

Utilitarian Argument

Where morality is concerns, utilitarians argue, as special as you are, you are no more special than anybody else.

Which of the following rules captures Mill's understanding of utilitarian ethics? a. Love your neighbor as yourself. b. Act only according to maxims you would be willing to make into universal laws. c. To thine own self be true. d. Carpe diem (Seize the day).

a. Love your neighbor as yourself..

According to Mill, pleasure is the only thing desirable for itself and not as a means to some other end. a. True b. False

a. True

According to Mill, moral rules admit no exceptions. a. True b. False

a. True.

Mill believes that utilitarianism is compatible with Christian moral principles. a. True b. False

a. True.

How does Mill think his assertion that happiness alone is desirable in itself can be proven? a. by observing the fact that people actually do desire it, and only it, as a good in itself b. by philosophical reflection on the innate tendencies of every human being c. by testing the claim against all the alternative theories available in the philosophical tradition d. by scientific experimentation

a. by observing the fact that people actually do desire it, and only it, as a good in itself.

According to Mill, it is better to be a satisfied pig than a dissatisfied human. a. True b. False

b. False

Mill argues that we are incapable of choosing a good we know to be less valuable than some alternative. a. True b. False

b. False.

Mill thinks it is, in general, immoral to lie because a. lying involves treating someone merely as a means. b. lying undermines trustworthiness, which is indispensable to human well-being. c. lying runs counter to the divine will. d. to lie is to act according to a maxim that could not be universalized.

b. lying undermines trustworthiness, which is indispensable to human well-being.

How does Mill define happiness? a. the fulfillment of one's highest human potential b. a life lived in accordance with virtue c. pleasure and the absence of pain d. the achievement of one's goals

c. pleasure and the absence of pain.

Mill claims that of any two pleasures, one is preferable to the other if and only if a. it lasts longer. b. it is more intense. c. it is more certain. d. it is preferred by those who are acquainted with both.

d. it is preferred by those who are acquainted with both..

Mill says that usually we should because the practice of keeping one's promises produces important social benefits. an exception should be made, however, on those occasions when more happiness will be pro duced by not keeping a promise.

example: of a person to visit a friend and comes a child in the need for immediate aid. you should help the child as it provides more happiness than a kept promise of meeting up with a friend.

theory of morality is grounded—

namely, that pleasure and freedom from pain are the only things desirable as ends; and that all desirable things (which are as numerous in the utilitarian as in any other scheme) are desirable either for pleasure inherent in themselves or as means to the promotion of pleasure and the prevention of pain.

What Utilitarianism Is

the creed which accepts as the foundation of morals "utility" or the "greatest happiness principle" holds that 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.

Happiness

the state of being happy According to Mill's utilitarianism, pleasure and the absence of pain are the only intrinsically (belonging naturally; essential.) desirable goods.

Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility Is Susceptible

the utilitarian doctrine is that happiness is desirable and the only thing desirable as an end, all other things being only desirable as means to that end.