Utilitarianism: Class Notes for
11/01/01

Utilitarianism-
Two parts
1)Hedonism (theory of
value)-intrinsic/instrumental values
(getting a degree would be an
instrumental value)
-Utilitarianism comes from the word
Utility: pleasure in the absence of
pain, or simply happiness in net
pleasure.

2)Theory of action-consequentialism, the
view that the morality of an act
stems from its consequences or results,
not from some quality in the act
itself.

Contrast with Deontology:
Deontology says there are things that are
inherently wrong (such as
torturing) while Utilitarianism says that if
torturing someone would
maximize happiness for the majority it
would be justified.

-Although, it seems that if you can step on
the rights of a few to benefit
many, it is morally wrong.

-Bentham's hedonistic calculus: is to help
you decide which action is best.

-Going to a good movie would produce
more happiness than unhappiness, but
not neccesarily the most, therefore it
might not be the best decison (in the
eyes of a utilitarian).

Criticisms:
1. Difficult to calculate consequences
-not the exact science Bentham claims
2. Bias
-we end up justifying preconcieved
notions that we already have
3. How long do you wait?
4. Motive is irrelevant to the utilitarianist

Mill's defense:
1. Use "rules of thumb" (practical
guidelines)
-break as needed
2. Wait a reasonable amount of time
(short time for little things, longer
for big things)
-consider rational possibilities
-you can't expect perfection