Utilitarian PerspectiveKimberly Stephanie

AshleyBrett

Definition

Focuses on the consequences that actions or policies have on the well-being ("utility") of all persons directly or indirectly affected by the action or policy.

www.scu.edu

Definition Cont…

The principle states: "Of any two actions, the most ethical one will produce the greatest balance of benefits over harms."

www.scu.edu

Jeremy Vs. John

Jeremy Bentham

Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832): › Jeremy Bentham believes that happiness

is the pleasure over pain.

› http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue.html

Bentham's Obligations

The first obligation is to not let people suffer needlessly. 

The second obligation is to encourage abundance, both of wealth and of population.

http://cepa.newschool.edu/het/profiles/bentham.htm

John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873):› Expanded the philosophy by asking “does

the actions produce the greatest good for the greatest number.”

John Mills Theory

Follows after Bentham, takes utilitarianism in a new direction.

Mill is sometimes considered the first rule utilitarian.

Believes that there are high and low types of happiness.

Mills Theory Cont…

“Liberty” › he has a decidedly rule utilitarian emphasis on

the importance of :› Liberty: The freedom to act or believe without

being stopped by unnecessary force.› freedom of speech, › the right to privacy, › a right to free trade, › and severe limitations on the rights of society

over the individual's independence› http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/home/lmoon/Th

eories.html

Ethical Dilemma

War in Iraq› Mills Theory of Liberty› We’re defending our country to prevent an

attack so, more innocent people aren’t killed.

Ethical Dilemma

Death Penalty › Prevent riots› Comforts family members› Prevents them from killing again

Criticisms of the Theory

Cannot assign a quantitative measure to all pleasures and pains.

Does not address the issue of some pleasures and pains that cannot or should not be measured—such as human life or human suffering.

http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue-pros.html

Criticisms of The Theory Cont.

Suggests the ends justify the means. Would lying or cheating be considered ethical if the end result is positive?

http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue-pros.html

Pros

Emphasizes the equal rights and importance of every person.

Protects the rights of the minority from the majority.

Focuses on following moral principles rather than producing specific results.

http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_three/dbe-pros.html

Review Question 1

What were the names of the two philosophers that developed Utilitarianism › Jeremy Bentham› John Stuart Mill

Review Question 2

Name two things Mill emphasizes on importance of liberty?› freedom of speech, › the right to privacy,

Review Question 3

Name one of the Ethical Dilemmas› Death Penalty › War in Iraq