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Utilitarianism
Introduction to PhilosophyJason M. Chang
Lecture Outline
1. Background
2. The human good
3. Defining the morally right act
4. Objections to utilitarianism
Background
Major figures
• Jeremy Bentham
• John Stuart Mill
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
John Stuart Mill(1806-1873)
Background
Social reformers
• Abolition of slavery
• Pro women’s suffrage
• Against animal cruelty
• Decriminalization of homosexual acts
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
John Stuart Mill(1806-1873)
Background
About utilitarianism
• Secular
• Consequentialist
• Aim To make the world a better place by generating good
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)
John Stuart Mill(1806-1873)
Introduction to utilitarianism
HUMAN GOOD
Utilitarianism understands moral right in terms of the
human good
MORAL RIGHT
The human good
The human good
• The idea of the human good
o Definition
o Monism vs. pluralism
The human good
BENTHAM’S VIEW
• Monist
• Human good = pleasure/happiness
The human good
PLEASURE/HAPPINESS
Family and friendships
Pursuit of goals
Hobbies and activities
The human good
BENTHAM’S VIEW
A good life is one that consists of pleasure or happiness
The human good
MILL’S VIEW
• Agrees with Bentham that human good = happiness
• Raises the “swine objection”
The human good
Swine objection
Which is a better life?
• Life of a pig?
• Life of a human?
The human goodMILL’S VIEW
• Lower pleasures
o Eating & drinkingo Having sexo Reading 50 Shades
• Higher pleasures (of mind)
o Viewing arto Listing to classical
musico Reading philosophy
The human good
“It is better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”
Utilitarianism’s definition of moral right and wrong
Defining the morally right act
HUMAN GOOD
Utilitarianism understands moral right in terms of the
human good
MORAL RIGHT
Pleasure/happiness
Defining the morally right act
Utilitarianism’s definition of a morally right act
Morally right act = the act that generates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people
(Principle of utility)
Defining the morally right act
Mother-in law
Father-in-law
Spouse You TOTAL
Tell the truth
Tell a white lie
Scenario #1: The Pot Roast
Defining the morally right act
Applying the principle of utility
• Everyone affected by the action is counted
• Everyone’s happiness counted equally
• Both short-term and long-term consequences
Defining the morally right act
Beech Nut is a company that produces apple juice. In 1977, the company makes a contract with Interjuice to buy apple concentrate for its juice. The concentrate primarily consists of sugar water. However, Beech Nut markets its product as "100 percent real apple juice". Over the next year, sales of the product increases. The customers seem to love the product, though they don't notice that the juice is adulterated. In fact, nobody but the Director of HR and the executives of the company knows that the juice is adulterated.
Objections to utilitarianism
Objections to utilitarianism
Objection #1: Happiness cannot be measured
Happiness/pleasure is a subjective experience that cannot be quantified.
Objections to utilitarianism
Objection #2: Undue regard for rights
Utilitarianism is willing to sacrifice an individual’s rights if doing so leads to the greatest happiness