Utilitarianism Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang.

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