1. The Motivation of Human Beings
Do now:
Do you think pleasure leads to happiness?
I think pleasure does/ does not lead to happiness because…
To express an understanding of what Bentham believes motivates humans
To explore the meanings of pleasure and happiness
To evaluate whether pleasure leads to happiness

2. What does Bentham think about pleasure?
Ultimately, Bentham believes that humans are motivated by pleasure and demotivated by pain. As a result of this, he believes that pleasure is a sole good. This is called Hedonism (Greek for pleasure).
In your small groups read through the information sheet and:
Summarise Bentham’s explanation of Hedonism.
Write down how you would define pleasure and define happiness.
Bentham argues that humans are motivated by pleasure and pain. Bentham was a hedonist (greek for pleasure).
They want to maximise pleasure and minimise pain.
To express an understanding of what Bentham believes motivates humans

3. Defining key terms
Below are the dictionary definitions of pleasure and happiness
How similar/ different are your definitions?
Do you agree with the dictionary definition?
Is happiness different to pleasure?
Pleasure: pleasure is a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment. A pleasure is an activity that you enjoy.
Happiness: Happiness is a feeling of great contentment or pleasure
Remember, for Bentham happiness is pleasure with the absence of pain.

4. The relationship between pleasure and happiness
In your groups you are going to take part in a guided discussion.
You will need to read each question, discuss it with your group, and write down your group’s brief response.
You will now need to swap papers with someone from the opposite group. Read through their answers and add, in a green pen, how you would respond to their views. Do you agree or disagree?
To evaluate whether pleasure leads to happiness

5. How long does this pleasure last? Would you count this as happiness?
When eating a chocolate bar (or something you love) do you experience pleasure?
How long does this pleasure last?
Would you count this as happiness?
If you had the option to enter a pleasure stimulator and remain there for the rest of your life, would you?
Why/why not?
Is it possible for something to be pleasurable but not lead to happiness?
Do you think pleasure is equal to happiness?
How would a Utilitarian respond to this?

6. Does pleasure lead to happiness?
Plenary
Does pleasure lead to happiness?
YES NO
Bentham argues that humans are motivated by pleasure and pain. Bentham was a hedonist (greek for pleasure).
They want to maximise pleasure and minimise pain.
To evaluate whether pleasure leads to happiness

7. 1. The Motivation of Human Beings 3. The principle of Utility
2. The Hedonic Calculus
Jeremy Bentham
John Stuart Mill
Rule Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism
Bentham argues that humans are motivated by pleasure and pain. Bentham was a hedonist (greek for pleasure).
They want to maximise pleasure and minimise pain.
Preference Utilitarianism