1. Utilitarianism - Introduction
Learning Objectives
Know utilitarianism as a teleological and relativist approach
Explain the Bentham’s influences – the social background of utilitarianism
Explain Bentham’s utilitarian approach to ethics

2. The Big Picture Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism Specification Content
Classical Utilitarianism - Jeremy Bentham’s Act Utilitarianism: happiness as the basis of morality: Bentham's theory of 'utility' or 'usefulness'; ultimate aim is to pursue pleasure and avoid pain; principle of utility ('the greatest happiness for the greatest number').
The hedonic calculus as a means of measuring pleasure in each unique moral situation; by considering seven factors: intensity, duration, certainty, remoteness, fecundity, purity and extent.
Act Utilitarianism as a form of moral relativism, a consequentialist and teleological theory

3.
Philosophy ninja

4. Starter
A police officer accidentally discovers a man in a house with bomb making equipment. The man admits that a bomb has been planted nearby and that it will explode in one hour. The man refuses to tell the police officer where the bomb is. The police officer is on his own and could use force to make the man tell him where the bomb is. The police officer does not use force and goes ‘by the book’ even though he knows it will take over an hour for the police to arrive and start to question him.
Is this teleological or deontological? Why?
Would you authorise someone to be tortured to save innocent lives? Write yes/no on your white board – which did the majority vote for?
Give reasons for your answer

5. Teleological, Consequentialist and Relative
Bentham’s Utilitarianism looks at the end purpose or goal of action in order to decide how to behave
It claims people should base moral judgements based on the outcome or the consequences of an action
There are NO absolute rules which will be the same for all people in all ages and decisions are made relative to the situation.

6. What is Utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism is a ethical theory, developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill who adopted the principle that right actions are those that produce the greatest total happiness/pleasure for everyone affected by their consequences, and wrong actions those that do not.

7. The principle of utility
The word utilitarian comes from the Latin word utilis which means useful. The principle of utility is the guiding principle (or idea) of utilitarianism. It claims when there is a moral choice to be made, then the right action is the one which produces the greatest happiness (or the least pain) for the most people. ‘The greatest good for the greatest number’

8. Universal ethical hedonism
Bentham developed universal ethical hedonism.
This is the idea that everyone is equal and has an equal right to happiness. If an action brings or increases happiness it is right.
‘Prejudice apart, the game of push-pin is of equal value with the arts and sciences of music and poetry.’

10. Context of the origin of the theory
Discuss the features of the lives of the rich and poor in
Rich
Poor

11. Christianity’s reaction to social issues
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate
God made them high and lowly,
And ordered their estate.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
The Lord God made them all

12. Jeremy Bentham’s influences
Hedonism
Rejects aspects of Christianity
Social philanthropy/ charity/concern for others
Industrial revolution
Priestley
Enlightenment
Read pages and Vardy and complete this diagram in your notes

13. Bentham’s Utilitarianism
If this is the answer – what is the question?
Hedonism
The greatest good for the greatest number
The Hedonic Calculus 7
A theory that is concerned with the end purpose or goal of an action

14. Principles of Morals and Legislation Jeremy Bentham
Answer the questions – on the question pages in the booklet or in your own notes
Pages 6-10

15. Summary
Bentham believed that … In Introduction to Principles of Morals and Legislation he stated that it was possible to … His

16. Hedonic Calculus Seven Criteria – revision aide
Purity
Remoteness
Richness (fecundity)
Intensity
Certainty
Extent
Duration

17. Key features of Bentham’s theory

18. Questions Which ancient ethical system focused on pleasure
What is the principle of utility?
What name is given to Bentham’s attempt to assess how we should behave?
How many factors in the HC?
What is a teleological theory?

19. Q.3 (a) Explain how ethical decisions can be made using Act Utilitarianism
What could you add to this answer?
Read the sample answer in the revision guide
Use it to write up a plan

20. Q.3 (a) Explain how ethical decisions can be made using Act Utilitarianism
Act Utilitarianism: developed by Jeremy Bentham is based on the Principle of Utility (GHP) - “Greatest happiness for greatest number” (maximum pleasure, minimum pain for greatest number).
The hedonic calculus is used to measure the “quantity of happiness”. The hedonic calculus contains seven criteria - intensity, duration, certainty, extent, remoteness, richness and purity.
It puts the happiness/pleasure of others (as consequence of action) at the centre of decision making.
Actions are not ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in themselves but should be judged according to outcomes or consequences.
The theory is also relativistic and teleological.
Expect exemplification as outlined in the level descriptors for higher level responses. [AO1 30]