2. Utilitarianism
Consequential, i.e. Utilitarianism – a good moral decision is that which the consequences of the action produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Pain
Pleasure

3. Utilitarianism Learning Intention:
Know the key principles of Utilitarianism
Success Criteria:
Create own notes on Utilitarianism
Successfully answer an exam question on Utilitarianism

4. What are the key principles of Utilitarian Ethics? 4KU

5. Key Points
E.g. Utilitarianism: actions are good or bad depending on the outcome.
The moral consequences of the action is the promotion of human happiness/wellbeing and the minimising of unhappiness/pain.
The aim is to achieve consequences that will bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Distinction between act-utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism.
Reference to Mill or Bentham’s position.

6. Utilitarianism
Utility means an action is determined by its ‘utility’, or ‘usefulness’
Utilitarian ethics focus on consequences of actions rather than actions themselves
Actions not good/bad in themselves- it is the consequence of the action which is considered

7. A moral theory which says that what is morally right is whatever produces the greatest overall amount of pleasure or happiness to the greatest number of people.
The moral consequence of good actions promote the greatest happiness/well-being and the minimising of unhappiness/pain for the greatest number of people

8. Based on the assumption/idea that happiness/pleasure is the desired end of all human activity
Formulated by Jeremy Bentham and developed by John Stuart Mill

9. Task 1
Use pages Make your own notes on Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism and Preference Utilitarianism.

10. Act Utilitarianism
Maintains that the good action is the one that leads to the greatest good in a particular situation
Is flexible, being able to take into account individual situations at a given moment.
Problems
Has the potential to justify virtually any act.
Might be impractical to suggest that we should measure each moral choice every time we act.

11. Rule Utilitarianism Looks at potential rules of action.
To determine whether a rule should be followed, he/she looks at what would happen if it were constantly followed.
If adherence to the rule produces more happiness than otherwise, it is a rule that morally should be followed at all times.
Problem
May permit unethical practices because minority interests are not protected e.g. slavery.

12. Preference Utilitarianism
Applying the greatest good to the greatest number only to those involved in the situation.
Maximise happiness for those involved – according to what their preferences are.
Problem
Whose preference is the right preference.
How can they be weighed up against each other.

13. Marking Instructions: No marks for simply writing a list.
Each point about Utilitarian Ethics should be accompanied by an explanation to gain a mark.
Suggested areas covered in answers:
 Consequentiality ethical system Actions are good if they have good consequences
 Pleasure and pain
 Based on the principle of the greatest good
 Act Utilitarianism –principles applied to a particular situation
Rule Utilitarianism –principles applied as general rules based on past experience