Lecture on Utilitarianism and Consequentialism

Introduction to Consequentialism

• Definition: Moral philosophy focused on outcomes
• Core Idea: Actions are right if they result in good consequences (e.g., happiness, pleasure)

Utilitarianism Overview

• Branches: Hedonistic and Non-hedonistic Utilitarianism
• Core Principle: Maximize overall happiness or preferences

Hedonistic Utilitarianism

• Concept: Actions that maximize pleasure or happiness are good; those that increase pain are bad
• Prominent Philosophers: Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

Bentham's Act Utilitarianism

• Utility Calculus: Formula to evaluate actions based on pleasure and pain
  • Seven Variables: Intensity, Duration, Certainty, Propinquity, Fecundity, Purity, and Extent
• Application Challenges: Difficulty in predicting future consequences and measuring variables accurately

Rule Utilitarianism

• Concept: Establish rules that generalize actions which maximize happiness
• Response to Criticisms: Provides a framework to avoid pitfalls like the tyranny of the majority

Issues with Act Utilitarianism

• Tyranny of the Majority: Can justify harmful actions if they benefit the majority
• Ignoring Intentions: Focus on outcomes can neglect moral intentions
• Utilitarianism for Animals: Considers pleasures and pains of non-human entities

Mill’s Qualitative Utilitarianism

• Higher vs. Lower Pleasures: Intellectual pleasures are more valuable than basic physical pleasures
• Famous Quote: "Better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied"

Objections and Responses

• Experience Machine: Questions if pleasure is the only value; people often value reality over pleasure
• Preference Utilitarianism: Focuses on fulfilling preferences rather than pleasures
• Intentions in Morality: Attempts to differentiate between moral judgments of actions and intentions

Practical Implications

• Moral Decision Making: Utilitarianism suggests practical actions based on consequences
• Criticisms: Complexity in application, difficulty balancing individual and societal happiness

Key Takeaways

• Main Argument: Consequences are a vital part of moral decisions, but not the only aspect
• Philosophical Balance: Need to consider intentions, principles, and rights alongside consequences

Next Steps in Moral Philosophy

• Upcoming Topic: Kantian deontological ethics focusing on intentions and principles beyond consequences

Recommended Reading

• Books:
  • John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham’s "Utilitarianism and Other Essays"
  • "Anarchy, State, and Utopia" by Robert Nozick
  • "Utilitarianism For and Against" by JJC Smart and Bernard Williams
• Additional Resources: Check lecturer's website for more insights and materials on utilitarianism.

These notes provide a concise summary of the key points from the lecture on utilitarianism, capturing the complexities and debates within the philosophy.