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Inter-war germany
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18/06/2023
Religious Studies
Utilitarianism Evaluation Table
54
•
18 Jun 2023
•
A ♡
@awjd_eexz
Utilitarianism: A Comprehensive Overview of Ethical Decision-Making
Utilitarianism is a... Show more
This page explores more recent developments in utilitarian thought and addresses some of the key challenges and criticisms faced by the theory.
Louis Pojman proposes a multilevel approach to utilitarianism, suggesting the use of rules of thumb that generally maximize utility. This approach aims to make utilitarianism more practical and realistic in everyday decision-making.
Vocabulary: Multilevel utilitarianism is an approach that combines elements of both act and rule utilitarianism, using general rules while allowing for flexibility in specific situations.
Peter Singer's preference utilitarianism shifts the focus from pleasure to the satisfaction of preferences. This version of utilitarianism requires weighing up the interests of all those involved or impacted by an action, including animals, as sentient beings also have preferences.
Definition: Preference utilitarianism is a form of utilitarianism that defines the good to be maximized as the satisfaction of preferences rather than pleasure or happiness.
Critics argue that utilitarianism can lead to counterintuitive or morally problematic outcomes. Bernard Williams contends that utilitarianism can violate our moral integrity by encouraging us to perform actions we would otherwise find repulsive.
Example: Williams presents the case of Jim, who is invited to kill one innocent person to save nineteen others, illustrating how utilitarianism might require actions that conflict with our moral intuitions.
The trolley dilemma, popularized by Philippa Foot, highlights the difficulties in applying utilitarian calculations to complex moral situations. This thought experiment reveals the subjective nature of utilitarian decision-making and its potential limitations in real-world scenarios.
Highlight: The trolley dilemma demonstrates the challenges of applying utilitarian principles consistently across different scenarios, revealing potential inconsistencies in moral intuitions.
Critics also argue that utilitarianism places unrealistic demands on individuals, requiring them to be "superhumans" who constantly calculate the consequences of their actions and potentially neglect personal relationships in favor of maximizing overall utility.
Quote: "The theory requires us to be superhumans, who forego the requirements of personal relationships." - This criticism highlights the potential conflict between utilitarian demands and the realities of human psychology and social bonds.
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of utilitarianism and presents key arguments for and against this ethical theory.
Jeremy Bentham's act utilitarianism is based on the greatest happiness principle, which states that the morally correct choice is the one that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Bentham proposed a hedonic calculus to quantify pleasure, considering factors such as duration, intensity, and certainty.
Definition: Act utilitarianism is an ethical approach that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences and the amount of happiness or well-being it produces for the greatest number of people.
John Stuart Mill refined utilitarianism by introducing the concept of rule utilitarianism and distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures. Mill argued that social rules are necessary to maximize utility and that some pleasures, such as intellectual pursuits, are inherently more valuable than others.
Quote: "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied." - John Stuart Mill
Robert Nozick's experience machine thought experiment challenges the hedonistic aspects of utilitarianism. Nozick argues that most people would choose not to "plug in" to a machine that provides only pleasurable experiences, suggesting that there are values beyond mere pleasure that humans find important.
Highlight: Nozick's experience machine demonstrates that the value of pleasure being earned is greater than living a false life of endless pleasures, challenging the core tenets of hedonistic utilitarianism.
Critics of utilitarianism, such as intuitionists like G.E. Moore, argue that morality is simple and can be known intuitively without the need for complex calculations or rules. Moore contends that moral concepts, like the color yellow, are simple and cannot be broken down into smaller components.
Example: Moore's argument can be illustrated by considering how we intuitively recognize the color yellow without needing to break it down into constituent parts or apply a complex set of rules.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
213
7
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
A ♡
@awjd_eexz
Utilitarianism: A Comprehensive Overview of Ethical Decision-Making
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness and well-being. This summary explores various forms of utilitarianism, including classical and preference utilitarianism, and examines key arguments for and... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page explores more recent developments in utilitarian thought and addresses some of the key challenges and criticisms faced by the theory.
Louis Pojman proposes a multilevel approach to utilitarianism, suggesting the use of rules of thumb that generally maximize utility. This approach aims to make utilitarianism more practical and realistic in everyday decision-making.
Vocabulary: Multilevel utilitarianism is an approach that combines elements of both act and rule utilitarianism, using general rules while allowing for flexibility in specific situations.
Peter Singer's preference utilitarianism shifts the focus from pleasure to the satisfaction of preferences. This version of utilitarianism requires weighing up the interests of all those involved or impacted by an action, including animals, as sentient beings also have preferences.
Definition: Preference utilitarianism is a form of utilitarianism that defines the good to be maximized as the satisfaction of preferences rather than pleasure or happiness.
Critics argue that utilitarianism can lead to counterintuitive or morally problematic outcomes. Bernard Williams contends that utilitarianism can violate our moral integrity by encouraging us to perform actions we would otherwise find repulsive.
Example: Williams presents the case of Jim, who is invited to kill one innocent person to save nineteen others, illustrating how utilitarianism might require actions that conflict with our moral intuitions.
The trolley dilemma, popularized by Philippa Foot, highlights the difficulties in applying utilitarian calculations to complex moral situations. This thought experiment reveals the subjective nature of utilitarian decision-making and its potential limitations in real-world scenarios.
Highlight: The trolley dilemma demonstrates the challenges of applying utilitarian principles consistently across different scenarios, revealing potential inconsistencies in moral intuitions.
Critics also argue that utilitarianism places unrealistic demands on individuals, requiring them to be "superhumans" who constantly calculate the consequences of their actions and potentially neglect personal relationships in favor of maximizing overall utility.
Quote: "The theory requires us to be superhumans, who forego the requirements of personal relationships." - This criticism highlights the potential conflict between utilitarian demands and the realities of human psychology and social bonds.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of utilitarianism and presents key arguments for and against this ethical theory.
Jeremy Bentham's act utilitarianism is based on the greatest happiness principle, which states that the morally correct choice is the one that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Bentham proposed a hedonic calculus to quantify pleasure, considering factors such as duration, intensity, and certainty.
Definition: Act utilitarianism is an ethical approach that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences and the amount of happiness or well-being it produces for the greatest number of people.
John Stuart Mill refined utilitarianism by introducing the concept of rule utilitarianism and distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures. Mill argued that social rules are necessary to maximize utility and that some pleasures, such as intellectual pursuits, are inherently more valuable than others.
Quote: "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied." - John Stuart Mill
Robert Nozick's experience machine thought experiment challenges the hedonistic aspects of utilitarianism. Nozick argues that most people would choose not to "plug in" to a machine that provides only pleasurable experiences, suggesting that there are values beyond mere pleasure that humans find important.
Highlight: Nozick's experience machine demonstrates that the value of pleasure being earned is greater than living a false life of endless pleasures, challenging the core tenets of hedonistic utilitarianism.
Critics of utilitarianism, such as intuitionists like G.E. Moore, argue that morality is simple and can be known intuitively without the need for complex calculations or rules. Moore contends that moral concepts, like the color yellow, are simple and cannot be broken down into smaller components.
Example: Moore's argument can be illustrated by considering how we intuitively recognize the color yellow without needing to break it down into constituent parts or apply a complex set of rules.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
213
7
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
