1What is Utilitarianism?
An ethical theory that defines goodness by usefulness and consequences; right actions maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
2Jeremy Bentham.
Who is the founder of modern utilitarianism?
3The Principle of Utility (actions judged by their ability to produce happiness and reduce pain).
What principle did Bentham introduce?
4Pleasure and pain.
According to Bentham, what are the two sovereign masters that govern human actions?
5Felicific (Hedonic) Calculus (intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, purity, extent).
What is Bentham’s method for measuring pleasure and pain?
6John Stuart Mill.
Who refined Bentham’s utilitarianism with the idea of higher and lower pleasures?
7Experience both pleasures; those with knowledge prefer higher intellectual pleasures.
What is Mill’s test for distinguishing higher pleasures?
8The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the measure of right and wrong.
What is the “Principle of the Greatest Number”?
9What is the utilitarian view on motives?
Outcomes matter more than motives (moral worth comes from results).
10How does Mill connect rights with utility?
Rights are valid claims society protects because they increase overall happiness.
11Example of utilitarian application
Eradication of disease, building schools, improving living conditions.
12St. Thomas Aquinas.
Who is the key figure of Natural Law Theory?
13Humans are naturally inclined to do good and avoid evil.
What is Aquinas’ basic claim about human nature?
14What are the Primary Precepts (basic goods)?
Preserve life, reproduction, educate children, seek God, live in society, law and order, reject ignorance.
15What are Secondary Precepts?
Practical rules derived from the primary precepts (e.g., laws and moral rules).
16Ignorance (thinking something is good when it’s not) or emotions overpowering reason.
Why do people commit bad actions?
17What is the Is-Ought Problem by David Hume?
It’s fallacious to assume that because something is a certain way, it ought to be that way.
18Example of Is-Ought challenge
Survival instinct or reproduction is natural, but not always morally good in every case.
19From Greek “Deon” = duty/necessity; the study of moral obligation.
What does "Deontology" mean?
20What is the central claim of deontology?
Actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.
21Immanuel Kant.
Who is the main philosopher of deontology?
22A good will (acting from moral duty).
What is the only thing unconditionally good according to Kant?
23What are Hypothetical Imperatives?
Commands based on personal desiresoals (e.g., to pass, you must study).
24What are Categorical Imperatives?
Universal moral laws binding regardless of desires or outcomes.
25First formulation of Categorical Imperative
Universalizability — act only on maxims you can will as universal laws.
26Treat humanity always as an end, never merely as a means.
Second formulation of Categorical Imperative
27Autonomy — rational beings legislate moral law for themselves.
Third formulation of Categorical Imperative
28Motives (intention/duty) determine morality, not outcomes.
What is the difference between motives and consequences in deontology?
29Keeping a promise vs. preventing harm (conflicting duties).
Example of deontological dilemma