1Utilitarianism core idea
The right action is the one that produces the greatest good (happiness/pleasure) for the greatest number of people
2Principle of Utility
Maximize happiness, minimize pain
3Act utilitarianism
Judge each action by whether it increases happiness
4Rule utilitarianism
Follow rules that generally promote happiness
5Criticism of utilitarianism
Can justify immoral acts if they maximize overall happiness
6Egoism core idea
The right action is the one that promotes the agent’s own best interest
7Psychological egoism
People always act in their own interest (descriptive)
8Ethical egoism
People ought to act in their own interest (normative)
9Criticism of egoism
Conflicts with morality when self-interest harms others
10Altruism core idea
The right action is one that benefits others, even at a cost to oneself
11Altruism
Opposite of egoism
12Deontology core idea
The morality of an action is based on duty and intention, not consequences
13Act only on a maxim that you can will to become a universal law
Categorical Imperative (Universal Law)
14Always treat humanity as an end, never merely as a means
Categorical Imperative (Humanity)
15Respects rights, dignity, and justice
Strength of deontology
16Criticism of deontology
Too rigid and ignores consequences
17Utilitarianism is based on consequences, while deontology is based on duty and intention
Comparison of utilitarianism and deontology