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Utilitarian Perspective

Utilitarian Perspective. Kimberly Stephanie Ashley Brett. Definition . Focuses on the consequences that actions or policies have on the well-being ("utility") of all persons directly or indirectly affected by the action or policy. www.scu.edu. Definition Cont….

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Utilitarian Perspective

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  1. Utilitarian Perspective Kimberly Stephanie Ashley Brett

  2. Definition • Focuses on the consequences that actions or policies have on the well-being ("utility") of all persons directly or indirectly affected by the action or policy. • www.scu.edu

  3. Definition Cont… • The principle states: "Of any two actions, the most ethical one will produce the greatest balance of benefits over harms." • www.scu.edu

  4. Jeremy Vs. John

  5. Jeremy Bentham • Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832): • Jeremy Bentham believes that happiness is the pleasure over pain. • http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue.html

  6. Bentham's Obligations • The first obligation is to not let people suffer needlessly.  • The second obligation is to encourage abundance, both of wealth and of population. • http://cepa.newschool.edu/het/profiles/bentham.htm

  7. John Stuart Mill • John Stuart Mill (1806–1873): • Expanded the philosophy by asking “does the actions produce the greatest good for the greatest number.”

  8. John Mills Theory • Follows after Bentham, takes utilitarianism in a new direction. • Mill is sometimes considered the first rule utilitarian. • Believes that there are high and low types of happiness.

  9. Mills Theory Cont… • “Liberty” • he has a decidedly rule utilitarian emphasis on the importance of : • Liberty: The freedom to act or believe without being stopped by unnecessary force. • freedom of speech, • the right to privacy, • a right to free trade, • and severe limitations on the rights of society over the individual's independence • http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/home/lmoon/Theories.html

  10. Ethical Dilemma • War in Iraq • Mills Theory of Liberty • We’re defending our country to prevent an attack so, more innocent people aren’t killed.

  11. Ethical Dilemma • Death Penalty • Prevent riots • Comforts family members • Prevents them from killing again

  12. Criticisms of the Theory • Cannot assign a quantitative measure to all pleasures and pains. • Does not address the issue of some pleasures and pains that cannot or should not be measured—such as human life or human suffering. • http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue-pros.html

  13. Criticisms of The Theory Cont. • Suggests the ends justify the means. Would lying or cheating be considered ethical if the end result is positive? • http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_two/ue-pros.html

  14. Pros • Emphasizes the equal rights and importance of every person. • Protects the rights of the minority from the majority. • Focuses on following moral principles rather than producing specific results. • http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_three/dbe-pros.html

  15. Review Question 1 • What were the names of the two philosophers that developed Utilitarianism • Jeremy Bentham • John Stuart Mill

  16. Review Question 2 • Name two things Mill emphasizes on importance of liberty? • freedom of speech, • the right to privacy,

  17. Review Question 3 • Name one of the Ethical Dilemmas • Death Penalty • War in Iraq

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