Bentham, Mill and classical utilitarianism

Overview

Principle of utility, greatest happiness principle and seven criteria of the hedonic calculus.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   State the principle of utility.

   Model answer

   The principle of utility approves or disapproves of an action according to whether it tends to increase or diminish the happiness of those affected by it.

2. 2

   In which work did Bentham set out his ethical theory?

   Model answer

   Jeremy Bentham set out the theory in An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, published in 1789.

3. 3

   State the greatest happiness principle.

   Model answer

   The greatest happiness principle holds that the right action is the one producing the greatest happiness for the greatest number of those affected.

4. 4

   Why is Bentham's hedonism called quantitative?

   Model answer

   Bentham's hedonism is called quantitative because he measured pleasures only by amount and not by kind, so any pleasure counts equally if it is of equal quantity.

5. 5

   Name the seven criteria of the hedonic calculus.

   Model answer

   The seven criteria are intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity and extent.

6. 6

   Define act utilitarianism.

   Model answer

   Act utilitarianism applies the principle of utility directly to each individual act, so the right choice is whichever act produces the most happiness in that particular situation.

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