Singer, preference utilitarianism and Christian utilitarianism

Overview

Preference utilitarianism, principle of equal consideration of interests and christian utilitarianism.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Define preference utilitarianism.

   Model answer

   Preference utilitarianism judges an action by the extent to which it satisfies or frustrates the preferences of those affected, rather than by the pleasure it produces.

2. 2

   State the principle of equal consideration of interests.

   Model answer

   The principle of equal consideration of interests requires that a like interest be given the same weight whoever holds it, so no one's suffering counts for less because of who they are.

3. 3

   Define speciesism.

   Model answer

   Speciesism is the practice of giving lesser weight to the interests of a being simply because it belongs to another species.

4. 4

   In which book did Singer bring the interests of animals into utilitarian ethics?

   Model answer

   Peter Singer argued the case in Animal Liberation, published in 1975.

5. 5

   On Singer's account, what makes a being's interests count at all?

   Model answer

   Singer holds that sentience, the capacity to suffer and to enjoy, is what qualifies a being to have interests that must be considered.

6. 6

   Give one criticism of preference utilitarianism.

   Model answer

   Critics argue that some preferences are cruel, uninformed or self-destructive, so satisfying preferences cannot by itself be what makes an action right.

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