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Utilitarian Perspective Kimberly Stephanie Ashley Brett

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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…. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Utilitarian Perspective

Utilitarian PerspectiveKimberly Stephanie

AshleyBrett

Page 2: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 3: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 4: Utilitarian Perspective

Jeremy Vs. John

Page 5: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 6: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 7: Utilitarian Perspective

John Stuart Mill John Stuart Mill (1806–1873):

› Expanded the philosophy by asking “does the actions produce the greatest good for the greatest number.”

Page 8: Utilitarian Perspective

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.

Page 9: Utilitarian Perspective

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/The

ories.html

Page 10: Utilitarian Perspective

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.

Page 11: Utilitarian Perspective

Ethical Dilemma Death Penalty

› Prevent riots› Comforts family members› Prevents them from killing again

Page 12: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 13: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 14: Utilitarian Perspective

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

Page 15: Utilitarian Perspective

Review Question 1 What were the names of the two

philosophers that developed Utilitarianism › Jeremy Bentham› John Stuart Mill

Page 16: Utilitarian Perspective

Review Question 2 Name two things Mill emphasizes on

importance of liberty?› freedom of speech, › the right to privacy,

Page 17: Utilitarian Perspective

Review Question 3 Name one of the Ethical Dilemmas

› Death Penalty › War in Iraq