Utilitarianism Introduction to Philosophy Jason M. Chang

Lecture Outline 1. Background 2. The human good 3. Defining the morally right act 4. Objections to utilitarianism

Background Major figures Jeremy Bentham John Stuart Mill Jeremy Bentham ( ) John Stuart Mill ( )

Background Social reformers Abolition of slavery Pro women’s suffrage Against animal cruelty Decriminalization of homosexual acts Jeremy Bentham ( ) John Stuart Mill ( )

Background About utilitarianism Secular Consequentialist Aim  To make the world a better place by generating good Jeremy Bentham ( ) John Stuart Mill ( )

Introduction to utilitarianism HUMAN GOOD Utilitarianism understands moral right in terms of the human good MORAL RIGHT

The human good

The idea of the human good o Definition o Monism vs. pluralism

The human good BENTHAM’S VIEW Monist Human good = pleasure/happiness

The human good PLEASURE/HAPPINESS Family and friendships Pursuit of goals Hobbies and activities

The human good BENTHAM’S VIEW A good life is one that consists of pleasure or happiness

The human good MILL’S VIEW Agrees with Bentham that human good = happiness Raises the “swine objection”

The human good Swine objection Which is a better life? Life of a pig? Life of a human?

The human good MILL’S VIEW Lower pleasures o Eating & drinking o Having sex o Reading 50 Shades Higher pleasures (of mind) o Viewing art o Listing to classical music o Reading philosophy

The human good “It is better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”

Utilitarianism’s definition of moral right and wrong

Defining the morally right act HUMAN GOOD Utilitarianism understands moral right in terms of the human good MORAL RIGHT Pleasure/happiness

Defining the morally right act Utilitarianism’s definition of a morally right act Morally right act = the act that generates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Principle of utility)

Defining the morally right act Mother-in law Father-in- law SpouseYouTOTAL Tell the truth Tell a white lie Scenario #1: The Pot Roast

Defining the morally right act Applying the principle of utility Everyone affected by the action is counted Everyone’s happiness counted equally Both short-term and long-term consequences

Defining the morally right act Beech Nut is a company that produces apple juice. In 1977, the company makes a contract with Interjuice to buy apple concentrate for its juice. The concentrate primarily consists of sugar water. However, Beech Nut markets its product as "100 percent real apple juice". Over the next year, sales of the product increases. The customers seem to love the product, though they don't notice that the juice is adulterated. In fact, nobody but the Director of HR and the executives of the company knows that the juice is adulterated.

Objections to utilitarianism

Objection #1: Happiness cannot be measured Happiness/pleasure is a subjective experience that cannot be quantified.

Objections to utilitarianism Objection #2: Undue regard for rights Utilitarianism is willing to sacrifice an individual’s rights if doing so leads to the greatest happiness