Consequentialist Ethical Theories

1
Consequentialist Ethical Theories

• Egoism the good is whatever promotes my
  long-term interests
• Hedonism we should pursue pleasures that are not
  mixed with pain (prudence, justice, knowledge),
  satisfy natural desires (food, sleep), avoid
  vain desires (fame, fashion)
• Objection how can egoism help us resolve ethical
  conflicts?

Epicurus 341-270 BCE
2
Utilitarianism we ought to promote the greatest
amount of happiness for the greatest number
J. Bentham (1748-1843)
J. S. Mill (1808-73)

• Bentham the hedonic calculus is based on the
  intensity, duration, certainty, immediacy,
  fecundity, purity, number of people affected
• J. S. Mill the quality of pleasures needs to be
  considered, determined by competent judges
• The morality of an act is different from the
  person or character responsible for the act

3
Variations of Utilitarianism

• Act utilitarianism we are obligated to do the
  specific act that produces the greatest amount of
  happiness (regardless of rules or justice)
• Objections consequence calculation is difficult
  besides, this implies that the end justifies the
  means
• Rule utilitarianism we should follow moral rules
  that, when acted upon, generally produce the
  greatest amount of happiness
• Objection what about when rules conflict?