2. Normative Ethical Theories: Utilitarianism

2.1 Content Utilitarianism

• Utility
• The Hedonic Calculus
• Act Utilitarianism
• Rule Utilitarianism

2.2 Knowledge

• the use of the significant concept of utility (seeking the greatest balance of good over evil, or pleasure over pain) in teleological and relativist approaches to ethics
• what the hedonic calculus it is (calculating the benefit or harm of an act through its consequences) and its use as a measure of individual pleasure
• what act utilitarianism is (calculating the consequences of each situation on its own merits) and its use in promoting the greatest amount of good over evil, or pleasure over pain
• what rule utilitarianism is (following accepted laws that lead to the greatest overall balance of good over evil, or pleasure over pain) and its use in promoting the common good

2.3 Issues as the basis of exam questions

• whether or not utilitarianism provides a helpful method of moral decision-making
• whether or not an ethical judgement about something being good, bad, right or
wrong can be based on the extent to which, in any given situation, utility is best
served
• whether or not it is possible to measure good or pleasure and then reach a moral
decision

2.4 Suggested scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority

Learners will be given credit for referring to any appropriate scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority, however the following examples may prove useful:
• Bentham, J. (1789) An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
• Mill, J.S. (1863) Utilitarianism
• Singer, P. (1993) Practical Ethics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
• Pojman, L. (2012) Discovering Right and Wrong, Stamford: Wadsworth,
Chapter 7