Ethics
Types of Utilitarianism
Hedonism
Cultural Relativism
Animals and Peter Singer
Hedonism is where we should act in a way which MAXIMISES our pleasure and MINIMISES our pain.
Epicurus was one of the most famous proponents of hedonism.
Act Utilitarianism
Was created by Jeremy Bentham
Looks at only the actions that will bring the greatest pleasure of the greatest number of people
The consequences of individual actions are paramount
Rule Utilitarianism
Was developed by J.S.Mill
Looks at developing rule that will bring the greatest amount of pleasure for the most amount of people
The consequences of following a rule are what's important
Strong rule
Rules can never be broken
Weak rule
Rules can be broken under certain circumstances
Preference Utilitarianism
Created by Peter Singer
= Moral actions are right or wrong according to how they fit the preferences of those involved
Peter Singer created preference Utilitarianism
In preference Utilitarianism minorities are accounted for
It asks what people would rationally prefer to happen in any given situation
It decides what is in the best interests of all involved
It concentrates on minimising suffering
Singer believes that animals should have the same rights as humans
Cultural Relativism is where what is right or wrong depends on the culture
What is right for one person or group may be different for another person or group
J L Mackie believes "There are no objective values." This means that "There are no values that are absolutely true as a fact for anyone at any time."