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."