Normative Ethical Theories

Bentham's Hedonistic Act Utilitarianism

Kant's Deontological Ethics

Non-Hedonistic Utilitarianism

Mill's Hedonistic Rule Utilitarianism

Formulated by Jeremy Bentham

Formulated by John Stuart Mill

Preference Utilitarianism

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Adds Secondary Principles onto Bentham's Utility Principle

Ideal Utilitarianism

Consequentialist theory - the morality of an action is based on the consequences it produces

Hedonistic theory - based on the idea that we pursue pleasure over pain

Principle of Utility

Hedonic Calculus is used to measure utility

Actions should be measured based on the utility (usefulness) that they have in producing pleasure / happiness

'We should act always so as to produce the greatest good for the greatest number'

Psychological Hedonism

Supports Utilitarianism

The idea that human beings naturally pursue pleasure & avoid pain - human behaviour is motivated by this principle

Secondary Principles

Moral rules that have been shown by experience to maximise happiness

Examples: do not lie, do not steal, do not murder

These principles should be used to avoid problems of act utilitarianism

Following (or not following) moral rules makes an action good / bad

Formulated by Richard Hare

An action should be judged by the extent to which it conforms to the preferences of all those affected by the action (& its consequences)